>
Epic Games Store’s Current Blockchain Policy Landscape
Epic’s attitude toward blockchain gaming has swung from “no-way” to “yes-but” over the past few years. Early on, the Epic Games Store (EGS) treated any NFT/crypto game as an automatic “Adults Only” (AO) title, effectively banning it from distribution. In late 2023, Epic reversed that stance. The updated policy makes it clear that blockchain is permitted – as long as the publisher signs Epic’s Blockchain Addendum and follows Epic’s strict blockchain guidelines.
If your game is AO-rated solely for NFT/crypto elements, Epic will allow it instead of rejecting it—unlike Valve’s Steam, which still bans all blockchain titles outright. Epic’s content guidelines now explicitly allow blockchain/NFT games but impose several restrictions. Developers can publish games supporting blockchain, NFTs, or cryptocurrency—but the game cannot use Epic’s payment system for blockchain-related offers, nor can it link to external crypto or NFT marketplaces from its store page. Epic also blocks such games from China and South Korea outright.
You can sell NFTs in your game, but not via Epic’s checkout or with in-store marketplace links. Standard content rules still apply—no pornography, hate speech, or gambling. Epic’s Blockchain Technology Guidelines and Content Guidelines insist on transparency, legal compliance, and user protection. For example, external marketplace links and paid NFT offers are disallowed. The policy focuses on gameplay rather than speculation.
This cautious but open approach aligns with broader industry trends. Platforms like Google Play and Apple’s App Store have begun relaxing NFT restrictions. Developers are adapting: the number of blockchain games on EGS rose from 18 in May 2023 to 175 by late 2024. Major titles like Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3 have returned under the revised policy. Epic’s position is permissive—but only if developers follow the fine print.
Technical and Operational Guidelines for Developers
Sign the Blockchain Addendum
First, developers must sign Epic’s Blockchain Addendum (also called the “blockchain rider”). No blockchain or crypto activity can occur without it. When submitting a blockchain-enabled game, the special addendum outlining additional rules must be executed. Without it, Epic will not review or list your game.
Comply with Blockchain and Content Guidelines
Once signed, your game must follow Epic’s Blockchain Technology Guidelines and general Content Guidelines. You must comply with all crypto laws in the regions where you operate and clearly disclose the risks of NFTs. Undisclosed crypto mining or deceptive practices are strictly forbidden. Your blockchain features must be legal, honest, and above board.
No Epic Payment Integration for Blockchain
Epic prohibits using its payment system for blockchain transactions. Your game must integrate its own payment method. For example, Quantum Command uses its own processor and does not involve Epic in any financial handling. This separation ensures Epic avoids responsibility and regulation related to crypto transactions.
User Disclosures and Warnings
Epic mandates explicit labeling on blockchain game store pages. A warning banner such as “This is a Blockchain/NFT Game” must be included, along with legal disclaimers stating Epic has no involvement in blockchain transactions. Games must provide FAQ sections answering questions about tokens, wallets, and marketplaces to ensure full user transparency.
EULA and Legal Controls
Developers are solely responsible for EULAs related to NFT sales and other transactions. Epic’s legal agreements clarify that all crypto deals happen between the developer and the user. You are responsible for taxes, refunds, and customer service for these off-store transactions—just like running your own e-commerce site.
Technical Restrictions and Regional Bans
Epic explicitly forbids external links to NFT marketplaces and blocks distribution in countries like China and South Korea. If your game uses Unreal Engine, any revenue derived from blockchain—even if off-store—is still subject to the 5% UE royalty. Developers retrofitting a live game with blockchain must retire the old version and submit a new one for blockchain compliance.
Prepare for a rigorous submission process. Ensure your game is fully documented, correctly labeled, and legally compliant. Have all technical integrations ready. Epic will scrutinize your game’s store page, FAQs, wallet setup, and disclosures. Miss any requirement, and your game risks rejection or removal.
