- Gods Unchained, an NFT card game, was removed from the Epic Games Store after receiving an Adults Only rating from the ESRB due to its crypto and play-to-earn elements.
- Epic Games does not allow AO-rated games on its platform. Gods Unchained is working on appealing the rating in hopes of being reinstated.
- The situation shows challenges for blockchain games on mainstream platforms. The appeal outcome could set a precedent for whether other blockchain games face removal too.
Gods Unchained, an NFT card game published by Immutable, was quietly removed from the Epic Games Store after being assigned an Adults Only (AO) rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The rating means the game is considered only suitable for ages 18 and up.
Gods Unchained Removed from Epic Games Store
Epic Games does not allow any titles rated AO in its marketplace. Gods Unchained was initially added to the Epic Games store in June, but was later removed.
“Currently we are not live on Epic Games Store due to the ESRB re-rating Gods Unchained as Adults Only due to play-to-earn elements present within our game,” said a representative for Gods Unchained.
The developers are working on an appeal of the rating and hope to get the game back on the Epic Games store soon.
ESRB Adults Only Rating Explained
The ESRB is an organization that provides age and content ratings for video games in the U.S. and Canada. The AO rating is the most restrictive and is given to games with prolonged intense violence, graphic sexual content, or gambling.
Microsoft also does not allow AO-rated games on its platform. Gods Unchained received the rating not for violence or nudity, but because of its crypto and play-to-earn elements.
Gods Unchained Gameplay Features
On the Gods Unchained website, players can currently earn the game’s GODS token for winning matches. These tokens can be exchanged for Ethereum and sold. Players can also win NFT cards that can then be sold on marketplaces.
The ESRB stated the potential to earn real-world value is part of what led to the AO rating for Gods Unchained. This could lead to more blockchain games being barred in the future.
Epic’s Rules Create Difficult Position
While Epic does allow blockchain games in its store, requiring an ESRB rating for all regions could lead to more removals if the games have crypto or NFT elements. When asked why Gods Unchained was removed, Epic did not provide specifics.
Conclusion
The situation shows the challenges at the intersection of blockchain games and mainstream platforms. Gods Unchained is working on an appeal of the AO rating in hopes of getting reinstated in the Epic Games store. The outcome of the appeal could set a precedent for whether other blockchain games may face removal as well.
