Minecraft And NFTs
Recently, we've received feedback from the community seeking clarification and clarity regarding Mojang Studios and Minecraft's position on NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and blockchain.
As we are currently working on updating our Minecraft Usage Guidelines to provide more precise guidance on new technologies, we wanted to take the opportunity to share our view that integrations of NFTs with Minecraft are generally not something we would allow or even support. Let's take a closer look.
WHAT IS AN NFT?
An NFT is an exclusive digital token that cannot be modified and is usually purchased with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. An NFT can be associated with any form of digital asset like an MPEG or a GIF however, the most common application is currently digital art such as JPEGs. 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. NFTs and blockchain are also associated with speculation, where prices are driven up quickly and as we have recently observed, could fall rapidly.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME? Survival
We strongly recommend to go through the following information if are a creator or player involved in the trading selling, buying, or buying of NFTs that use Minecraft (like skins and worlds). Otherwise, it's likely that these changes won't have any effect on you.
OUR POLICY ON MINECRAFT AND NFTS
In our Minecraft Usage Guidelines, we define how a server's owner can charge users for access, and that all players should have access to the same functionality. These rules are in place to ensure Minecraft remains a community that allows everyone 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 spirit and intent of Minecraft.
Blockchain technologies are not allowed to be integrated into our client and server apps. Also, it is not permitted to integrate blockchain technology into Minecraft in-game content like worlds, skins and persona items be used by blockchain technology to create a rare digital asset. These are the reasons we have.
A few companies have recently introduced 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 creating Minecraft collectible NFTs which allow players to earn NFTs through the activities they perform on servers, or earn Minecraft NFT rewards for doing activities outside the game.
Each of these uses for NFTs and other Blockchain technologies creates digital ownership that is dependent on scarcity or the exclusion of. This is not in accordance with Minecraft values of inclusion through creativity playing with others, and sharing resources. NFTs don't include everyone in our community and create a stalemate of the haves and the not-so-haves. The speculation about prices and the investment mindset associated with NFTs take the focus away from the game itself and encourages profiteering, which is incompatible with the long-term happiness and the success of our players.
We are also concerned that certain third-party NFTs might not be reliable and could end up costing the players who purchase them. Third-party NFT implementations could also be dependent on blockchain technology. They may require an asset manager, who could disappear without notice. There have been instances when NFTs were sold at fraudulent or artificially overvalued prices. We are aware of the value of creating in our game and strive to create a marketplace where those values are recognized.
To ensure Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technology is not allowed to be integrated into our Minecraft client or server applications. It's also not used to create NFTs from any in-game content including skins and worlds, personal items, and other mods. We will also keep track of how blockchain technology develops over time to make sure that the above principles are not breached, and to determine if it could offer more secure gaming experiences or other practical games that are inclusive. However, we do not have plans to incorporate blockchain technology into Minecraft at the moment.
We're hoping to have more information to discuss with you in the near future. You can find our guidelines here however, in the meantime, we'll have more to share with you. Keep an eye out! Survival
