Epic explores Blockchain, NFT assets, after Steam ban
Famous gaming platform Epic Games plans to open its doors to blockchain-based payments on its store, following its rival’s announcement to ban blockchain technology and NFT assets on its platform, The Verge reports.
Epic is considering the implementation of cryptocurrency technology into its platform, in addition to blockchain-based assets on its game store. The multinational gaming company told The Verge that it is “open to games that support cryptocurrency or blockchain-based assets.”
This decision came as a follow-up after competitor Valve announced the ban of games featuring blockchain technology or Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) from its Steam platform.
When asked about its decision to consent to games featuring NFT assets, the North-Carolina-based company informed The Verge that even though Epic is setting into motion plans to deploy blockchain technology into its gaming podium, the approach will incorporate some limitations, and is currently searching for developers willing to plant their seeds in this “new field” the company is entering.
Since the platform will be accepting decentralized payments, games exposed to this technology will have to follow certain financial policies and regulated laws, to clarify the usage of blockchain in accordance with the right age ratings.
In parallel, the video game titan disclosed that developers working on the implementation of blockchain-based payments will not adopt Epic’s payment service to receive cryptocurrency. Instead, they will be obliged to use their personal payment systems.
Initially, Tim Sweeney, Epic Games CEO, revealed that the company is not willing to implement NFT payment approaches. However, it seems that this statement will be exclusively applied to the company’s games only.
Once everything is set from its part, the gaming mogul will then publicize the list of adopted rules to be executed after working hand-in-hand with developers to obtain a complete comprehension of how blockchain technology will go into effect in games.
On that note, Tim Sweeney took to himself to share on Twitter the usage of blockchain technology in Epic’s games.
With Epic Games showing absolute dedication to set the needed foundation for blockchain technology on its platform, developers who were obliged to leave Steam will not obtain immediate access to upload their games on the Epic Game Store.
Currently, the gaming giant’s self-publishing program is still in its closed beta phase, with the FAQ section of the company revealed that it will single-handedly pick players who can connect to the platform.
As the lead competitor to Epic Games, Valve’s decision to ban blockchain payments on Steam will give Epic the right means to accommodate some players’ needs, and by default compete with its rival. Epic is willing to indulge in critical tactics to empower its store position in the PC gaming field.
As for NFT, these unique non-interchangeable units have obtained a substantial fan base, and with Valve’s latest announcement, fans are keeping an eye on Epic’s next move to carry out NFT payments.