Valve Has Banned All Blockchain Games and NFTs on Steam

Valve has officially banned all blockchain-based games and NFTs on Steam.

The new policy change comes in the form of an added rule to Valve’s list of things developers can’t publish on Steam, and explains that programs “built on blockchain technology that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs” are no longer permitted on the world’s largest PC video game store. Crypto-based title Age of Rust‘s developer SpacePirate explained on Twitter that the policy reflects Valve’s approach that items on its platform should not have real-world value, although he went on to say he “fundamentally believe[s] that NFTs and blockchain games are the future.”

Following the announcement, Epic Games chimed in on the discussion and said that, unlike Steam, it welcomes the new innovation. While the company itself has decided against diving into NFTs and crypto, CEO Tim Sweeney posted on Twitter that the store “will welcome games that make use of blockchain tech provided they follow the relevant laws, discloser their terms, and are age-rated by an appropriate group.”

Venture capital firm Lightspeed’s partner Amy Wu also suggested an ulterior motive for Valve’s decision, explaining that “It’s not surprising” because “Web2 centralized platforms get a cut of all value generated from its ecosystem” while “Blockchain circumvents that and decentralizes value back to builders and users,” something Valve would not be happy about given how profitable Steam’s storefront is.

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. It’s why I started this journey with all of you.
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— Age of Rust (@SpacePirate_io) October 14, 2021

Epic Games Store will welcome games that make use of blockchain tech provided they follow the relevant laws, disclose their terms, and are age-rated by an appropriate group. Though Epic’s not using crypto in our games, we welcome innovation in the areas of technology and finance. https://t.co/6W7hb8zJBw

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) October 15, 2021

1/ Valve banned blockchain games from Steam yesterday. It’s not surprising. Web2 centralized platforms get a cut of all value generated from its ecosystem. Blockchain circumvents that and decentralizes value back to builders and usershttps://t.co/vkE2RtZ8OI

— Amy Wu (@amytongwu) October 16, 2021

Elsewhere in gaming, Team Spirit has won the Dota 2 The International 2021 to take home $18.2 million USD.