The Epic Games Store has implemented significant changes to its content policies, allowing play-to-earn games based on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, such as the popular NFT card game Gods Unchained, to return to its platform.
This decision follows the previous exclusion of blockchain games, including Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3, due to the “Adults Only” ratings given by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Before this policy modification, Epic Games did not allow games with an AO rating in its store.
🎮 GU IS BACK ON EPIC GAMES STORE 🔥
With Epic Games' revised content policies, we are SO back!!!
We applaud Epic Games for lighting the way ✨
This is a win all of Web3 gaming shares together
Onwards!🔗 Start Playing: https://t.co/DQcv0DHRyu https://t.co/pKZpG1bdkC pic.twitter.com/OnxU9mNSgN
— Gods Unchained (@GodsUnchained) December 19, 2023
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) typically assigns the most restrictive AO rating to games that contain intense violence, graphic nudity, or explicit sexual themes. Both Xbox and PlayStation currently prohibit AO-rated games on their respective platforms. However, Epic Games has decided to make an exception in its policy, allowing games with an AO rating solely due to the use of blockchain or NFT technology.
Epic Games Adapts to Blockchain Technology but Maintains Controls Against Other Prohibited Contents
This policy update comes in response to the growing trend of blockchain-based games receiving AO ratings due to their specific implementation of cryptographic technology. The ESRB assigned Gods Unchained an AO rating because of its play-to-earn elements, involving the acquisition of NFTs or cryptographic tokens with real-world value. In this context, the ESRB assesses whether products can reward real money or prizes with real-world value.
Epic Games emphasizes that its policies against “gambling,” “pornography,” and “hateful content” remain unchanged. Despite allowing games with an AO rating in the case of blockchain or NFT elements, the store remains firm in prohibiting content that could be considered inappropriate.
This change in Epic Games’ policy represents a solution to the contradictory situation faced by blockchain game developers. Although Epic Games accepts blockchain-based games, its previous policy did not allow those with an AO rating. This new regulatory framework provides relief to developers, allowing their blockchain-based games to be available on the platform without restrictions based solely on the AO rating.
