Epic Games Store Reverses Ban on Blockchain Games with AO Ratings
Epic Games, the company behind popular video games like Fortnite, has decided to allow blockchain-powered games with “Adults Only” (AO) ratings back onto its digital distribution platform, the Epic Games Store. This marks a change in the platform’s previous prohibition on AO-rated games, which are typically associated with excessive violence or nudity.
The decision comes as an exception to the store’s content guidelines, specifically for games that received an AO rating solely due to their use of blockchain or NFT technology. Epic Games confirmed this move, stating that some blockchain-based games were unfairly rated AO because of their implementation of blockchain.
Games Return to the Store
Following this update, games such as Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3 have been reinstated on the Epic Games Store after being removed due to their ratings.
ESRB’s Strict Rating
The Entertainment Software Rating Board’s AO rating is considered the strictest, causing many stores to refrain from selling these games altogether. Unlike other platforms like Steam and Itch.io, which allow AO games with filtering options for users, Steam does not support blockchain games. Steam’s stance is that they do not allow items with real-world value on their platform.
Hot Take: Epic Games Embraces Blockchain Potential
Epic Games’ decision to welcome back blockchain-powered games with AO ratings shows a willingness to embrace the potential of blockchain technology in the gaming industry. By making exceptions based on the rating criteria, Epic Games is recognizing that a game’s use of blockchain should not automatically lead to an AO rating. This move opens up opportunities for developers working on innovative blockchain games while still adhering to appropriate content guidelines and ensuring player safety.
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