- Steam may also be avoiding controversy.
- Steam has a history of contentious moderation choices.
Games that utilize blockchain technology or enable players to trade NFTs or cryptocurrencies won’t be permitted on Steam. According to a new regulation from Valve. SpacePirate, a developer working on an NFT-based game. Claimed the move was made because the business doesn’t allow game goods with real-world value. But Steam may also be avoiding controversy.
However, Steam isn’t the only place to buy PC games. According to CEO Tim Sweeney. The restriction doesn’t appear to apply to titles in Epic’s store. Epic said in an email Friday that it is “open” to games that utilize NFTs or cryptocurrencies.
There are just 12 regulations on Steam’s rule page from late August and no mention of cryptocurrencies or NFTs. Another document that lacks the new rule is the page joining the Steamworks Distribution Program.
Contentious Moderation Choices
Steam has a history of contentious moderation choices. Particularly when it comes to sexually explicit titles. However, it seems that many are applauding Valve for the change rather than paying homage to NFT games (or mocking those that are upset about it).
It’s easy to see why Steam would want to avoid NFTs. Beyond SpacePirate’s claim of real-world value (which seems weak considering the huge commercial communities surrounding CS:GO skins and Team Fortress 2 headgear), NFT and crypto-based games haven’t exactly had the greatest press.
A developer sold NFTs with the promise that they’d be incorporated in a fighting game but then disappeared with the money. Even if NFTs were permitted, it’s impossible to tell how many of them would’ve been excellent fits for Steam. Apple’s handling of applications like OpenSea and Coinbase if they decide to start selling NFTs may be one of the greatest questions right now.
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