Two years since Blankos’ launch, Epic Games Store lists 175 blockchain games

Two years following the launch of its first blockchain game, PC games distribution platform Epic Games now lists 175 blockchain/NFT titles.

At the end of 2023 there was some industry confusion as to whether Epic Games did allow blockchain games to distribute via its platform, following the removal of Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3. After revising its T&Cs, Epic Games announced the games had returned.

Looking at Epic’s current guidelines on blockchain games, they state that developers can publish games supporting blockchain, NFTs, or cryptocurrency. However, blockchain games are not allowed to use Epic Games’ payment mechanism for any offers, including base game offers and other non-blockchain-related transactions. Neither are blockchain games allowed to link to any blockchain, NFT, or crypto marketplaces from their store pages. Additionally, in terms of region-based restrictions, these games are not available in China or South Korea.

And it seems web3 game developers are embracing this policy. In May 2023, Epic Games Store listed 18 blockchain games in total. A year later, that number had increased to 127 blockchain games.

Going back to September 2022, Mythical Games was the first developer to launch a blockchain game on the Epic Games Store with its Blankos Block Party. That PC version has now been sunset to instead be relaunched on mobile.

As of September 2024 however, Epic lists 175 games under the tag blockchain/NFT. The 27% increase aligns with the overall growth of games distributed via Epic Games Store. Most recently, sci-fi shooter MetalCore has launched season 1 via the platform, while Everdawn Champions is preparing for its Epic Games release on 25th September.

According to Epic Games’ own numbers released at the beginning of 2024, it had a total of 2,900 titles available – an increase of 88% since 2022.

Blockchain games make up 6% of its total games library.

Initially only available on PC, Epic Games Store recently launched on mobile for certain regions too.