Mojang is the latest studio to say No Fucking Thanks to NFT.
You may remember not too long ago an old NFT project called Blockverse, a self-described “Ethereum NFT chain” that allows a unique P2E in Minecraft.
So basically, you would pay an exorbitant amount of money to look unique and special on a private Minecraft server.
Of course, it absolutely bombarded, and the creators calmed down with a lot of moolah after fearing what they had created, a large assortment of desperate schmoes to play Minecraft in a new and fashionable way. Her Twitter account now contains a single tweet, which makes me laugh.
It is better to try and fail than not to try.
– Blockchain (@Blockverse_NFT) April 15, 2022
Wow!
Given that designing and even randomizing a Minecraft skin is simple enough, you won’t be surprised to learn that there are many other vendors trying to sell aspects of Minecraft as NFT.
In response, Mojang Studios has made an official statement about NFTs in Minecraft that almost boils down to “No, no, no. No, no, no, and no too.”
In a statement released today, Mojang staff explains that “NFT integrations with Minecraft are generally not something we will support or allow.” Its new policy on NFT in Minecraft is as follows:
In our Minecraft usage guidelines, we explain how the server owner can charge for access and that all players should have access to the same functionality. We have these rules in place 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 secure and inclusive experience, blockchain technologies are not allowed to be integrated into our client and server applications, or Minecraft content within the game, such as worlds, skins , personal items or other modifications, can be used by blockchain technology to create a scarce digital asset. Our motives continue.
Some companies have recently released NFT implementations associated with Minecraft files and skins packages. Other examples of how NFT and blockchain could be used with Minecraft include creating Minecraft collectible NFTs, which allow players to earn NFT through activities performed on a server or earn Minecraft NFT rewards for off-game activities.
Each of these uses of NFT and other blockchain technologies creates a digital property based on scarcity and exclusion, which does not align with Minecraft’s values of creative inclusion and play together. NFTs do not include our entire community and create a scenario of those who have and those who do not. The speculative price and investment mindset around NFTs draws attention away from the game and encourages leverage, which we believe is inconsistent with the joy and long-term success of our players.
We’re also concerned that some third-party NFTs are unreliable and may end up costing players who buy them. Some third-party NFT implementations also rely entirely on blockchain technology and may require an asset manager that could disappear without notice. There have also been cases where NFTs were sold at artificially or fraudulently inflated prices. We recognize that creation within our game has intrinsic value and we strive to provide a marketplace where these values can be recognized.
As such, to ensure that Minecraft players have a safe and inclusive experience, Blockchain technologies are not permitted to be integrated into our Minecraft server and client applications, nor can they be used to create NFTs associated with any game content, including worlds, skins, personal items, or other modifications.. We will also pay close attention to how blockchain technology evolves over time to ensure that the above principles are upheld and determine whether it will allow safer experiences or other practical and inclusive applications in gaming. However, right now we have no plans to implement blockchain technology in Minecraft.
Tl; dr: Mojang Studios believes that integrating NFT into Minecraft aims to exclude those who can’t make some money from computer fun, and that’s not enabled.
Also, there is always the possibility that Minecraft-related NFT vendors in the blockchain simply get fucked after making a sale, which puts Minecraft players at risk.
However, it’s also important to note that in the end, they mention that they don’t completely rule out the potential integration of blockchain technology into Minecraft. In addition, it is that the landscape of NFT as it stands now does not align with its values as a company.
I’m sure at some point in the future, there may be a way for the latest Web3 technology to be useful and have a positive purpose other than just making money for those who are already doing it.
But right now? Pudent!