Recently, we've received some feedback from members of the community asking for clarification and transparency regarding Mojang Studios and Minecraft's position on NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and blockchain.
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While we are in the process of updating our Minecraft Usage Guidelines to provide more precise guidance on new technologies, we would like to use this opportunity to share our view that integrations of NFTs with Minecraft are generally not something we allow or even support. Let's have a closer look!
What is a NFT?
An NFT is an exclusive digital token that is not modified and is usually purchased using cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. An NFT can be associated with any digital asset, such as an MPEG or GIF. However, digital art like JPEGs are the most well-known use case for an NFT. The purchase of an NFT is a token that identifies the owner of the original digital file. However, as with any digital file, that file can be copied, moved or even deleted. Blockchain and NFTs have also been associated with speculation, where prices are driven up rapidly and, as we've recently seen, may fall rapidly.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?
If you're a player or creator actively involved in buying, selling, or trading of NFTs which make use of Minecraft (like skins or worlds), we strongly suggest that you read the guidelines below. If you don't the above, these changes won't affect you.
OUR POLICY ON NFTs AND MINECRAFT
Our Minecraft Usage Guidelines outline how the server owner can charge users for access and that every player should have the same functionality. These rules are in place to ensure that Minecraft remains a community in which everyone has access to the same content. NFTs may, however, create scarcity and exclusion models which are not in line with our guidelines and the purpose and spirit of Minecraft.
To ensure that Minecraft players enjoy an enjoyable and safe experience, blockchain technology is not permitted to be used into our server and client applications, nor may Minecraft in-game content , such as skins, worlds personal items, or any other mods, be utilized by blockchain technology to create a scarce digital asset. Our reasons are as follows.
Some companies have recently launched NFT implementations that are bundled with Minecraft world skin packs and files. Other examples of how NFTs and blockchain could be utilized with Minecraft include the creation of Minecraft collectible NFTs which allow players to earn NFTs through the activities they perform on servers, or earn Minecraft NFT rewards for activities outside of the game.
Each of these uses for NFTs and other Blockchain technologies result in digital ownership that is based on scarcity or exclusion. This is not in line with Minecraft values of inclusion through creativity as well as playing together and sharing resources. NFTs do not encompass all of our players and create a stalemate of the haves and have-nots. NFTs encourage profit-seeking and speculative pricing 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 cost players who purchase them. Third-party NFT implementations could also depend on blockchain technology. They may need an asset manager, who could disappear without notice. There have also been instances when NFTs were sold at fraudulently or artificially inflated prices. We understand that the process of creating our game has intrinsic value and we work hard to provide a platform where those values can be recognized.
To ensure Minecraft players have a secure and inclusive experience Blockchain technology isn't allowed to be integrated into our Minecraft client or server applications. They also cannot be used to create NFTs using any in-game content including skins and worlds, personal items, or other mods. We will also be watching closely the way blockchain technology develops over time to ensure that these principles are not violated and to determine if it can enable more secure experiences or other practical and inclusive applications in gaming. However, we do not have plans to incorporate blockchain technology into Minecraft at the moment.
We'll have more information to share with you soon. You can read our guidelines here However, in the meantime, we hope to have more information to share with you. Stay tuned!
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