As NFT-based video games become less of a pipe dream and more of a potential reality, battle lines are being drawn between online video game hubs on their existence.

Last week, Steam announced it will ban all games using NFTs or cryptocurrency. One of Steam's top competitors, the Epic Games Store, is taking a less hardline approach.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney previously stated he has no interest in NFTs due to the space's tendency to include scams, but that tune appears to have changed. Epic told The Verge that it is "open to games that support cryptocurrency or blockchain-based assets." Sweeney also tweeted that Epic "will welcome games that make use of blockchain tech provided they follow the relevant laws, disclose their terms, and are age-rated by an appropriate group. Though Epic's not using crypto in our games, we welcome innovation in the areas of technology and finance."

Epic Games Store will welcome games that make use of blockchain tech provided they follow the relevant laws, disclose their terms, and are age-rated by an appropriate group. Though Epic's not using crypto in our games, we welcome innovation in the areas of technology and finance. https://t.co/6W7hb8zJBw

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) October 15, 2021

Sweeney attempted to make the distinction that Epic won't create their own NFTs, but allowing them in their ecosystem is fair game. Some looked upon this negatively; Kotaku opined that it feels "like a case of Epic wanting to do what Valve won’t as the publisher continues to compete with Steam in every way possible."

If this comes to fruition, we may soon see promised NFT-trading video games in online gaming hubs, though Epic will have its work cut out for it to prevent scams: recently, one supposed NFT game project, Evolved Apes, proved to be a scam after the project's creator absconded with the money.