Renowned for Fortnite and Unreal Tournament, Epic Games Store has overturned its policy on ‘Adults Only’ (AO) games, now opening its doors to blockchain titles previously barred due to their ESRB AO ratings.
Breaking the Norms
Epic Games Store, a digital platform synonymous with blockbuster gaming titles, has made a pivotal shift by altering its stance on AO-rated games. Historically, these titles were sidelined due to excessive nudity or violence, a distinction typically linked to the AO rating.
However, in a strategic move to accommodate blockchain and NFT-powered games, the platform has revised its content guidelines. Epic Games Store now welcomes games with AO ratings, granted solely due to their utilization of blockchain technology. A representative from Epic Games clarified to The Verge that the adjustment addresses titles with AO ratings exclusively attributed to their blockchain integration.
Reinstating the Outcasts
This alteration has led to the return of previously ousted titles like Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3, which were initially removed because of their AO classification.
Comparative Perspectives
The ESRB’s AO rating has been a strict barrier, causing some platforms to outright reject these games. Unlike platforms such as Itch.io, which allow AO games with optional user filters, Steam remains steadfast against embracing blockchain games. According to blockchain developers, Steam’s standpoint revolves around the perceived value of in-game items, disallowing those that could potentially hold real-world worth on their platform.
Related article: Gods Unchained Epic Games Store Removal
