Blockchain Games Make a Comeback on Epic Games Store

After facing removal from the Epic Games Store due to an "Adult Only (AO)" rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), blockchain games are making a triumphant return. Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3, initially ousted from the platform, are back following a change in Epic Games' content policy regarding the classification of blockchain-based games.

Policy Changes and Compliance Guidelines

The company clarified on social media that the re-entry of these games is attributed to a shift in their content policy related to ratings for blockchain games. However, this doesn't imply a free pass; these games must adhere to the prescribed guidelines set by Epic Games. The guidelines aim to curb abusive content, gambling, fraudulent schemes, and other potentially harmful elements.

AO ratings signify content suitable for adults, often featuring explicit depictions of violence, sex, or other mature themes. The decision to remove these games was based on their 18 and over rating, which resulted from the Entertainment Software Rating Board assigning them this classification due to the play-to-earn (P2E) element incorporated in these games.

Blockchain Elements in Gaming: NFTs and Cryptocurrency Integration

Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3 involve in-game assets tied to the native cryptocurrency GOD and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs, utilizing blockchain technology, represent various in-game items such as characters, skins, and digital land plots. This integration has often been met with skepticism from traditional gamers who fear it may introduce unwanted financial complexities and detract from the core entertainment value.

Brian Sharon, an Epic Games spokesperson, highlighted that some blockchain-based games received AO ratings due to their unique implementation of blockchain. The company has responded by updating its content policy, now allowing games with AO ratings solely due to blockchain or NFT technology.

Blockchain Gaming in the Mainstream: Overcoming Perceptions

While traditional gamers have expressed reservations about blockchain integration, Epic Games, with its global user base of over 200 million for Fortnite, is bringing blockchain games back into the mainstream. The move suggests the company's interest in the blockchain gaming sector while maintaining a separation from its flagship products like Fortnite. This strategic approach acknowledges the potential of blockchain and NFTs in the metaverse while ensuring distinct domains for growth. The return of Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3 marks a significant step in this direction, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive gaming landscape.