Monetization and Revenue Considerations
Epic’s blockchain policy creates a unique monetization setup. On the one hand, Epic does not take a cut from any blockchain-related transactions. That means if your game sells NFTs or crypto tokens, you keep 100% of that revenue—minus third-party processor fees. It’s a major difference from the standard model where Epic claims 12% of sales made via their platform.
However, this freedom comes with added responsibility. Developers must manage payment gateways, handle fraud protection, and ensure security for wallet integrations. These backend tasks are not handled by Epic. You must also manage customer service, refunds, and tax compliance on blockchain transactions. Epic has made it clear: anything outside its ecosystem is entirely your responsibility.
Unreal Engine royalties still apply. Even though Epic does not handle crypto payments, developers using Unreal Engine must still pay the 5% royalty on all revenue, including off-platform blockchain earnings. Many developers overlook this, assuming that avoiding Epic’s checkout exempts them—but the UE agreement covers all monetized game activity linked to the engine.
Another key factor is that blockchain games must usually be free-to-play on Epic. Since paid NFT content is banned within the store and Epic doesn’t process crypto, your game’s monetization depends on off-store mechanics. That means you’ll rely heavily on NFT drops, token sales, or marketplace trading outside Epic’s infrastructure. This impacts how you market and support the game.
To comply with Epic’s policies and succeed financially, many games use wallet-based transactions. For instance, players connect MetaMask or Trust Wallet to your game. Transactions happen securely in those wallets—off Epic’s radar—but that puts the burden on you to manage smart contracts, blockchain interactions, and user communication.
Epic has recently added incentives for smaller developers. In 2024, they launched a 100% revenue share for the first $1M in regular game sales (non-blockchain). This benefits indie studios releasing free-to-play games with optional DLC. However, any purchase tied to NFTs or tokens must still stay out of Epic’s payment flow. Structuring your game to split earnings correctly—between Epic-handled and off-store—is essential.
Developers must walk a fine line. On one hand, you gain financial autonomy over your blockchain economy. On the other, you lose Epic’s built-in protections and support systems. Plan for this trade-off. Factor in Unreal royalties, customer support costs, payment processor fees, legal compliance, and anti-fraud tooling. Every dollar earned on NFTs comes with added work and liability.
Submission and Compliance Process
Accept Agreements and Riders
The process starts in the Epic Developer Portal. You must accept the Distribution Agreement and the Blockchain Addendum. This unlocks the ability to submit a blockchain-enabled game. Without this step, Epic won’t review your product’s crypto features or approve its listing.
Tag as a Blockchain/NFT Game
During submission, tag your game as a “Blockchain/NFT Game.” This triggers Epic’s special review flow and applies the necessary warnings to your store page. It also flags your product for stricter compliance checks, so be precise in how you describe your crypto integrations.
Prepare Blockchain FAQ and Disclosures
Epic requires that you submit detailed notes or an FAQ about how your blockchain mechanics work. Explain token systems, wallet support, and where NFTs are traded. Use clear, plain language. Examples like Quantum Command and FuseWars show how to format these sections well. The more upfront you are, the smoother the review.
Include Mandatory Warnings and Labels
Your store page will carry a standard Epic disclaimer, such as “This is a Blockchain/NFT Game… Epic Games is not responsible…” You don’t write this yourself—it’s automatically applied when you tag the game—but you must not alter or remove it. Include proper age ratings (ESRB/PEGI), and ensure your title does not violate adult content rules.
New Product Submission for Blockchain Updates
If you’re adding blockchain to an existing game, you must resubmit as a new product. Epic treats blockchain additions as major changes that require fresh review. You cannot simply update a live listing to add NFTs. This rule ensures that Epic evaluates the full crypto scope before allowing public access.
