YouTube launches what some consider a direct attack on blockchain gaming videos

YouTube has began what some think about to be a direct assault on blockchain gaming movies. This has raised considerations throughout the blockchain gaming group that it might doubtlessly restrict the provision of content material that promotes or discusses decentralized gaming ecosystems.

The choice comes after YouTube introduced new restrictions on content material that promotes playing involving digital items, together with NFTs and in-game gadgets.

Based on the brand new replace, YouTube expanded its ban on content material that directs viewers to on-line playing companies not licensed by Google. It now covers any on-line playing utilizing digital gadgets with actual financial worth.

Particularly, the brand new guidelines level to NFTs, online game skins, and cosmetics. These additions replicate the rising pattern of digital items being utilized in betting, particularly in video games like Counter-Strike 2, the place pores and skin playing has been a longstanding challenge.

Blockchain video games don’t promote playing straight, however YouTube can act on movies flagged by viewers if these movies contain gameplay that mimics playing actions. That features opening loot packing containers with NFTs inside, battling for token rewards, or utilizing phrases like staking, profitable tokens, or high-value NFT drops.

Gaming tokens tank as much as practically 10%

This scrutiny comes at a time when Web3 gaming is gaining traction, intersecting with main cryptocurrencies like ETH and gaming-specific tokens comparable to SAND and AXS.

At this level, Animoca Manufacturers is trying ahead to a Nasdaq itemizing after 5 years of being delisted from the Australian Securities Change (ASX).

Nonetheless, YouTube’s obvious crackdown on blockchain gaming movies might prohibit visibility for initiatives developed on platforms comparable to Ethereum, the place non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and play-to-earn fashions thrive.

Prime gaming tokens. Supply: CoinMarketCap

Already, gaming tokens have seen declines. Within the final 24 hours, RENDER and IMX have misplaced greater than 9%, and MANA and SAND have misplaced greater than 5%. FLOKI is down 7.6%, and STX is down 6.9%.

On-chain transaction volumes for gaming NFTs have nonetheless proven resilience. As an illustration, each MANA and SAND recorded a 13% surge in buying and selling volumes. This reveals that whereas sentiment might bitter initially, institutional curiosity in blockchain gaming stays sturdy.

Specialists have suggested traders buying and selling crypto pairs like SAND/USDT or AXS/BTC to observe correlations with total market cap fluctuations. It is because, if YouTube’s actions sign a wider scrutiny of tech platforms, it might get into inventory markets, affecting tech giants and not directly boosting decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens.

Odysee accuses YouTube of anti-competitive behaviour.

In different information, YouTube quietly censored hyperlinks to Odysee, a video-sharing platform constructed on blockchain know-how much like YouTube. Screenshots shared on X confirmed Odysee hyperlinks disappearing from YouTube feedback and descriptions. This triggered accusations that Google’s video large is slicing off a rival.

Expensive buddies,
YouTube is obstructing Odysee hyperlinks!

Please RT to assist us increase consciousness to get this fastened.

Please cease this anti-competitive habits @TeamYouTube @YouTube

— odysee (@OdyseeTeam) October 3, 2025

Odysee has marketed itself as a free-speech various since its launch in 2020. This has drawn customers pissed off with YouTube’s strict moderation. Its blockchain design retains movies on-line even after takedowns, with creators incomes crypto suggestions as a substitute of advert income.

To that finish, Odysee’s group urged customers to stress YouTube by tagging its official accounts, accusing the platform of anti-competitive behaviour.

Nonetheless, YouTube didn’t straight handle Odysee however pointed to its exterior hyperlink and spam guidelines, which might block hyperlinks linked to scams or deceptive materials. YouTube has 2.5 billion customers, whereas Odysee solely has a couple of million. Analysts and avid gamers have raised considerations about YouTube’s monopoly energy and whether or not it’s unfairly controlling what customers have entry to.

This made Odysee a well-liked place for controversial voices as a result of it drew individuals who consider in conspiracies. Supporters see it as proof that websites like YouTube can’t shut down everybody. However advocacy teams say the location usually turns into a breeding floor for dangerous content material.