Steam is banning all NFTs and cryptocurrency games from its storefront

Blockchain technology of any kind is getting the boot from Valve's platform.

Valve Software no longer allows games with cryptocurrency, NFTs, or any blockchain technology on Steam, NME  reported Friday.

Over on the Steamworks onboarding page, Valve has updated its guidelines, and there’s a new rule directly addressing and prohibiting NFTs. At the bottom of a list of “what you shouldn’t publish on Steam,” Valve added the following item.

“Applications built on blockchain technology that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs,” Valve  said.

Several games on the platform have already been delisted and removed, including Age of Rust, a first-person adventure game that allows players to collect and solve NFTs puzzles in-game.

“Community: A few minutes ago, we were notified that [Steam] will be kicking *all blockchain games* off the platform,” Age of Rust said on Twitter. “because NFTs have value. Behind the scenes, we’ve had good communication and have been upfront with Steam.”

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. #blockchaingames #NFT
1/4 pic.twitter.com/W4pR3Xl63q

— Age of Rust (@SpacePirate_io) October 14, 2021

Valve itself has yet to issue any statement on the new rule, but it’s a pretty significant thing to add to an onboarding page. 

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

This controversy comes only a few weeks after Valve canceled ticket sales for its annual DOTA 2 International event. However, the company is still riding a wave of positive buzz for its upcoming Steamdeck handheld.

Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.