Earlier this month, Valve introduced a ban on all cryptocurrency and NFT sales on Steamwhich not only set rules for future sales (or lack of titles) on its platform, but also launched some games that had already started and were based on the technology.
In response, a group of 26 developers along with three other groups – the advocacy (haha) group Fight for the Future, Enjin (an NFT platform) and The Blockchain Game Alliance (pictured above) – wrote an open letter in which she found out about Valve’s decision.
It is reading:
To Valve Corporation:
Fight for the Future, Enjin and The Blockchain Game Alliance, along with 26 blockchain game companies, are calling on Valve to lift their ban on Web3 technologies on the Steam platform such as blockchain games and NFTs.
Games that use blockchain technology and web3 token-based technologies such as DAOs and NFTs can positively improve the user experience of games and create new economic opportunities for users and developers. Tokens in particular open up enormous opportunities for users to interact, collaborate and create tangible digital worlds and objects that were previously impossible. These improvements make games more decentralized, more democratic, more interactive, player-centric systems. They also provide an opportunity to streamline and modernize intellectual property rights in a way that would greatly benefit independent creators as well as established businesses. These innovati ons would bring improvements in music distribution, book publishing, collectibles, and more.
Valve is known for its willingness to experiment and innovate, not just in its games, but also in the Steam platform itself. As a pioneer in changing the way gamers sell and trade digital in-game items over a decade ago, Valve probably understands the effects that a more concrete medium would allow. In keeping with this groundbreaking vision, we ask you to give this fast-growing technology a chance: remember your roots, let the industry prove itself to be a positive contribution to the entire gaming ecosystem, and return your decision, a whole category of to ban software from the Steam platform.
“Blockchain games are pioneering a number of new concepts that will enliven the game industry for gamers and publishers alike. Cutting off this burgeoning sector at such a crucial stage of development means ignoring the remarkable advances we have made this year while creating unfair market access for incumbents. We would like to invite an open dialogue with the folks at Valve, as well as the broader mainstream gaming industry, to better understand their perspective on the challenges ahead and determine how we can work together more effectively in the future. ”- Sebastien Borget, President, Blockchain Game Alliance
“Decentralization with cryptocurrency is often misunderstood and viewed as a threat to the status quo. In the case of players who own NFT gaming assets, closed platforms see this as competition. The narrative of these walled gardens when it comes to blockchain technologies is similar – it either does not conform to their core model or the technology is simply labeled as greater risk. The future of gaming is decentralized, player-owned assets, where players are valued for their time and efforts in the game. Whether it’s an NFT or another asset class, changes are underway. ”- Chris LoVerme, CEO of SpacePirate Games
Valve, Web3 games, are a fast-paced and exciting category of games that have a place in the Steam ecosystem. Please consider changing your stance on this matter and allowing tokens and the use of blockchain technology in general on the Steam platform. Don’t ban blockchain-based games on Steam.
Valve did not respond to the letter. and NFTs are a scam.
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