<p>Steam has been clear about its views on blockchain games since 2021. Valve has taken a strong stance against listing Web3 game titles that use NFTs. They even set guidelines that ban "applications built on blockchain technology that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs." However, Valve may be reconsidering this stance. Despite the restrictions a few GameFi projects have successfully appeared on Steam's platform recently.&nbsp;</p><p>One reason for Steam's initial ban relates to the Steam Community Market. This market lets players trade skins and is a major revenue source for Steam. <a href="https://funjible.games/news/top-10-play-to-earn-games-in-2025">Play-to-earn games</a> often have decentralized marketplaces outside Valve's control. This situation cuts Steam out and threatens its influence over item economies and transaction fees.</p><p>In summary, Steam's resistance to crypto games was mainly about protecting its business model. Still, we've seen titles like <a href="https://funjible.games/games/off-the-grid">Off the Grid</a>, <a href="https://funjible.games/games/Sparkball">Sparkball</a>, <a href="https://funjible.games/games/Bornless">The Bornless</a> and other blockchain games make it onto Steam recently.&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://assets.funjible.games/steam_web3_game_listings_off_the_grid_888c7afe30.jpg" alt="steam-web3-game-listings-off-the-grid.jpg" srcset="https://assets.funjible.games/thumbnail_steam_web3_game_listings_off_the_grid_888c7afe30.jpg 245w,https://assets.funjible.games/small_steam_web3_game_listings_off_the_grid_888c7afe30.jpg 500w,https://assets.funjible.games/medium_steam_web3_game_listings_off_the_grid_888c7afe30.jpg 750w," sizes="100vw"></p><h2>Why did Steam start listing Web3 games?</h2><p>Valve has started listing Web3 games on Steam, but it hasn’t changed its policy. The original rules still apply: games that allow NFT or cryptocurrency exchanges are still banned. So, what’s going on?</p><p>The real story is that Steam began listing Web3 games because GameFi projects adapted their features. When <a href="https://gunzillagames.com/en/news/64-Off-The-Grid-Is-Coming-To-Steam">Off the Grid launched its early access version on Steam</a>, it had no active Web3 features. It worked just like a traditional multiplayer shooter, lacking wallet connections, tokens, or NFTs. Developers added blockchain features months later, keeping them optional.</p><p>Some Web3 games turn off crypto features in their Steam versions. This means players wanting blockchain functionalities must download separate clients from the developers' websites. This approach helps games meet Valve’s rules while sticking to their mission.</p><p>Overall, we’re not seeing Valve relax its policy. Developers are finding a compromise instead. Many Web3 games have stopped focusing on blockchain features as their main selling point, leading to better outcomes for Steam listings.</p><p><img src="https://assets.funjible.games/steam_web3_game_listings_sparkball_7f7de6521e.jpg" alt="steam-web3-game-listings-sparkball.jpg" srcset="https://assets.funjible.games/thumbnail_steam_web3_game_listings_sparkball_7f7de6521e.jpg 245w,https://assets.funjible.games/small_steam_web3_game_listings_sparkball_7f7de6521e.jpg 500w,https://assets.funjible.games/medium_steam_web3_game_listings_sparkball_7f7de6521e.jpg 750w," sizes="100vw"></p><h2>Why are Web3 games compromising for Steam?</h2><p>Web3 games are making concessions to get on Steam because they desperately need access to the platform's massive audience. The reality is that many blockchain gaming projects can easily secure a spot on the Epic Games Store, but Steam remains the behemoth of the PC gaming market, boasting the largest user base, unparalleled visibility, and robust community features that are hard to replicate. If you're looking to grow your game, skipping Steam would be a costly mistake, leaving a significant portion of your potential player base untapped.</p><p>There's also a strategic benefit to adapting to Steam's requirements. Console giants like PlayStation and Xbox have similar policies in place, so if a Web3 game can successfully navigate Steam's checks, it sets itself up for smoother future console releases. This approach can save developers a lot of hassle and resources in the long run.</p><p>However, these compromises come with consequences. When blockchain features are optional, a significant majority of players can simply ignore them. If the core game stands on its own without any Web3-related elements, there's little incentive for players to explore those systems. This creates another challenge for developers, as they need to make Web3 features appealing and worthwhile, otherwise, players will simply overlook them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RFUIbzpuxuQ?si=HQMIu8gb1n0srlLg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

Sparkball

Sparkball is a fun, action-packed sports game featuring two teams of four battling each other to score balls within the enemy's goal.

Off The Grid

Off The Grid is a next-gen battle royale game set in the cyberpunk world of Teardrop Island, developed by Gunzilla Games.

Bornless

Bornless is a  Lovecraftian-style horror, FPS set in the town of Farmouth where the boundary between the demon and human realms are blurred.

Champions Ascension

Champions Ascension is a Web3 fighting/arena rpg featuring PvE and PvP game modes and where players collect, equip, and train a stable of fighters.

Elemental Raiders

Elemental Raiders is a turn-based free-to-play game fusing the features of rpgs and collectible card games where players engage in PvE and PvP action.

Magic Craft

Magic Craft is an exciting multiplayer PvP MOBA blockchain game on BNB Chain, Ethereum, Solana and Fantom.


Parallel

Parallel is a f2p Sci-Fi trading card game that has a strong esports component and where players build decks and strategize with five unique factions.

How Web3 Games Are Bypassing Steam's Anti-Crypto Stance