Recently, we've received feedback from members of the community inquiring for clarification and more transparency regarding Mojang Studios and Minecraft's position on NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and blockchain.
While we are in the process of updating our Minecraft Usage Guidelines to offer more specific guidelines on the latest technologies, we would like to take the chance to let you know that integrations of NFTs with Minecraft are not something we would support or allow. Let's take a look!
What is a NFT?
An NFT is an unique, non-editable digital token that is part of a blockchain , and is often purchased with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. An NFT can be associated to any digital asset, like an MPEG or GIF. However digital art, such as JPEGs are the most common application for this token. The purchase of an NFT gives you the certificate that states the ownership of the original digital file. However any digital file can be copied and deleted or moved. Blockchain and NFTs have been linked to speculation. This is why prices can go up quickly and, as we've observed, can drop quickly.
What are the implications for me?
We strongly suggest to read the following guidelines if you are a creator or player involved in the trading buying or selling of NFTs that utilize Minecraft (like skins and worlds). If you don't the above, these changes won't impact your game.
OUR POLICY ON NFTs and MINECRAFT
In our Minecraft Usage Guidelines, we outline how a server owner can charge users for access, and that all players should have access to the same functionality. We have these rules to ensure that Minecraft remains a community in which everyone has access to the same content. NFTs are able to create scarcity and exclusion models that are not in accordance with our guidelines as well as the purpose and spirit of Minecraft.
Blockchain technology is not permitted to be integrated into our client or server applications. Neither may Minecraft game-related content such as skins, worlds, and other items be utilized by blockchain technology to create a precious digital asset. The reasons for this are as follows.
NFT implementations have been launched by various companies that can be connected to Minecraft world skin pack and files. Other examples of how NFTs and blockchains could be integrated in conjunction with Minecraft include the creation of Minecraft collectible NFTs that allow players to earn NFTs through the activities they perform on servers, or earn 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 built on scarcity or exclusion. This is not in the spirit of Minecraft values of inclusion through creativity as well as playing together and sharing resources. NFTs do not include all members of our community and create a stalemate of the haves and the not-so-haves. The speculative pricing and investment mentality about NFTs take the focus away from the game itself and encourages profit-seeking, which we believe is incompatible with the long-term happiness and the success of our players.
We are also concerned that third-party NFTs might not be reliable and could cost players who purchase them. Twitsoc Some third-party NFT implementations are also dependent on blockchain technology and could require an asset manager, who could disappear without notice. NFTs are sold at artificially high or fraudulentlyinflated prices in some cases. We are aware that the creation process within our game is intrinsically valuable and we aim to provide a marketplace where those values are acknowledged.
To ensure Minecraft players have a safe and enjoyable experience, blockchain technology is not allowed to be integrated into our Minecraft client or server applications. It is also not used to create NFTs with any in-game content including skins and worlds, persona items, and other mods. We will be paying close attention to how blockchain technology develops over time to ensure the above principles are not violated and determine whether it will enable more secure experiences or other practical and inclusive gaming applications. We do not have any plans of incorporating blockchain technology into Minecraft at the moment.
We'll be giving you more information soon. We have our guidelines here, but in the meantime, we hope to have more to share with you. Stay tuned!