Mojang, the long-time developer of Minecraft, has issued its stance on the whole NFT/cryptocurrency/blockchain debate.
For those that are unaware, an “NFT” (non-fungible token) is, well, let’s let Mojang explain;
“An NFT is a unique, non-editable, digital token that is part of a blockchain and is often purchased with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. An NFT can be associated with any form of digital asset such as an MPEG or a GIF, but the most common use case today is digital art like JPEGs. The purchase of an NFT provides the token that states the ownership of the original digital file. Yet, with any digital file, that file can be copied, moved, or even deleted. NFTs and blockchain have also been associated with speculation, where prices are driven up rapidly and as we have recently seen, may fall rapidly”.
So, that’s what one is.
But why is Mojang banning such things?
Well, as the blog update notes, the ideology behind NFTs goes against Mojang’s guidelines for Minecraft;
“In our Minecraft Usage Guidelines, we outline how a server owner can charge for access, and that all players should have access to the same functionality. We have these rules to ensure that Minecraft remains a community where everyone has access to the same content. NFTs, however, can create models of scarcity and exclusion that conflict with our Guidelines and the spirit of Minecraft.
To ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, blockchain technologies are not permitted to be integrated inside our client and server applications, nor may Minecraft in-game content such as worlds, skins, persona items, or other mods, be utilized by blockchain technology to create a scarce digital asset”.
Basically, the nature of an NFT creates a sense of ownership and, as Mojang calls it, a “sense of the haves and the have-nots”.
Therefore, “blockchain technologies are not permitted to be integrated inside [Mojang’s] Minecraft client and server application. Nor may they utilised to create NFTs associated with any in-game content, including worlds, skins, persona items, or other mods”.
Mojang also stated how it will be paying close attention to how blockchain technology evolves over time.
From that, the studio stated how it will help to determine whether its above stance is being upheld and whether it could allow for more secure experiences and practical/inclusive applications in gaming.
ABG’s Senior Editor (News), YouTube content creator/streamer.