buttonwall84

Minecraft and NFTs

We've received feedback from the community recently 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 in-depth guidance on new technologies. However, we wanted to express our opinion that integrations of NFT with Minecraft are not something we would recommend or allow. Let's look at it more closely.

What is an NFT?

An NFT is an exclusive, non-editable digital token that is part of a blockchain and typically purchased using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. An NFT can be linked to any digital asset such as an MPEG and a GIF. However digital art, such as JPEGs is the most common use-case for an NFT. An NFT is the token that identifies the owner of the original digital file. However any digital file can be copied and moved or deleted. Blockchain and NFTs have also been associated with speculation, in which prices are driven up rapidly and, as we've recently seen, could fall rapidly.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME

If you're a participant or creator who is involved in the selling, buying or trading of NFTs which make use of Minecraft (like skins or worlds) We strongly recommend that you read the guidelines below. If not, these changes won't impact you.

OUR POLICY ON NFTs AND MINECRAFT

Our Minecraft Usage Guidelines outline how a server owner may charge for access and the way that all players should be able to access the same access to features. These rules are in place to ensure Minecraft remains an open community that gives everyone access to the same content. NFTs are able to create exclusion and scarcity models that are not in line with our Guidelines and the spirit and purpose of Minecraft.
886lv

To ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technologies are not allowed to be integrated into our server and client applications, nor can Minecraft in-game content , such as worlds, skins, personal items, or any other mods, be used by blockchain technology to create a rare digital asset. These are our reasons.

NFT implementations have been announced by various companies that can be linked to Minecraft world files and skin pack. NFTs and blockchains can be integrated into Minecraft to create Minecraft collectible NFTs. This allows players to earn NFTs by completing tasks on a server or earning Minecraft NFT rewards.

Each of these applications of NFTs and other blockchain technologies result in digital ownership that is based on exclusion and scarcity that is not in alignment with Minecraft values of inclusion and creativity and playing with one another. NFTs do not include all members of our community and create a situation of the haves and the not-so-haves. The speculative pricing and investment mentality around NFTs diverts attention from the game itself and encourages profiteering, which is incompatible with the long-term happiness and success of our players.

We are also concerned that some third-party NFTs might not be reliable and may end up costing the players who buy them. Third-party NFT implementations may be dependent on blockchain technology. They may need an asset manager who could disappear without notice. NFTs were sold at artificially high or fraudulently inflated prices in some cases. We are aware that the creation process within our game has intrinsic value and we aim to provide a marketplace where those values are acknowledged.

To ensure Minecraft players have a secure, inclusive experience, blockchain technology is not allowed to be integrated into our Minecraft client or server applications. It is also not used to create NFTs using any game-related content, including worlds and skins, persona items, or other mods. We will also be keeping a close eye on how blockchain technology evolves over time to ensure that the above principles are withheld and determine whether it will provide more secure gaming or other inclusive and practical applications in gaming. We don't plan to incorporate blockchain technology into Minecraft at this time.

We will be giving you more information in the near future. We have our guidelines here however, in the meantime, we'll have more to share with you. Keep an eye out!