Minecraft Without Blockchain, but Mojang Leaves the Door Open
Studio Mojang categorically rejects the implementation of blockchain technology and NFT in Minecraft. At least until they are „reliable” and „secure.”.
Studio Mojang has taken a stand on one of the more controversial technology trends of recent years. The developers of Minecraft do not intend to allow the implementation blockchain and the use of game resources to create NFTs.
The developer is in the process of updating Minecraft Usage Guidelines to address concerns about the studio's attitude toward new technologies. However, many fans have begun to ask the developers about their approach to NFT and blockchain. Therefore, the issue was discussed in a separate post on the game's official website.
NFT and blockchain: exclusive and unreliable
Mojang gives two reasons for not wanting to allow the implementation of these solutions on servers. The developer believes that NFTs and blockchain create a model of digital ownership based on "scarcity and exclusion," which goes against the "spirit" and principles of Minecraft. These technologies encourage not collaborative play and creativity in the game, but speculation and profiteering.
"Each of these uses of NFTs and other blockchain technologies creates digital ownership based on scarcity and exclusion, which does not align with Minecraft values of creative inclusion and playing together. NFTs are not inclusive of all our community and create a scenario of the haves and the have-nots. The speculative pricing and investment mentality around NFTs takes the focus away from playing the game and encourages profiteering, which we think is inconsistent with the long-term joy and success of our players."
"Speculation," by the way, is the second reason for the developer's dislike of digital tokens. The studio points out both the artificial (and sometimes intentional) overpricing of NFTs and the need for managers to manage these "goods", "which can disappear without a trace." Thus, many third-party (i.e., not affiliated with Mojang) initiatives of this type are, in short, "unreliable" and can cost buyers of digital goods dearly.
Minecraft without NFT (for now)
This is not to say that Mojang is absolutely opposed to NFT. Yes, for the time being the company is categorically disassociating itself from anything related to blockchain. However, the announcement also included mention of the developers' recognition of "intrinsic value" and the developer's efforts to provide a market where that "value" will be recognized.
The studio intends to keep a close eye on the development of blockchain technology and will evaluate over time whether it will find a "secure," "practical and inclusive" application in video games. Nonetheless, for now, Mojang makes it clear: in its current form, NFTs and blockchain are not right for use in Minecraft.
