Only in 2021, the mobile version of the popular video game “Minecraft” generated $160.7 million in global IAP revenue. This represents an increase of 12.68% over the previous year. Interestingly enough, the video game is only on the rise despite its age, in part due to its acquisition by Microsoft. (MSFT) – Get the Microsoft Corporation report in 2014 for $2.5 billion.
Recently, a new update for the game called 1.19.1 was released with a number of new features aimed at improving the game. But the announcement met with immediate backlash, with a spate of tweets expressing disgust at Microsoft. This now leaves players and fans uncertain about the future of the beloved game.
What is Minecraft?
The Minecraft Video Game
Minecraft/TS
Developed by Mojang Studios“Minecraft” is a “pixelated”sandbox“video game where players are encouraged to build shelters and survive. There are also servers, where players can create worlds for other users to join, communicate and play with others with the help of mod packs, modsY resource packs.
The game can be played on Microsoft Windows (MSFT) – Get the Microsoft Corporation reportApple MacOS (APPLY) , LinuxiOS-Android (GOOGLE) – Get the report from Alphabet Inc.Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (NTDOF) and Playstation 4 (SNEJF) .
#SaveMinecraft
Minecraft/TS
The #SaveMinecraft movement
After the release of the most recent update, Twitter user @ImAPainYatta started the #saveminecraft hashtag on Twitter. (TWTR) – Get the report from Twitter Inc.expressing his displeasure regarding the changes, which alter communication channels and how players were previously able to play.
The changes include changes to how post approval works, including how posts containing profanity will be flagged and modified. But the addition that seems most annoying to veteran players is the new Social Interactions screen, which allows players to select and report inappropriate in-game chats. If a player is found guilty, they may be permanently banned from playing the game in the future.
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Permanently banned message
Shutterstock/Minecraft
Why do these changes bother people?
One of the key reasons the update has caused such a stir is concern that people may lose access to the game entirely, or be unfairly banned online by other people.
Others feel it’s a violation of their free speech and doesn’t represent what “Minecraft” stands for (this tweet refers to George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984” where free speech is not allowed and the characters are surveyed by “Big Brother”).
Others believe that Microsoft has an ulterior motive.
Despite all the negative reactions, there are also some who feel this is a great update and like the aspect of how it can potentially protect younger players.
Stuart Duncan, the founder of the “Minecraft” server Autcraft (which is exclusively for players with autism), noted that there were some conflicts between what people playing the game seemed to want.
Regardless of one’s stance on the Global Moderation update, it has definitely raised major concerns with a community that has been playing “Minecraft” for over a decade.
Mojang MojangMeesh Community Manager responded to the cry in a Reddit post on the official “Minecraft” subreddit.
“First, we know that there has been a pushback to the player reporting system that will be introduced in this upcoming update. We appreciate and value your feedback, but that doesn’t mean that feedback will always change the design principles that Mojang Studios adheres to.” . this includes the upcoming reporting system. Secondly, while we understand that this may not be the answer some of you expected, we do not plan to change it.”
