Mojang Rejects Generative AI, Emphasizes Creativity in Minecraft

Minecraft developer Mojang remains steadfast in its commitment to traditional game development methods, explicitly stating that they have no plans to integrate generative artificial intelligence into their process. As the use of AI in game development becomes increasingly prevalent, with companies like Activision employing generative AI art in titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Microsoft developing Muse for generating game ideas, Mojang stands firm in its approach.

During a recent event covered by IGN, Agnes Larsson, the game director for Minecraft Vanilla, emphasized the importance of human creativity in the game's development. "Here for us, just like Minecraft is about creativity and creating," Larsson stated, "I think it's important that it makes us feel happy to create as humans. That's a purpose, [it] makes life look beautiful. So for us, we really want it to be our teams that make our games."

Echoing this sentiment, Ingela Garneij, executive producer of Minecraft Vanilla, highlighted the unique human touch that defines Minecraft. "For me, it's the thinking outside of the box part. This specific touch of: what is Minecraft? How does it look? That extra quality is really tricky to create through AI. We even try to have remote teams sometimes and guide them in building things for us, which has never worked, because you have to be here working together face-to-face."

Garneij further elaborated on the necessity of human interaction in the creative process: "I mean creativity is... you need to meet like this as a person, as a human to really truly understand the values and principles and the ecosystem, the lore, everything. It's so massive Minecraft, it's a planet, it's massive."

Mojang's dedication to human-driven development continues to propel Minecraft forward. The upcoming graphics update, dubbed Vibrant Visuals, is set to enhance the game further, and the company remains resolute in its decision not to transition Minecraft to a free-to-play model. This approach aligns with Mojang's broader philosophy of continuously improving and expanding the original game, rather than creating a "Minecraft 2." Despite being 16 years old, Minecraft shows no signs of slowing down, and generative AI remains firmly outside the game's Nether.

For more on what's in store for Minecraft, be sure to check out everything announced at Minecraft Live 2025.