Minecraft And NFTs

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.

While we are updating our Minecraft Usage guidelines to provide more precise guidance on the new technologies, we wanted the opportunity to share with you our opinion that NFTs in Minecraft are generally not something which we will allow or support. Let''s take a closer look.

WHAT IS AN NFT?

An NFT is a unique, non-editable, digital token that is part of a blockchain and often purchased with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Servers An NFT can be associated to any digital asset, such as an MPEG and a GIF. However, digital art like JPEGs is the most popular use case for an NFT. The purchase of an NFT provides the token that states the ownership of the original digital file. Yet, with any digital file, that file can be copied, moved, or even deleted. NFTs and Blockchain have been associated with speculation. This is where prices can rise rapidly and, as we have seen, may fall quickly.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?

We recommend the following information to players and creators who are involved in the selling, buying, trading, or trading NFTs that make reference to Minecraft (like skins, worlds, or worlds). You won''t be affected by these changes if you don''t.

OUR POLICY ON MINECRAFT AND NFTS

We outline in our Minecraft Usage Guidelines how a server owner can charge access fees and that all players should have equal access to the same functionality. These rules were created to ensure Minecraft remains an open community that everyone has equal access to the same content. NFTs can however create scarcity and exclusion models which conflict with our Guidelines.

To ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technologies are not permitted to be integrated inside our client and server applications, nor may Minecraft in-game content such as worlds, skins, persona items, or other mods, be utilized by blockchain technology to create a scarce digital asset. We have a few reasons.

NFT implementations are often associated with Minecraft skin packs and world files. NFTs can also be used to help Minecraft. For example, players can earn NFTs from activities they perform on a server. Or, they could earn Minecraft NFT rewards by engaging in activities outside of Minecraft.

Each of these NFTs and other blockchain technology uses creates digital ownership based upon scarcity and exclusion. This is contrary to Minecraft values of creative inclusion as well as playing together. NFTs don''t include everyone in our community. They create a world of the haves versus the have-nots. NFTs encourage profiteering and speculative pricing, which we believe is incompatible with long-term joy and success for our players.

We are also concerned by the possibility that some third-party NFTs might not be reliable and could end costing players who have them. Some third-party NFT implementations are also entirely dependent on blockchain technology and may require an asset manager who might disappear without notice. NFTs have been sold at artificially high or fraudulentlyinflated prices in some cases. We recognize the intrinsic value of creation within our game and strive to create a market where those values are recognized.

To ensure Minecraft players have an inclusive and safe experience, blockchain technology cannot be integrated into Minecraft client or server applications. Neither can they be used to create NFTs to any in game content, such as worlds. Skins, personas, mods, or other mods. We will also be paying close attention to how blockchain technology evolves over time to ensure that the above principles are withheld and determine whether it will allow for more secure experiences or other practical and inclusive applications in gaming. We don''t plan to integrate blockchain technology into Minecraft.

We''ll be sharing more information soon. If you''re interested, you can access our guidelines here. Keep checking back!