Shops, Points, and Pretend Currency Systems

Hi!

We are updating this policy in response to the questions we have seen asked about the original policy that was written here. To summarize, we do allow people to use pretend point-based systems on Scratch, but there are 4 main things to remember when trying to use these systems:

1. It must be a pretend currency that is not real or easily confused with real or cryptocurrency.

2. It needs to exist only on the Scratch website – it cannot require using another website, app, or browser add-on.

3. Participation is optional – if someone remixes content from a Scratch project in a way that is consistent with Scratch Community Guidelines, but chooses not to “pay” for something intended to be used with the point system, they are allowed to do this.

4. It must follow all Scratch Community Guidelines.

For more details about each of these items:

1. Any exchange system you create must be pretend, and should not be easily confused with real-world currencies.

• Using real money or something that feels like a real currency, such as creating a new cryptocurrency, is not allowed on Scratch.
• You may not use Scratch to advertise, or buy and sell real things, services, or currencies. This means you cannot do things like buy or sell your personal belongings, cryptocurrencies, currencies/points for online games, or advertise any products or services.
• We advise avoiding names like coins, money, and currency. Consider names like points, stardust, gems, candies, or credits instead. Be creative!

2. Your exchange system must be completely maintained on the Scratch website (through features like projects, comments, forum posts or studios)

• If any feature of your system requires others to leave the Scratch website, use an app, or use a browser add-on or script in order to use your system fully, it is not allowed.

3. Participation must be completely optional, and you may not force someone to participate in your exchange system. (For example, all projects on Scratch are remixable, so you cannot demand others “pay” to remix your projects.)

• It is not okay to use social actions (likes, favorites, views, or follows) as a form of payment. Scratch social actions should always be something that Scratchers give freely, not something they do because they are getting “paid” for it.
• It is never okay to say mean or insulting things, or engage in inappropriate behavior because you do not like the system someone has created, or don't like the way they are or are not participating in it.

4. You must follow all Scratch Community Guidelines.

• If we notice your system is involved in a high number of Community Guideline violations, we reserve the right to remove it from Scratch.

(This policy has been revised as of August 2023.)

Summary

Pretend point or currency systems are allowed on Scratch as long as they stay fully inside Scratch and are clearly not real money or crypto. They cannot be used to buy, sell, or advertise real-world items or services. Participation must always be optional, and you cannot require “payment” like likes, follows, or remixes. All systems must follow the Scratch Community Guidelines.