Minecraft Won't Go Free-to-Play: 'It's the Best Deal in the World'

In an era where many live service games have transitioned to a free-to-play model, Minecraft remains steadfast in its premium pricing strategy. In a recent IGN interview, Mojang's developers expressed their commitment to maintaining the game's "buy and own" approach, even 16 years after its initial release. So, if you're hoping for Minecraft to become free-to-play, you might want to adjust your expectations.

“Yeah, it doesn't really work with the way we built it," said Ingela Garneij, executive producer of Minecraft Vanilla. "I mean, we built the game for a different purpose. So, monetization doesn't work in that way for us. It's a purchase of the game and then that's it. For us, it's important that our game is available to as many people as possible. And so, I think that's a very core value that it should be accessible for everyone. It's the best deal in the world."

As the gaming industry has evolved, numerous titles have shifted to a free-to-download model, often filled with battle passes and cosmetic packs, yielding varied outcomes. Notable examples include Overwatch 2, Destiny 2, and Minecraft's Microsoft counterpart, Halo Infinite, especially in its multiplayer component.

While the pressure mounts on video game publishers and developers to innovate monetization strategies for survival, Mojang seems immune to such pressures. "No, no. What's important for us is that many people can enjoy it still, and that's going strong still," Garneij affirmed.

Agnes Larsson, game director of Minecraft Vanilla, echoed this sentiment: "I mean, for me, it’s part of the important values of Minecraft. I think it's become such an important aspect of what Minecraft is, its culture, and values, and I think we all here can agree on that. It's a thing for the game and it's one part of what makes the game strong. It has strong values."

Minecraft Vibrant Visuals Comparison Screenshots

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Minecraft will continue to evolve, introducing new features without additional costs to players. A prime example is the upcoming Vibrant Visuals graphics overhaul, set to arrive free of charge in the coming months. With no plans for a Minecraft 2 in sight, there's no need for fans to repurchase the best-selling game of all time anytime soon—unless, of course, they wish to enjoy it on yet another of the countless devices it supports.

For more details on upcoming features, be sure to check out everything announced at Minecraft Live 2025.