Minecraft Stays Paid: 'Best Deal in the World'

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

"Sure, it just doesn't align with how we've structured the game," stated Ingela Garneij, executive producer of Minecraft Vanilla.

“We developed the game with a different vision in mind. Therefore, our monetization strategy doesn't follow the same path. It’s a straightforward purchase, and that’s it. For us, ensuring accessibility for as many players as possible is crucial. We believe this is a fundamental value—that the game should be available to everyone. It’s truly the best deal out there."

While publishers and developers face increasing pressure to explore alternative revenue streams for survival, this isn’t a concern shared by Garneij and her team at Mojang: “No, absolutely not. What matters most to us is that many people can continue enjoying the game, and that remains unchanged.”

This perspective was further emphasized by Agnes Larsson, Minecraft Vanilla’s game director: “For me, it’s integral to Minecraft’s core values. It’s grown into something essential to what Minecraft represents—the perfect culture and values. I think we’re all united in this belief. It’s a defining aspect of the game and one of the reasons it’s so robust. It holds onto strong principles.”

Vibrant Visuals: A Free Graphics Overhaul

10 ImagesLooking ahead, Minecraft will continue to evolve without compelling players to pay for additional features. The upcoming Vibrant Visuals update, arriving free of charge in the near future, serves as a testament to this philosophy. Moreover, with no plans for a sequel in sight, there’s no need to repurchase the best-selling game of all time anytime soon. Of course, if you wish to play it on yet another device, the options remain limitless.

For more insights into what’s coming to Minecraft, check out everything revealed at Minecraft Live 2025.