Valve Bans Cryptocurrency Games on Steam

Valve has added a rule to its onboarding process that effectively bans cryptocurrency games from being released on Steam.


Published: October 15, 2021 4:17 PM /

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Valve Bans Cryptocurrency Games Steam cover

Valve has added a rule to its onboarding process for new games on Steam and it's bad news for fans of crypto and NFTs -- cryptocurrency games are effectively no longer allowed on Steam.

The implementation of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency is becoming more frequent in the gaming world. Whether you want to play some classic Atari games or collect adorable virtual pets, there's probably something out there using blockchain that interests you.

As one might expect, some games utilizing cryptocurrency and blockchain have crept their way onto Steam over the last year or two. That's all about to change thanks to a new rule implemented by Valve earlier today.

Valve Bans Blockchain Games Steam slice

The Future of Cryptocurrency Games Already on Steam is Uncertain

A new Steam onboarding rule has effectively banned new cryptocurrency games from being added to Steam -- a major blow for game developers who are experimenting with this relatively young technology.

What you shouldn't publish on Steam:

[...]

13. Applications built on blockchain technology that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs.

The pending rule change was reported by the developer of Age of Rust, a first-person adventure game that allows players to solve puzzles and collect NFTs.

"Community: A few minutes ago, we were notified that @Steam will be kicking *all blockchain games* off the platform, including Age of Rust, because NFTs have value. Behind the scenes, we've had good communication and have been upfront with Steam," read a Twitter thread from Age of Rust's developer.

"We chose to be upfront about blockchain gaming & NFTs. As a result, we finally lost the battle with Steam. While I'm disappointed for Age of Rust being removed, the point is more to the fact that Blockchain games as [a] whole are going to be removed. This is [a] setback for all."

There's one minor upside to this rule change: only cryptocurrency and NFT-based games are banned. Blockchain technology is still very much allowed on Steam.

The changes to onboarding rules effectively mean that any new cryptocurrency games will not be approved by Valve for publication on Steam. It's unclear what will happen to existing games utilizing cryptocurrency; we've reached out to Valve for comment and will update this article when we receive a reply.

What do you think of Valve banning cryptocurrency games on Steam? What's your favorite game that uses blockchain technology? Let us know in the comments below!

Have a tip, or want to point out something we missed? Leave a Comment or e-mail us at tips@techraptor.net


A photograph of TechRaptor Senior Writer Robert N. Adams.
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One of my earliest memories is playing Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System. I've had a controller in my hand since I was 4 and I… More about Robert N