Minecraft And NFTs

Recently, we've received feedback from the community asking for clarification and transparency regarding Mojang Studios and Minecraft's position on NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and blockchain.

While we are currently working on updating our Minecraft Usage Guidelines to offer more specific guidelines on the latest technologies, we want to use this opportunity to share our view that integrations of NFTs with Minecraft are not something we would accept or support. Let's have a closer look!

What is a NFT?

An NFT is an unique, non-editable digital token that is part of a blockchain and typically purchased using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. An NFT can be associated with any type of digital asset like an MPEG or a GIF but the most common use case today is digital art like JPEGs. An NFT is the token that indicates the owner of the original digital file. However any digital file can be copied, moved or deleted. NFTs and blockchain are also associated with speculation, where prices are driven up rapidly and, as we've seen, could fall quickly.

What are the implications for me?

If you're a creator who is involved in the purchase, selling, or trading of NFTs that make use of Minecraft (like skins or worlds) We strongly recommend you go through the information below. Otherwise, it's likely that these changes won't impact you.

OUR POLICY ON NFTs and MINECRAFT

In our Minecraft Usage Guidelines, we define how a server's owner can charge for access, and that all players should have access to the same functionality. We have these rules to ensure that Minecraft remains a community in which everyone has access to the same content. NFTs are able to create models of exclusion and scarcity that are in conflict with our Guidelines and the nature of Minecraft.

To ensure that Minecraft players enjoy an enjoyable and safe experience, blockchain technology is not allowed to be integrated into our server and client applications. Neither can Minecraft game-specific content, such as worlds, skins, persona items, or other mods, be used by blockchain technology to create a rare digital asset. Our reasons follow.

A few companies have recently introduced NFT implementations that are bundled with Minecraft world files and skin packs. Other examples of how NFTs and blockchain can be utilized with Minecraft include the creation of Minecraft collectible NFTs, allowing players to earn NFTs through the activities they perform on servers, or by earning Minecraft NFT rewards for activities outside the game.

Each of these uses for NFTs and other Blockchain technologies result in digital ownership that is built on scarcity or exclusion. This is not in line with Minecraft values of inclusion through creativity as well as playing together and sharing our resources. NFTs are not inclusive of all members of our community and create a semblance of the haves and the have-nots. NFTs encourage speculation and profiteering, which we believe is not compatible with long-term joy and success for our players.

We are also concerned that third-party NFTs might not be reliable and may end up costing players who buy them. Some third-party NFT implementations are dependent on blockchain technology, and may require an asset manager, who may disappear without notice. There have been instances when NFTs were sold at fraudulent or artificially inflated prices. We understand the inherent value of creation within our game and strive to create a market where those values are recognized.

To ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technologies are not allowed to be integrated inside our Minecraft client and server applications. Nor can they be utilized to create NFTs that are associated with any in-game content, including skins, worlds and other items, or any other mods. We will be keeping a close eye on how blockchain technology develops in the future to ensure that the above principles are not violated and determine whether it will provide more secure gaming or other practical and inclusive applications in gaming. We do not have any plans of incorporating blockchain technology into Minecraft at the moment.
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We will be sharing more information with you in the near future. In the meantime If you're interested in reading up on our guidelines they can be found here. Keep watching!