Pass Epic’s Blockchain Review
After submission, Epic’s team will manually review your game’s technical setup, legal disclaimers, payment model, and store presentation. Expect follow-up questions about wallet functionality, age compliance, and off-platform NFT trading. Be responsive and ready to revise your game build or store assets if flagged.
Ongoing Compliance
Approval is not permanent. Epic reserves the right to remove your game at any time for guideline violations. If you update your blockchain systems post-launch, you must review Epic’s docs again and ensure changes still comply. Epic may conduct post-release audits or respond to user complaints by pulling titles that breach terms.
To streamline this process, maintain a compliance checklist. Make sure each requirement—addendum, labeling, content rating, FAQ, legal text, wallet integration—is reviewed before submission. If you skip any, the game will likely be rejected or delayed.
Case Studies: Blockchain Games on Epic Games Store
Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained, a trading card game on the Ethereum blockchain, was among the first to return to Epic under the revised policy. Previously removed due to its Adults Only rating, it came back in 2023 when Epic lifted its NFT-based rating restrictions. Immutable Games positioned it as a “bridge” between Web3 and mainstream gaming. The store page features Epic’s mandatory disclaimers, and in-game purchases involving $GODS tokens and NFT cards occur off Epic’s platform. The key takeaway is that the game focused on gameplay and community while handling all blockchain activity externally, in full compliance with Epic’s guidelines.
SHRAPNEL
SHRAPNEL is a AAA blockchain-powered shooter built on Avalanche and developed by Neon Machine. It entered Early Access on EGS in February 2024. The game allows players to create and trade NFT-based items on its blockchain subnet. To comply with Epic’s policy, SHRAPNEL is free-to-play, with all transactions happening outside the Epic Store. Events like “Shrapppy Holidays 2024” helped build a fanbase while staying within Epic’s blockchain box. SHRAPNEL is a prime example of a big studio treating EGS as a distribution platform, not a crypto marketplace, while still showcasing cutting-edge blockchain functionality.
FuseWars
FuseWars, launched in June 2024 by Symbiote Creatives, is a fast-paced sci-fi shooter built with Unreal Engine 5. It blends competitive multiplayer gameplay with Web3 elements powered by Theta blockchain. The game’s store page clearly displays the Blockchain/NFT tag and all required disclaimers. FuseWars requires players to connect a crypto wallet before accessing NFT features, and all crypto transactions occur outside Epic’s system. This case shows how smaller studios can fully comply with Epic’s rules and still deliver a blockchain-integrated product on a major platform.
Everdawn Champions
This turn-based card game by Nexus Interactive launched in open beta on September 25, 2024. Players “own” their cards and cosmetics via NFTs. Everdawn Champions emphasizes long-term engagement and strategy, positioning itself as an accessible Web3 title. The launch was framed as a major open beta on EGS, showing that collectible card games are a natural fit for blockchain and store compliance when structured correctly.
Project Red
Project Red, by Elrond Mafia, is a mafia-themed shooter/strategy game. In 2023, it was announced as part of a “major collaboration” with Epic. It is free-to-play and runs blockchain elements off-store. While the game has yet to hit the same popularity tier as SHRAPNEL, it highlights how indie teams can leverage EGS’s user base for exposure while maintaining blockchain integrity externally.
Defimons
Defimons is a Pokémon-inspired RPG from Mon Studios. What’s unique is that its EGS release is strictly Web2. The studio is releasing a blockchain-enabled version separately. This dual-path strategy enables developers to access Epic’s massive audience without risking policy violations. It’s a smart way to build brand familiarity and onboard players gradually into Web3 ecosystems.
Together, these examples show various approaches to Epic’s blockchain policy. From high-profile reinstatements like Gods Unchained, to AAA experiments like SHRAPNEL, to cautious Web2 splits like Defimons, each project uses EGS as a base while carefully adhering to Epic’s crypto rules. These success stories prove that blockchain gaming has a viable path forward—if developers are strategic, compliant, and user-focused.
