Steam vs Epic Games: Web3 and Blockchain Games in 2025

Web3 in video games proposes a model where players can own digital assets such as NFTs or tokens. This idea has attracted interest for its promise of digital ownership and decentralized economies, but it has also been the target of criticism for fraud and lack of regulation.

Within this context, Steam and Epic Games, two of the most important digital stores on PC, have taken very different approaches to Web3.

Steam: an explicit barrier to blockchain

Since October 2021, Steam has officially banned games that integrate cryptocurrencies or NFTs. The platform argues that these technologies pose a risk to players, both due to their volatility and the lack of control over secondary markets.

Despite this policy, some titles have managed to arrive on Steam by implementing an adaptation strategy:

• Off the Grid, a shooter with Avalanche integration, was released on Steam in June 2025.
  Its Web3 elements are optional and handled outside the platform, allowing it to bypass restrictions.

• Castle of Blackwater, a social deduction game, is also available on Steam.
  Its blockchain integration is completely separate from the store client, and gameplay is accessible without the need to use NFTs.

These cases show that Steam has not changed its policy, but allows exceptions if Web3 elements remain external and do not interfere with the traditional user experience.

Epic Games: a measured opening to Web3

Unlike Steam, Epic Games Store has shown a more open stance since 2022. The company allows blockchain games, as long as they comply with applicable laws and the store's internal rules.

The focus is on enabling innovation, without directly adopting cryptocurrencies within the platform.

Among the featured titles in Epic Games’ Web3 catalog are:

• GRIT, a Wild West battle royale with integrated NFTs, released by Gala Games.
• Wilder World, an immersive metaverse with races, land, and avatars as NFTs.
• Illuvium, an RPG and strategy game franchise featuring collectible creatures as interoperable NFTs.
• Gods Unchained, a tactical card game that has also gained visibility on the platform.

Epic has also promoted tools such as Epic Online Services, which enable cross-store play and compatibility with games that include Web3 components.

How have these games reached Steam?

In the cases of Off the Grid, Castle of Blackwater, and other titles like The Machines Arena or Eternal Dragons, developers have applied key strategies to comply with Steam’s rules:

1. Separation of the Web3 component: Blockchain functions are managed outside the main game.
2. Optional elements: NFTs are not required to play nor are they integrated into Steam’s payment system.
3. Focus on traditional gameplay: The base game experience is complete without using Web3 functions.

This adaptation has allowed some games to enter Steam without breaking current policies, although they still represent exceptions.

Future outlook

The future of Web3 on traditional platforms will depend on several factors:

• Improved game quality: To gain acceptance, Web3 games must focus on gameplay, not just monetization.
• Clear regulation: Implementing specific laws could reduce the rejection from platforms like Steam.
• Greater accessibility: Solutions such as integrated wallets or hybrid Web2/Web3 experiences could facilitate adoption.
• Market pressure: If successful games on Epic begin to gain traction, Valve may reconsider its stance.

Web3 gaming faces significant barriers on platforms like Steam, but also finds opportunities on Epic Games. While Steam maintains a conservative stance, Epic allows greater experimentation.

Some games show that, with a clear strategy, developers can achieve visibility and growth even in restricted environments.