Minecraft Stays Paid: 'Best Deal in the World'

In an era where many live-service games have embraced the free-to-play model, Minecraft continues to stand out as a premium title. During a recent interview with IGN, Mojang developers emphasized their commitment to maintaining the traditional "buy-and-own" approach, even after 16 years since its release. In essence, players shouldn’t anticipate Minecraft transitioning to free-to-play anytime soon.

“It doesn’t really fit with how we developed the game,” noted Ingela Garneij, executive producer of Minecraft Vanilla. “We designed it for a different purpose, so monetizing it differently wouldn’t align with our vision. It’s a straightforward purchase, and that’s it. Accessibility for everyone is crucial to us—it’s one of our core principles.”

“No, that’s not something we’re concerned about,” Garneij stated. “Our priority is ensuring the game remains enjoyable for as many people as possible, and we’re proud to say that’s still happening.”

This philosophy was further elaborated by Agnes Larsson, game director of Minecraft Vanilla. “Accessibility and affordability are integral to Minecraft’s identity. It’s become a defining aspect of the game, and we all share this belief. These principles strengthen the game and resonate deeply with its community.”

Minecraft Vibrant Visuals Comparison Screenshots

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Minecraft will keep evolving without requiring additional payments for new features. This is highlighted by the upcoming Vibrant Visuals update, which introduces enhanced graphics at no extra cost. Additionally, there are currently no plans for a sequel, meaning players won’t need to repurchase the best-selling game anytime soon unless switching platforms.

For more details on upcoming developments, explore everything announced at Minecraft Live 2025.