Around two years ago, Steam, the dominant gaming platform, caused quite a stir by banning NFTs from its ecosystem. However, this move hasn’t quite had the intended impact as some resourceful developers found ways to navigate the restrictions and introduce NFT-related elements into their games on the platform.

Web3 enthusiasts have displayed resilience, leading to the emergence of titles on Steam’s marketplace that cleverly maneuver around the ban. Some games have adapted by removing explicit crypto elements for Steam users, while others have employed creative off-line transactions to incorporate NFT functionalities.

Evaverse, an NFT snowboarding game, is an example of the former. It managed to establish itself before Steam’s NFT ban announcement. The game allows players to interact with their NFTs through a third-party player account, cleverly sidestepping the platform’s rules. Consequently, most Steam users are oblivious to the NFT aspect of the game, and it has received positive reviews.

Other game developers eyeing Steam’s massive user base have chosen a more cautious route. They have altered their games to remove any direct NFT and crypto connections to comply with Steam’s regulations. Games like Gala Games’ Superior have introduced modified versions on Steam to attract users and prepare for a potential shift in Steam’s stance on NFTs. Conversely, projects like Goblintown are unapologetically showcasing their NFT-related features.

Currently, Steam’s sizable user base of 30 million active players remains an attractive proposition for NFT games to enter the market. However, Epic Games Store still stands as a more appealing option for those seeking a complete Web3 experience. While NFT gaming is making inroads into Steam, Epic’s platform provides a more conducive environment for fully embracing the potential of Web3 gaming.