NFTs will no longer be allowed in the game, and the rules for using Minecraft’s servers will be updated to reflect this.
Since its 2009 release, Microsoft’s Minecraft has gained popularity. Minecraft’s developer, Mojang, isn’t happy with third-party NFT projects using their blocky blockbuster and has warned that this will soon be illegal.
Microsoft-owned company will update Minecraft’s TOS to ban NFTs. Blockchain technology will soon be forbidden on fan- and developer-maintained gaming servers that use Minecraft content.
According to the article, blockchain technology cannot be leveraged to create rare digital assets from Minecraft environments, skins, persona commodities, or mods.
NFTS Go Against Minecraft’s Spirit
Mojang now allows Minecraft server operators to charge for personalised online experiences, but the studio does not approve of NFTs because they go against the “spirit of Minecraft.” The studio blames NFT scarcity models for restricting server access to functions.
We feel that speculative pricing and an investment mentality surrounding NFTs are incompatible with the long-term enjoyment and prosperity of our players.
Mojang noted that certain third-party Minecraft servers support or provide NFTs as prizes. Polygon’s NFT Worlds offers virtual land plots for a custom Minecraft server, while other projects have converted Minecraft components into NFT collectibles.
NFT Worlds trade volume is $163 million, according to CryptoSlam. ArkDev, co-creator of NFT Worlds, tweeted today that the team is evaluating the imminent Minecraft rule change.
“We’re trying to determine how this will affect us and have various pivots planned in the worst case,” he added. We’re staying put.
The NFT Worlds team discussed a “pivot” on their Discord server, where they also referenced meeting Minecraft’s developers.
They said that they’ve spoken with Minecraft’s IP office multiple times. Other than known EULA issues, such as their stance on advertising/IP in the game, they’ve never made it apparent that anything they did would be ruled on/restricted.
I know this generates fear in the community, says NFT Worlds. “We’re actively [considering] all options and will try to find another answer, even if that means pivoting.”
Centralised Networks Disadvantages
Crypto industry leaders reacted to the announcement. General partner Chris Dixon tweeted: “It shows the dangers of centralised, commercially-controlled networks like Web2. They modify rules at will.”
You can trade these “NFTs” for a legal title to actual goods. This is a typical format for artwork, profile photos, collectibles, and in-game items. The NFT market grew significantly in 2021, reaching $25 billion in yearly trading volume.
Mojang has hinted that the Minecraft team may adopt blockchain technology in the future.
“We will also watch how blockchain technology matures to guarantee the above objectives are preserved and decide if it will allow for more secure experiences or other helpful and inclusive gaming applications,” the statement states.
Unknown date for NFT regulation modification. Several Mojang team members started a petition in April to ban NFTs from video games. The petition garnered 72 signatures in the first week and 430 by July 11.
Microsoft has official Minecraft NFTs. In February 2021, in conjunction with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the firm and blockchain game developer Enjin issued free NFTs. NFTs work on Enjin’s Minecraft server MyMetaverse.
It’s not clear if Microsoft will continue to allow Enjin’s plug-in to work after the rule change. Microsoft Xbox reps weren’t immediately available for comment.
