Block world, no block chain
Microsoft and Mojang are making their stance clear on NFTs in the world of Minecraft. In a new statement, Mojang puts the foot down on any blockchain or NFT technologies integrating with Minecraft.
In a post titled “Minecraft and NFTs,” the studio gives a lengthy but clear explanation of its decision. Recently, it says, community members have asked Mojang to clarify its position on NFTs and blockchain.
While the studio is currently updating its usage guidelines for more specificity, Mojang says that integrations of NFTs with Minecraft are “generally not something” it will support or allow.
Mojang specifically highlights scarcity and exclusion as factors. The studio notes that some companies have recently launched NFT implementations associated with Minecraft world files and skin packs:
“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.”
The company also notes that some third-party NFTs may not be reliable, or involve the use of asset managers that can disappear. “We recognize that creation inside our game has intrinsic value, and we strive to provide a marketplace where those values can be recognized,” the blog reads.
Non-craftable tokens
The closing part of the blog sums it all up neatly:
“As such, to ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technologies are not permitted to be integrated inside our Minecraft client and server applications nor may they be utilized to create NFTs associated with any in-game content, including worlds, skins, persona items, or other mods.”
Mojang says it will be paying close attention to how blockchain evolves over time. It has no plans of implementing blockchain technology in Minecraft right now, however.
This echoes statements from other major storefronts and publishers. EVE Online developer and publisher CCP said no to NFTs and blockchain. Valve has barred blockchain games, and apps that can issue or exchange cryptocurrencies or NFTs, from Steam.
Itch.io perhaps put it most succinctly: “NFTs are a scam.” Looks like Microsoft and Mojang aren’t on board, either, which seems like a generally wise position.
