Block world, no blockchain
Microsoft and Mojang are making their stance on NFTs clear in the world of Minecraft. In a new statement, Mojang sets foot on any blockchain or NFT technology that integrates with Minecraft.
In a post titled “Minecraft and NFT”, the study gives a long but clear explanation of its decision. Recently, he says, Mojang has been asked by members of the community to clarify his position on NFTs and blockchain.
While the studio is currently updating its usage guidelines for more specificity, Mojang says that NFT integrations with Minecraft they are “generally not something” that it will support or allow.
Mojang specifically highlights scarcity and exclusion as factors. The study notes that some companies have recently launched NFT implementations associated with Minecraft world files and skin packs:
“Each of these uses of NFT and other blockchain technologies create digital ownership based on scarcity and exclusion, which does not align with Minecraft values of creative inclusion and playing together. NFTs do not include our entire community and create a rich-have-not scenario. The speculative pricing and investment mindset around NFTs takes the focus off the game and encourages speculation, which we believe is inconsistent with the long-term joy and success of our players.”
The company also notes that some third-party NFTs may be untrustworthy or involve the use of asset managers that may go missing. “We recognize that creation within 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 final part of the blog sums it all up perfectly:
“As such, to ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technologies are not allowed to be integrated within our Minecraft client and server applications nor may they be used to create NFTs associated with any game content, including worlds, skins, personal items, or other mods.”
Mojang says that it will pay close attention to how the blockchain evolves over time. It has no plans to implement blockchain technology in Minecraft right now though.
This echoes statements from other major storefronts and publishers. eve online developer and publisher CCP said no to NFTs and blockchain. Valve has banned blockchain games and apps that can issue or exchange cryptocurrencies or NFTs from Steam.
Itch.io perhaps put it more succinctly: “NFTs are a scam.” It seems that Microsoft and Mojang don’t agree either, which seems like a generally wise position.
