Gas Hero: The Latest Crypto-Powered Game
Gas Hero, developed by Find Satoshi Lab, the creators of the Stepn app on Solana, has recently launched its public beta. The game features six different Gas Hero NFT collections that are gaining popularity on sales volume charts as traders purchase game characters, items, weapons, pets, and more in the form of NFTs on the Polygon network.
The NFT trading activity for Gas Hero’s “common” heroes alone has reached over $19 million in total volume traded. It is currently the top individual NFT project based on this metric.
Blocked in the United States
Despite its success, Gas Hero is inaccessible in the United States due to regulatory and legal concerns. The game’s Terms of Use explicitly prohibit U.S. users from playing, along with gamers from 15 other regions.
Gas Hero’s decision to block certain countries aligns with other game studios’ restrictions. For example, Ubisoft restricts access to its upcoming game Champions Tactics in various nations. However, Gas Hero has chosen to block additional countries not restricted by Ubisoft.
Why Are Game Studios Drawing Different Lines?
The differing restrictions imposed by game studios raise questions about why some countries are allowed to play while others are excluded. Find Satoshi Lab’s Chief Revenue Officer Mable Jiang confirmed that Gas Hero intentionally blocks IP addresses from the U.S. and mainland China due to regulatory concerns. However, users can bypass these restrictions by using a VPN.
The U.S. market for blockchain gaming is substantial, and excluding American users potentially hinders revenue opportunities. Despite the unclear regulatory environment surrounding crypto in the U.S., many businesses have chosen to navigate it differently. Some have shut down projects over regulatory fears, while others have fought back and secured wins.
Hot Take: Game Studios Navigate Regulatory Uncertainty
The regulatory uncertainty surrounding crypto in the U.S. has led game studios to take different approaches in allowing access to their games. Gas Hero’s decision to block U.S. users, along with other restricted countries, reflects concerns about potential regulatory action. However, users can use VPNs to bypass these restrictions. The exclusion of the U.S., one of the largest gaming markets, may limit revenue opportunities for Gas Hero. As crypto regulations continue to evolve, game studios will need to navigate the regulatory landscape carefully while considering the potential impact on their player base and revenue.
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