Minecraft And NFTs
Recently, we've received feedback from 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 provide more precise guidelines for new technologies, we would like to use this opportunity to share our view that integrations of NFTs with Minecraft are not something we would support or allow. Let's take a closer look.
WHAT IS A NFT?
An NFT is a unique, non-editable, digital token that is part of a cryptocurrency and often purchased with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. An NFT can be linked to any kind of digital asset such as an MPEG or GIF, but the most common use case today is digital art, such as JPEGs. The purchase of an NFT is a token that identifies the owner of the original digital file. However, any digital file can be copied, moved or deleted. NFTs and Blockchain have been associated with speculation. This is the reason why prices can go up quickly and, as we've seen, they can fall rapidly.
What are the implications for me?
If you're a player or creator actively involved in trading, buying, or selling of trading of NFTs that use Minecraft (like skins or worlds) We strongly suggest you go through the information below. 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 be able to access the same functions. We have these rules to ensure that Minecraft remains a community in which everyone has access to the same content. The only way to get smarter is by playing a smarter opponent NFTs however, could create models of scarcity and exclusion that do not conform to our guidelines and the spirit of Minecraft.
To ensure that Minecraft players enjoy an enjoyable and safe experience, blockchain technology is not allowed to be integrated inside our client and server applications. Neither can Minecraft game-specific content, such as worlds, skins, persona items, and other mods, be utilized by blockchain technology to create a precious digital asset. The reasons for this are as follows.
NFT implementations have been launched by some companies that can be connected to Minecraft world skin packs 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 by performing activities on servers, or earn Minecraft NFT rewards for doing activities outside 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 accordance with Minecraft values of creative inclusion, playing together, and sharing resources. NFTs are not inclusive of all our community and create a semblance of the haves and have-nots. The speculation-based pricing and investment mindset associated with NFTs diverts attention from playing the game and encourages profit-seeking, which we believe is inconsistent with the long-term happiness and success of our players.
We are also concerned that third-party NFTs may not be reliable and may end up costing the players who buy them. Third-party NFT implementations could also be dependent on blockchain technology. They may need an asset manager who can disappear without notice. NFTs are sold at inflated or artificially high prices in some instances. We understand that the process of creating our game has intrinsic value, and we strive to create a market where those values can be recognized.
To ensure that Minecraft players enjoy a secure, inclusive 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 game-related content, including skins and worlds, persona items, and other mods. We will be watching closely the way blockchain technology develops over time to ensure that the above principles are withheld and determine whether it will provide more secure gaming or other inclusive and practical games. We are not planning to integrate blockchain technology into Minecraft in the near future.
We will be sharing more information with you in the near future. In the meantime If you're interested in learning more on our guidelines, you can find them here. Keep an eye out!