Minecraft will not support blockchain integration or NFTs
Don’t expect to see blockchain technology or NFTs in Minecraft anytime soon. The developers of the hugely popular sandbox game have taken a public stance on the issue, saying that these technologies create “models of scarcity and exclusion that conflict with our policies and the spirit of Minecraft.”
In a statement published today, Mojang employees lay out the company’s view on blockchain technology, with a particular emphasis on NFTs. The quick summary is that “integrations of NFTs with Minecraft are generally not something we will support or allow,” but the post goes into detail on the reasoning behind the decision.
Several companies, Mojang explains, have recently launched NFT lines related to Minecraft in different ways: some have created NFT skin packs and assets, while others have proposed creating Minecraft-themed collectible NFT sets or time-awarded NFTs used on specific Minecraft servers.
“Each of these uses of NFTs and other blockchain technologies creates digital ownership based on scarcity and exclusion, which is inconsistent with the Minecraft values of creative inclusion and playing together,” Mojang says. NFTs do not include the whole of our society and create a scenario of the haves and the have-nots.”
Furthermore, Mojang is extremely wary of the financial speculation associated with NFTs and does not want it to change the way people play Minecraft.
“The speculative pricing and investment mentality around NFTs takes the focus away from playing the game and encourages profit, which we believe is inconsistent with the long-term enjoyment and success of our players,” Mojang says.
While Mojang says it plans to continue monitoring the blockchain space for developments in the technology, for now it issues a general rule: none of this belongs in Minecraft.
Game Pass for PC Game Pass for PC $9.99 $1 (first month) Subscribe Network N earns commission from qualifying purchases through Microsoft and other programs.
“To ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technologies are not allowed to be integrated into our Minecraft client and server applications, nor can they be used to create NFTs associated with in-game content, including worlds, skins , persona items or other mods, the company says.
Mojang says the Minecraft guidelines will soon be updated to reflect this policy.
