Steam’s Web3 Comeback? How Blockchain Games Are Sneaking Back Into Mainstream

[cryptobro]

Remember when Steam slammed the door on blockchain games back in 2021? The ban was clear: No crypto. No NFTs. No exceptions.

Fast forward to 2025, and that ironclad policy seems to be… softening.

With high-quality on-chain titles making headlines, and Steam quietly letting a few slip through, it looks like Web3 gaming might be staging a comeback—one battle royale at a time.
One Foot in the Portal: Off The Grid (OTG)

The biggest shock came from Gunzilla’s Off The Grid (OTG), a cyberpunk battle royale shooter that:

Became the first Web3 title to launch on PlayStation 5,

Then broke new ground by going live on Steam—despite its blockchain ties.

Here’s the trick: OTG didn’t lead with its Web3 features. It operates on the GUNZ network and allows players to tokenize assets, but all of that is optional.

No wallet? No problem. You can play without touching crypto.

This “Web2.5” approach—mainstream UX, optional blockchain backend—is becoming the new template for on-chain games aiming to dodge the Steam blacklist.
🧾 Steam’s Official Stance… Still Says "No"

Steam’s guidelines still include:

“Applications built on blockchain technology that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs.”

But clearly, if a game avoids crypto-onboarding at the front door—and doesn't shove NFTs in players' faces—there’s wiggle room.

And why now? Likely a mix of:

Quality is finally catching up to expectations

Epic Games Store is embracing dozens of Web3 titles in 2025

Steam doesn’t want to miss out on the next big shift in gaming

Competition breeds flexibility, it seems.
️ New Launches, New Playbooks

The Bornless, a horror-themed FPS by Cathedral Studios, is another great example.

It started as a traditional game, but later partnered with Immutable to integrate NFTs for things like weapon skins and digital collectibles.

Their official FAQ is clear:

“No, it’s not a blockchain game – but yes, we think there are cool ways to use it further in the future.”

Basically: use the tech quietly, don't lead with it, and don’t scare the mods at Valve.

Similarly, Sparkball, an action-packed blend of Rocket League and League of Legends, began as a classic game but recently partnered with Somnia blockchain to add:

On-chain tournament rewards

Peer-to-peer crypto wagers

Again: traditional gameplay first, blockchain extras optional.
🧠 TL;DR

Steam’s Web3 ban is still officially in place—but developers are finding ways to sneak through.

Games like Off The Grid, The Bornless, and Sparkball are using a “Web2-first, Web3-optional” approach.

The success of Epic Games Store’s Web3 lineup may be pressuring Steam to quietly re-evaluate its stance.

Expect more hybrid launches—games that play like Web2 but reward like Web3.

What Do You Think?

Are hybrid Web3 games the best path forward?

Should Steam just admit it and drop the ban?

Have you played any of these titles—how was the blockchain integration?

Web3 gaming isn’t barging in the front door anymore. It’s slipping in through the side—quietly, smartly, and one quality title at a time.
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