Bad news for Minecraft fans as the game will probably never go free to play ever. Despite the gaming industry trend towards free-to-play models with microtransactions, Mojang Studios has confirmed the game will remain a one-time purchase. Executive producer Ingela Garneij added, “It doesn’t really work with the way we built it. Monetization doesn’t work in that way for us. It’s a purchase of the game, and then that’s it”. Accessibility is a key value she highlighted, and she framed Minecraft as “the best bargain in the world” for those who purchase the game once and never have to pay anything more to receive those steady updates.

This is the same stance that Mojang has always taken, keeping the integrity of the game intact as much as possible. Minecraft game director Agnes Larsson backed up this, saying that the paid model is part of Minecraft’s identity and values. Minecraft is much different in this regard as it remains a premium title that has sold over 300 million copies, compared to games like Overwatch 2 or Destiny 2, which changed to free-to-play and have been middling at best. There have been recent updates, such as the free Vibrant Visuals graphics overhaul and the Spring to Life game drop, which shows Mojang's dedication to improving it without nickel and diming anyone.

Minecraft’s Marketplace still does not place paywalls over the core content of the game, instead providing optional cosmetics. Mojang’s strategy seems to be set either in stone or blocks (Take your pick!): There is no sequel or free-to-play pivot on the horizon.

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