Strategic Implications for Developers
So what do all these policy changes and case studies mean for blockchain game developers? In a word: potential. Epic is now one of the few mainstream PC platforms open to blockchain titles. With over 230 million users, the Epic Games Store offers a gateway to massive audiences—particularly gamers who would never install a wallet on their own.
The upside is clear: full revenue control, powerful distribution, and access to Epic’s store-level promotions (for the non-blockchain aspects). If your game blends strong gameplay with tasteful blockchain integration, you could find a niche with both Web3 users and traditional gamers. However, there’s risk. Epic’s policies create a compliance minefield. You’ll need legal help for EULAs, tax handling, and regulatory coverage. You’ll also need technical competence for wallet integration, smart contract deployment, and platform separation.
Even if you follow the rules, perception matters. Many gamers remain skeptical about NFTs. If your game leans too hard into speculation or “earn-to-play,” it may receive pushback from communities. Epic itself states that the fun should come first—blockchain should enhance, not define, the experience.
Geographic limitations are also important. Epic blocks blockchain games in China and South Korea. If these markets are crucial to your game’s strategy, you’ll need to consider alternative platforms or non-blockchain versions for those regions. Also note: while blockchain games are still a small percentage of EGS’s total catalog, new entrants are appearing daily. Competition is rising fast.
On the financial side, remember that you keep more—but do more. You’re responsible for payment infrastructure, customer care, and compliance. You also still owe Unreal Engine royalties on blockchain revenue. And while you can take 100% of your NFT earnings, you must fund all the systems to make that happen—securely and legally.
Lastly, policy volatility is real. Epic reversed its blockchain ban once; it could do so again. The rules may tighten or loosen depending on regulation, lawsuits, or user reaction. Stay plugged into Epic’s developer docs and broader crypto regulation trends—like Apple’s NFT rulings in the EU, or France’s “Sorare law.”
Ultimately, if you build within Epic’s Web3 rules, you gain access to one of the biggest game audiences on the planet. But your game must be bulletproof: strong gameplay, smart design, clean compliance, and transparent communication. Market it as a game—not as a crypto project—and you stand a real chance of success.
Key Takeaway
The Epic Games Store’s evolving blockchain policy marks a significant shift in the gaming and Web3 landscape. Unlike other major platforms that still impose outright bans, Epic has opted for a structured, conditional approach: blockchain games are allowed—but only within a tightly defined compliance framework. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for developers.
If you’re creating a blockchain-enabled game, Epic offers something few others do: access to a mainstream audience of over 230 million users without taking a cut from your crypto transactions. That’s a big win. But to access that, you must commit to full transparency, legal compliance, and platform separation. From labeling your store page correctly, to handling all blockchain payments off-store, to absorbing the costs of wallet integration and support—you carry the burden of doing it right.
Games like Gods Unchained, SHRAPNEL, and FuseWars have proven that success is possible. These titles follow Epic’s guidelines carefully while still offering players meaningful blockchain features. Others, like Defimons, show that you can also separate Web2 and Web3 audiences strategically, releasing compliant versions on Epic while building blockchain ecosystems elsewhere.
What matters most is trust—between you and Epic, you and your players, and you and the laws that govern financial technologies. Epic is not offering a free-for-all. They’re offering a corridor through which well-prepared, legally sound, and player-first projects can thrive. The store is not a blockchain playground—it’s a regulated, public-facing platform. If you treat it as such and align your game with those expectations, you stand to benefit greatly.
In the end, Epic’s policy shift is neither an obstacle nor a shortcut. It’s a roadmap. A path. One that rewards careful, responsible, and thoughtful design. Blockchain games can now exist on Epic—but they must prove they belong.
So take this as your blueprint. Sign the right agreements. Build real gameplay value. Set up your off-chain systems properly. Respect regional laws and user expectations. And most importantly—make a great game. If you do, Epic might just be the most powerful distribution partner your blockchain project could have.
