Gaming
Valve bans NFT and blockchain games from Steam
Dimapur, October 17 (EMN): In a surprising move, Valve is reportedly banning all Non-Fungible Token (NFT) and blockchain games from Steam.
On its documentation homepage, Valve wrote “Applications built on blockchain technology that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs.”
Steam is one of the most popular online video game stores in the world and the new rule change has been criticised by NFT game developers.
The developer of Age of Rust took to Twitter to share its frustration at Steam’s controversial ban on blockchain games.
Community: A few minutes ago, we were notified that @Steam will be kicking *all blockchain games* off the platform, including Age of Rust, because NFTs have value. Behind the scenes, we've had good communication and have been upfront with Steam. #blockchaingames #NFT
— Age of Rust (@SpacePirate_io) October 14, 2021
1/4 pic.twitter.com/W4pR3Xl63q
“A few minutes ago, we were notified that Steam will be kicking *all blockchain games* off the platform, including Age of Rust, because NFTs have value. Behind the scenes, we’ve had good communication and have been upfront with Steam,” wrote SpacePirate Games.
“We chose to be upfront about blockchain gaming & NFTs. As a result, we finally lost the battle with Steam. While I’m disappointed for Age of Rust being removed, the point is more to the fact that Blockchain games as a whole are going to be removed. This is a setback for all.”
Following the controversy behind Steam’s ban on NFT games, Epic Games Store, on the other hand, welcomed games with blockchain tech on its platform.
Epic Games Store will welcome games that make use of blockchain tech provided they follow the relevant laws, disclose their terms, and are age-rated by an appropriate group. Though Epic's not using crypto in our games, we welcome innovation in the areas of technology and finance. https://t.co/6W7hb8zJBw
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) October 15, 2021
“Epic Games Store will welcome games that make use of blockchain tech provided they follow the relevant laws, disclose their terms, and are age-rated by an appropriate group. Though Epic’s not using crypto in our games, we welcome innovation in the areas of technology and finance,” wrote Tim Sweeney CEO of Epic Games on Twitter.
Steam nor Valve have yet commented publicly on the controversial rule.