Minecraft And NFTs

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

While we are in the process of updating our Minecraft Usage Guidelines to offer more specific guidelines on the latest technologies, we want to use this chance to let you know that integrations of NFTs with Minecraft are generally not something we would allow or even support. Let's take a closer look!

WHAT IS A NFT?

An NFT is an individual digital token that is not modified and is usually bought using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. An NFT can be associated with any digital asset, such as an MPEG or GIF. However digital art such as JPEGs is the most common use-case for an NFT. The purchase of an NFT gives you the certificate that states the ownership of the original digital file. However, any digital file can be copied, deleted or moved. Blockchain and NFTs have also been associated with speculation, in which prices rise rapidly and, as we've observed, they can fall quickly.

What are the implications for me?

We strongly suggest to read the following information if you are a participant or creator involved in the trading, buying, or selling of NFTs that utilize Minecraft (like worlds and skins). Otherwise, it's likely that these changes won't impact you.

OUR POLICY ON NFTs AND MINECRAFT

Our Minecraft Usage Guidelines outline how the server owner can charge for access to the server and the way that all players should be able to access the same capabilities. We have these rules in place to ensure that Minecraft remains a community in which everyone has access to the same content. NFTs, however, can create models of exclusion and scarcity that do not conform to our Guidelines and the nature of Minecraft.

Blockchain technology isn't allowed to be integrated into our client or server apps. Also, it is not permitted to integrate blockchain technology into Minecraft game-related content such as skins, worlds and other items be used by blockchain technology to create a unique digital asset. Our reasons are as follows.

Certain companies have recently launched NFT implementations that integrate with Minecraft world skin packs and files. NFTs and blockchains can be used with Minecraft to create Minecraft collectible NFTs. This allows players to earn NFTs through the performance of tasks on a server, or by earning Minecraft NFT rewards.

Each of these applications of NFTs and other blockchain technologies creates digital ownership built on scarcity and exclusion that is not in alignment with Minecraft values of creative inclusion and playing together. NFTs don't include all members of our community and create a situation of the haves and the not-so-haves. NFTs encourage speculation and profit, which we believe is incompatible with long-term happiness and prosperity for our players.

We are also concerned about third-party NFTs not being secure and could cost the customers who buy them. Third-party NFT implementations may also depend on blockchain technology. They may need an asset manager who could disappear without notice. NFTs are sold at inflated or artificially high prices in certain instances. We understand the inherent value of creation within our game and strive to create a market in which these values are acknowledged.

To ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technology is not allowed to be integrated inside our Minecraft client and server applications, nor can be used to create NFTs for any in-game content, like skins, worlds and other items, or other mods. We will also keep track of how blockchain technology develops in the future to ensure that the above principles aren't infringed upon and to determine if it can provide more secure experiences or other useful, inclusive applications in gaming. We don't plan to implement blockchain technology in Minecraft at the moment.

We'll have more information to share with you soon. We have our guidelines here However, in the meantime, we hope to be able to share more with you. Keep an eye out! libertycm