Notes

Minecraft and NFTs

We've received feedback from the community in recent days inquiring for clarity and clarity about Mojang Studios' and Minecraft's position on NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and blockchain.



While we are currently in the process of updating our Minecraft Usage Guidelines to offer more specific guidelines on the latest technologies, we would like to take the opportunity to express our opinion that integrations of NFTs with Minecraft are not something we will allow or even support. Let's look at it more closely.



What is a NFT?



An NFT is an individual digital token that can't be altered and is typically purchased with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. An NFT can be linked with any digital asset such as an MPEG or GIF. However digital art, such as JPEGs is the most common application for an NFT. The purchase of an NFT is a token that identifies the owner of the original digital file. But, as with any digital file, it can be moved, copied, or even deleted. NFTs and blockchain have also been linked to speculation, in which prices are driven up quickly and, as we've recently seen, could fall rapidly.



How will this affect me?



We strongly recommend to review the following information if are a creator or player involved in trading buying or selling of NFTs that utilize Minecraft (like skins and worlds). Otherwise, it's likely these changes won't have any effect on you.



Our NFT POLICY AND MINECRAFT



Our Minecraft Usage Guidelines outline how a server owner may charge for access to the server and how everyone should have the same capabilities. These rules are in place to ensure Minecraft remains an open community that grants everyone access to the same content. NFTs are able to create models of scarcity and exclusion that do not conform to our guidelines and the spirit of Minecraft.



To ensure that Minecraft players enjoy a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technologies are not allowed to be used within our server and client applications. Neither can Minecraft in-game content , such as skins, worlds, persona items, and other mods be incorporated by blockchain technology to create a rare digital asset. Our reasons follow.



NFT implementations have been introduced by various companies that can be linked to Minecraft world skin packs and files. NFTs and blockchain can also be integrated with Minecraft to create Minecraft collectible NFTs. This allows players to earn NFTs by performing activities on a server or gaining Minecraft NFT rewards.



Each of these uses of NFTs and other blockchain technologies result in digital ownership based on scarcity and exclusion that is not in alignment with Minecraft values of inclusion and creativity and playing with others. NFTs do not include everyone in our community and create a conflict between the haves and nots. NFTs encourage profit-seeking and speculative pricing which we believe is not compatible with long-term happiness and prosperity for our players.



We are also concerned about third-party NFTs not being secure and could cost those who purchase them. Third-party NFT implementations could depend on blockchain technology. They may need an asset manager who can disappear without notice. There have also been instances where NFTs were sold at fraudulent or artificially inflated prices. We recognize the intrinsic value of creativity within our game and work to create a marketplace where these values are acknowledged.



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



We will be providing more details to you soon. You can read our guidelines here, but in the meantime, we'll be able to share more with you. Stay tuned!

Alseyassi
Website: https://alseyassi.com/