Minecraft And NFTs

We've received feedback from the community in recent days seeking clarity and transparency about Mojang Studios' and Minecraft's position on NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and blockchain.

We are updating our Minecraft Usage Guides to provide more specific guidance on new technologies. We wanted to share our opinion that NFT integrations with Minecraft are not something we would recommend or allow. Let's look at it more closely.

WHAT IS A NFT?

An NFT is a unique digital token that is not altered and is typically purchased using cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. An NFT can be associated to any digital asset, such as an MPEG or GIF. However digital art such as JPEGs are the most well-known use case for an NFT. The purchase of an NFT provides the token that identifies the owner of the original digital file. However, as with any digital file, that file can be moved, copied, or even deleted. Blockchain and NFTs have also been linked to speculation, where prices rise rapidly and as we have recently observed, they can fall quickly.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?

If you're a participant or creator who is involved in the selling, buying or trading of NFTs that make use of Minecraft (like worlds or skins), we strongly suggest that you read the guidelines below. If you don't then these changes won't be a problem for you.

OUR POLICY ON MINECRAFT AND NFTS

In our Minecraft Usage Guidelines, we explain how a server's owner can charge users for access, and that all players should be able to access the same functions. These rules are in place to ensure that Minecraft remains a community in which everyone has access to the same content. NFTs can, however, create scarcity and exclusion models that are not in line with our guidelines and the purpose and spirit of Minecraft.

To ensure that Minecraft players have an enjoyable and safe experience, blockchain technologies are not allowed to be used into our server and client applications. Neither can Minecraft in-game content , such as skins, worlds, persona items, or other mods, be used by blockchain technology to create a scarce digital asset. ZEHN GAMES CANADA Our reasons are as follows.

Some companies have recently launched NFT implementations that are bundled with Minecraft world files and skin packs. NFTs and blockchains can be integrated into Minecraft to create Minecraft collectible NFTs. This lets players earn NFTs through the performance of tasks on a server, or by earning Minecraft NFT rewards.

Each of these uses of NFTs and other blockchain technologies results in digital ownership based on scarcity and exclusion which is not in line with Minecraft values of creativity and playing with others. NFTs do not include everyone in our community and create a conflict between the haves and the not-so-haves. The investment and speculation mindset about NFTs takes the focus away from the game itself and encourages profiteering, which is inconsistent with the long-term happiness and the performance of our players.

We are also concerned about third-party NFTs not being secure and could cost those who purchase them. Third-party NFT implementations could be dependent on blockchain technology. They could require an asset manager who can disappear without notice. NFTs were sold at artificially high or fraudulentlyinflated prices in some cases. We recognize the intrinsic value of creating in our game and work to create a market in which these values are acknowledged.

To ensure Minecraft players enjoy a safe, inclusive experience, blockchain technology is not allowed to be integrated into our Minecraft client or server applications. They also cannot be used to create NFTs with any in-game content including skins and worlds, personal items, and other mods. We will also be keeping a close eye on the way blockchain technology develops over time to ensure the above principles are not violated and determine whether it will provide more secure gaming or other feasible and inclusive applications in gaming. We are not planning to incorporate blockchain technology into Minecraft in the near future.

We will be providing more details to you soon. We have our guidelines here, but in the meantime, we hope to have more information to share with you. Keep an eye out!