In accordance with Valve’s “What you shouldn’t publish on Steam” list, games that use blockchain technology or allow users to exchange NFTs or cryptocurrencies will be prohibited from being published on Steam. SpacePirate, a developer working on an NFT-based game, pointed out that the change was due to the fact that the company does not allow game items with real-world value. However, Steam may be avoiding a backlash by making the decision.
Valve bans Blockchain Games
Many PC gamers are familiar with Steam, but it’s not the only option. However, despite Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney’s claim that the company has no interest in working with NFTs, this policy does not appear to apply to games available in its store. NFTs and cryptocurrencies could be used in games, Epic told The Verge in an email on Friday.
As of late August, there were only 12 rules on Steam’s rule page and no mention of crypto-currencies or NFTs. Also, the new rule does not appear in other documents, such as the page about joining the Steamworks Distribution Program.
In the case of sexually explicit games, Steam has a history of making controversial moderation decisions. This time, it doesn’t look like people are pressing F in order to honour NFT games; most of those who responded and quoted SpacePirate were praising Valve for making the decision (or mocking those that are upset about it).
WHAT IS AN NFT?
These digital items can be purchased or sold through a blockchain-based system that tracks who owns each one. “Non-fungible token” is an acronym for “non-redeemable token,” and it can be used to store anything digital, from animated GIFs to music and video game items. As with a real-life painting, an NFT can be one of one or one of many copies, but the blockchain keeps track of who owns which copies.
Nyan Cat and “deal with it” sunglasses are among the high-profile NFTs that have recently sold for millions of dollars at auction. Many people are concerned about NFTs’ high electricity consumption and environmental impact. If you’re still unsure about anything, feel free to check out our NFT FAQ.
The reasoning behind Steam’s stance on NFTs is understandable. SpacePirate’s justification that NFT and crypto-based games could have real-world value (which seems a bit weak, given the massive commercial communities around things like CS:GO skins and TFC2 hats) isn’t the best. To name just one recent example, a developer sold non-playable characters (NFTs) for an upcoming fighting game but then disappeared with the money. Even if NFTs had been allowed on Steam, it’s hard to say how many interesting game concepts would have been a good fit even if they had been allowed.