NFTs are still something of a controversial topic. Depending on who one asks, they are either the beginning of a new internet, a promising technology still looking for a practical application, or simply a colossal scam. Thus, some gamers are understandably apprehensive aboutNFTs coming to the game industry.
The anti-NFT faction had a minor win earlier today, with Mojang statingMinecraftwill not support NFTs or other blockchain technologies. TheMinecraftdeveloper announced this decision in a statement saying that the nature of NFTs “does not align withMinecraftvalues of creative inclusion and playing together.”
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As Mojang’s statement clarified,Minecraft’s terms of useallow the owners of servers to charge other players for access. These server hosts must provide all users with access to the same content. The studio explains that this policy stems from Mojang’s desire to keepMinecraftas safe and inclusive as possible. However, NFTs derive their value from exclusivity and artificial scarcity, which the studio feels run counter to those principles. Thus, Mojang has decided to ban all blockchain technology fromMinecraft, its servers, and associated applications. This includes all user-generated or third-party content such as mods, skins, worlds, and persona items.
In the statement, Mojang notes that several companies have released NFTs ofMinecraftworlds and skins. The studio also acknowledges the possibility of other NFT implementations such as collectibles, in-game rewards, and out-of-game rewards. However, Mojang believes all of these violate the studio’s attitude towardMinecraft.
Mojang also expressed concerns about the safety and reliability of third-partyMinecraftrelated-NFTs. It notes that some NFTs rely on asset managers who may disappear without warning. Then there is also the risk of sellers pushing fraudulent or overvalued NFTs on unsuspecting buyers. While Mojang recognizes thatMinecraftplayers have a right to profit off their in-game creations, the company does not think NFTs are an appropriate way to facilitate this.
Mojang’s statement does not address the often-made accusation that NFTs are a scam in and of themselves. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates seemingly holds that opinion, last month dismissing NFTs as “100% based on Greater Fool Theory.” For those unfamiliar with the concept, Greater Fool Theory is the idea of a “fool” who knowingly buys an overvalued asset in hopes of selling it for a profit to a “greater fool.” However, this isnot a sustainable model for the NFT market, as it relies on the previous investor always being able to find a willing buyer.
It’s unclear if Mojang’s decision was influenced by that comment from its parent company’s co-founder. However, it would not be surprising if Gates’s opinion had some influence. Regardless, while Mojang says it may reconsider its stance depending on how blockchain technology evolves, the studio will not be bringing NFTs toMinecraftany time soon.
Minecraftis available on Mobile, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
