On Wednesday, Minecraft developer Mojang Studios said it will rule out incorporating non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, along with blockchain technology as a whole, into its popular game of the same name. Explaining the decision, Mojang wrote:
“Like any digital file, NFT files can be copied, moved, or even deleted. In addition, NFTs and blockchain have also been associated with price speculation. These uses of NFTs and other blockchain technologies create digital ownership based on scarcity and exclusion, which is not in line with Minecraft values. for creative inclusion and play together.”
He also told Mojang: “To ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and comprehensive experience, integration of blockchain technologies within our client and server applications is not permitted, and in-game Minecraft content such as worlds, skins, character items, or other mods, may not be used by blockchain technology to create an asset. A rare number.”
The company also criticized “speculative pricing” and an “investment mindset” around NFTs that take away from the game experience and encourage profiteering at the expense of long-term playability. Furthermore, he cited rug-taking surrounding some third-party NFT integrations as well as NFT trading or fraudulent price gouging in support of the ban.
Under the new rules, third-party blockchain technologies cannot be integrated with client and server applications within Minecraft. They may not be used to create NFTs associated with any in-game content, including worlds, skins, character items or other mods. While the changes don’t affect most Minecraft players, they will likely have serious consequences for a small subset of players who also benefit from in-game NFTs. Thus, third-party NFT groups for sale that digitizes in-game Minecraft assets may violate these Terms and may face legal consequences.
