Epic Games Store, a prominent player in the gaming marketplace, has recently made a significant policy change regarding blockchain games. This revision comes following the removal of certain blockchain games from the store. With its establishment in December 2018, the Epic Games Store is renowned for its Unreal Engine and the popular game Fortnite, offering a digital distribution service for PC and macOS, featuring top games, software, and other digital content.
The Epic Games Store, known for its strict restrictions on games rated “Adults Only” (AO) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), has made an exception for blockchain games categorized as AO solely due to their utilization of blockchain technology. The store justifies this exception by stating that “The Epic Games Store makes an exception for products in cases where an AO rating was applied solely due to the usage of blockchain or NFT technology. However, these products must comply with our Blockchain Technology Guidelines.” This policy update is in response to the removal of blockchain games such as ‘Gods Unchained’ and ‘Striker Manager 3’ from the Epic Games Store previously due to their AO ratings from the ESRB, as per the store’s former no AO-rated games policy.
The recent change in the Epic Games Store’s policy illustrates its evolving approach towards blockchain games. While adapting its stance on blockchain games, the store maintains its commitment against gambling, pornography, and hateful content, which are mandatory for all game developers to uphold. To ensure compliance, the Epic Games Store has introduced specific guidelines for blockchain games in its content policy. These guidelines outline various restrictions and requirements for publishers seeking to feature their blockchain games on the store.
According to the updated policy, paid offers utilizing blockchain technology are prohibited, and products cannot make use of the store’s payment mechanism. Furthermore, store pages are not permitted to have links to blockchain, NFT, or cryptocurrency marketplaces. Products leveraging blockchain technology are also restricted from being accessible to users in China and South Korea, and they must not facilitate gambling with conventional or digital currency. Additionally, the store retains the right to remove products utilizing blockchain technology if market actions have a negative impact on players.
The policy revision by the Epic Games Store underscores the increasing acceptance and acknowledgment of blockchain games and their unique characteristics. By adapting its guidelines, the store recognizes the growing influence and potential of blockchain technology in the digital gaming sector, while upholding its significant stance on AO content.
The Epic Games Store’s policy change regarding blockchain games displays a shift in the store’s approach and recognition of the value and contribution of blockchain technology to the gaming industry. This new policy allows blockchain games to be included on the platform, provided they meet the specified guidelines and restrictions. With the dynamic landscape of the gaming industry, it is vital for platforms like the Epic Games Store to adapt and embrace emerging technologies while maintaining their commitment to responsible content.
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