Steam Bans Blockchain-Based Games

The online game platform Steam has announced that it no longer allows blockchain-based games.

This means that any application that issues or allows the exchange of cryptocurrencies or non-fungible tokens is forbidden.

Age of Rust, a first-person adventure game that’s due to launch in 2022, revealed that the company’s policies had been updated in a recent tweet.

The developers behind this game described Steam’s decision as a “setback” — and explained that the platform does not allow items that can have real-world value to be distributed through its infrastructure.

Steam’s decision could create headaches for developers given how it is one of the world’s best-known stores for PC games.

However, it isn’t all doom and gloom, with rival platforms indicating that they are willing to step into the breach to ensure crypto-focused titles can be distributed.

An Epic Intervention

Epic Games — the business behind Unreal Engine which also boasts brands including Fortnite — has said that it will welcome games that use blockchain technology… “provided they follow the relevant laws, disclose their terms and are age-rated by an appropriate group.”

The company’s CEO and founder, Tim Sweeney, added in a tweet:

“Though Epic’s not using crypto in our games, we welcome innovation in the areas of technology and finance.”

Although a number of big entertainment brands are starting to explore the world of non-fungible tokens — including ViacomCBS and Fox Entertainment — big gaming brands are yet to fully take the plunge in this technology.

Enthusiasts argue that NFTs can ensure in-game assets can be traded between players and have the potential to be used in multiple titles. Play-to-earn titles have also become popular, delivering rewards based on skill. 

However, a big challenge holding the sector back concerns usability — and ensuring that these games are as easy to engage with as big-budget rivals.