Steam Set to Launch Blockchain Game “Paradise” Amid Scam Allegations

A new video game, Paradise, is stirring up a storm as it gears up for an early access launch on Steam on April 2, despite being labeled by many as a potential cryptocurrency scam. Promoted as a thrilling, action-packed title akin to Grand Theft Auto 6, Paradise promises players the chance to race cars, battle foes, and rake in cash. Yet, beneath the flashy exterior lies a troubling question: how did a game tied to blockchain technology slip through Steams strict ban on such titles?

Developed by Ultra Games, Paradise has dazzled onlookers with a trailer showcasing a protagonist weaving through AI-crafted landscapes and chatting with artificial intelligence-driven NPCs. It‘s an ambitious pitch, but the shine fades when you dig into the developers’ track record. The game‘s in-game currency, the $PAR token, has sparked outrage, with some investors claiming they couldn’t withdraw funds—hinting at a possible scam lurking in the code.

The red flags don‘t stop there. Ultra Games has been called out for shady marketing moves, like hinting at nonexistent collaborations with big-name streamers such as Ninja and Pokimane. Their trailers flaunt luxury cars like Lamborghini, but there’s no license to back it up. Digging deeper, YouTubers and sleuths uncovered a fake Hong Kong address listed as the companys base, with signs pointing to Tbilisi, Georgia—a hotspot for blockchain scams—as the real hub.

Steam‘s rules have been clear since 2021: no blockchain or NFT games allowed. Ultra Games insists the Steam version of Paradise will ditch the crypto elements, but skeptics aren’t buying it. Whispers suggest the game might funnel players to a third-party app, dodging Steam‘s ban while still exposing users to financial pitfalls. Valve, Steam’s parent company, has stayed silent on the matter, leaving players in the dark as the release date looms.

Meanwhile, Epic Games has taken a different tack. After briefly yanking Paradise from its store, it‘s back as Paradise XRPL, openly flaunting its blockchain roots. The store page brags about the $PAR token’s perks—faster trades, player-to-player deals, and exclusive goodies. Epic Games, like Valve, isnt talking, which only fuels the fire of distrust.

The Paradise saga has reignited a fierce debate about blockchain games and consumer safety. Critics warn that titles like this could fleece players, especially when crypto ties are buried in fine print or dodged altogether. Without tougher rules or sharper oversight from platforms like Steam and Epic Games, gamers could be left holding the bag—literally and figuratively.

Industry watchers argue it‘s high time for a crackdown. Stronger regulations and platform accountability could shield users from scams masquerading as entertainment. As Paradise inches toward release, it’s shaping up as a litmus test for how gaming giants will tackle the messy mashup of crypto and controllers.

For now, the advice is simple: tread carefully. The intersection of gaming and cryptocurrency is a wild frontier, and Paradise might just be the latest mirage. Players eyeing this title should dig into the risks—financial and otherwise—before jumping in. With no clear word from Valve or Epic Games, the burden falls on gamers to stay sharp and informed.

At its core, this controversy isn‘t just about one game. It’s about trust, transparency, and the future of an industry racing to keep up with tech‘s double-edged sword. Whether Paradise crashes and burns or somehow delivers on its promises, it’s a wake-up call for anyone who loves gaming—and hates getting scammed.