Any blockchain game that has cryptocurrencies and NFTs will no longer be allowed on Steam. The gaming platform, already over 50,000 listing large, has updated its rules and guidelines for publishers.
“Applications built on blockchain technology that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs” can no longer use Steam to distribute their games. This is not a ban on blockchain games as a whole, just those who use crypto or NFT in their game.
Valve has not elaborated on the ban, but speculation quickly arose. And money was at the source of all speculations. In blockchain games, it’s entirely possible for players to earn a profit where Steam can’t take its cut. With the current form of blockchain games, this is in direct conflict with how Steam is looking to profit.
Revenue sharing with blockchain games, making it possible for Steam to take its cut might be something the developer is looking into, assuming revenue sharing is possible with the game’s code.
The Age of Rust developers have already spoken out on the ban. Age of Rust is a blockchain game where players can collect NFTs, and the developers released a statement where they voiced their disappointment with the new reality their game now lives in.
“We chose to be upfront about blockchain gaming and NFTs. As a result, we finally lost the battle with Steam,” they said on Twitter. “Steam’s point of view is that items have value and they don’t allow items that can have real-world value on their platform. While I respect their choice, I fundamentally believe that NFTs and blockchain games are the future.”
Epic Games, a Steam competitor, has already said they “aren’t touching NFTs”.
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