Minecraft Makes Its Stance On NFTs Crystal Clear
As a whole, the crypto market isn't in a good place right now. Back in May, the entire bubble seemed to pop as the crypto market experienced a dramatic crash that sent waves throughout the economic world. Even in the crash's aftermath — an occurrence that some consider to be great news for gamers due to its effect on supply chains for graphics cards — crypto and similar blockchain technologies have continued to chew the modern scenery both in real life and in gaming, especially pertaining to the highly controversial NFTs.
Since the emergence of NFTs in the past few years, many high-profile gaming companies have attempted to jump onto the trend in order to pocket some extra profits. Companies like Square Enix were fixated on the concept until later abandoning it entirely, while companies like Ubisoft stubbornly try to cling on despite it not raking in as much cash as the company probably anticipated. On the other hand, Mojang Studios — the developer and publisher behind the incredibly popular "Minecraft" — has avoided the NFT trap altogether. And recently, the company made it widely known exactly where it stands on NFTs, both now and for the future.
Don't expect NFTs in Minecraft any time soon
Having been previously tight-lipped about its position on NFTs and the blockchain as a whole, Mojang Studios has since released a statement in response to some server owners within "Minecraft" disseminating NFTs within the game. NFTs have in no way been backed or otherwise supported by Mojang Studios, nor are they encouraged or even allowed. "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," the statement read.
Mojang Studios did add that it would reconsider its positions on the implementation of NFTs and blockchain technology dependent on how the practice grows over time, and should it become a safer practice that properly aligns with the values of the company. For now, Mojang is pretty adamant that it wants no part in the practice due to unreliability and fear of fraud.
Given Mojang's strong stance against NFTs and blockchain technology being a part of its DNA, it's safe to say that gamers shouldn't expect "Minecraft" to be playable on the alleged NFT console that may or may not be coming out in the future.