Recently, we've received some feedback from members of the community seeking clarification and clarity regarding Mojang Studios and Minecraft's position on NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and blockchain.
We are currently updating our Minecraft Usage Guides to provide more specific instructions on the latest technologies. We wanted to share our opinion that integrations of NFT with Minecraft are not something we'd like to support or allow. Let's look at it more closely.
What is an NFT?
An NFT is an unique, non-editable digital token that is part of a blockchain and often purchased with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. An NFT can be associated with any form of digital asset, such as an MPEG or a GIF, but the most common use case today is digital art, such as JPEGs. An NFT is the token that identifies the owner of the original digital file. However, as with any digital file, it can be copied, moved, or even deleted. NFTs and blockchain are also linked to speculation, in which prices are driven up quickly and, as we've observed, could fall rapidly.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?
We strongly recommend that you review the following guidelines if you are a creator or player involved in the trading selling, buying, or trading of NFTs that use Minecraft (like worlds and skins). icdama Otherwise, it's likely these changes won't affect you.
OUR POLICY ON MINECRAFT NFTS
Our Minecraft Usage Guidelines outline how a server owner may charge for access and how everyone should have access to the same features. These rules are in place to ensure Minecraft remains a community that allows everyone access to the same content. NFTs are able to create models of exclusion and scarcity that conflict with our Guidelines and the nature of Minecraft.
To ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technologies are not permitted to be integrated within our server and client applications, nor may Minecraft in-game content such as worlds, skins, personal items, or any other mods, be used by blockchain technology to create a scarce digital asset. These are our reasons.
Certain companies have recently launched NFT implementations that integrate with Minecraft world skin packs and files. Other examples of how NFTs and blockchain could be used with Minecraft include creating Minecraft collectible NFTs, allowing players to earn NFTs through activities performed on servers, or by earning Minecraft NFT rewards for doing activities that are not part of the game.
Each of these uses for NFTs and other Blockchain technologies creates digital ownership that is based on scarcity or exclusion. This is not in accordance with Minecraft values of inclusion through creativity as well as playing together and sharing resources. NFTs are not inclusive of all of our community and create a semblance of the haves and have-nots. The speculation-based pricing and investment mindset around NFTs takes the focus away from playing the game and encourages profit-seeking, which we believe is not in line with the long-term happiness and success of our players.
We are also concerned about third-party NFTs not being secure and could cost players who purchase them. Certain third-party NFT implementations are also entirely dependent on blockchain technology and could require an asset manager, who might 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 aim to create a market in which those values are recognized.
In order to ensure that Minecraft players enjoy a secure and enjoyable experience, blockchain technology is not permitted to be integrated into our Minecraft client and server applications. Nor can be used to create NFTs associated with any game-related content, such as skins, worlds, items, or any other mods. We will also monitor how blockchain technology evolves over time to ensure that the above principles are not violated and to determine if it will offer more secure gaming experiences or other practical, inclusive applications in gaming. We do not have any plans of implementing blockchain technology into Minecraft right now.
We'll be providing more details to you in the near future. You can read our guidelines here, but in the meantime, we'll be able to share more with you. Keep an eye out!
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