Epic Games is weighing in on the debate about whether mainstream video games should incorporate blockchain-based digital assets.
In a new tweet, Epic Games CEO and Fortnite founder Tim Sweeney responds to requests to remove all games featuring non-fungible tokens (NFTs) from the Epic Games store.
“Developers should be free to decide how to build their games, and you are free to decide whether to play them.
I believe stores and operating system makers shouldn’t interfere by forcing their views onto others.
We definitely won’t.”
The industry-wide debate was sparked when the world’s best-selling video game Minecraft updated its guidelines to ban NFTs due to their potential to create inequality among the game’s users.
The Minecraft post said assets like NFTs represent a form of “digital ownership based on scarcity and exclusion, which does not align with Minecraft values of creative inclusion and playing together.”
Other concerns include NFTs distracting fans from gameplay in favor of investing, as well as the potential for scams among sellers.
Back in April, meanwhile, Epic Games announced it planned to venture into the metaverse with a $2 billion fundraising round led by electronics behemoth Sony.
Sweeney said at the time,
“As we reimagine the future of entertainment and play we need partners who share our vision. We have found this in our partnership with Sony and [LEGO Group parent company] KIRKBI.
This investment will accelerate our work to build the metaverse and create spaces where players can have fun with friends, brands can build creative and immersive experiences and creators can build a community and thrive.”
