Minecraft players will soon be able to pay a monthly subscription for their very own server which friends and family can join free of charge. The new feature is called Minecraft Realms, and Mojang, the company behind the blocky bestseller, hopes it will become “the biggest source of income in the future, and bring in more money in total than the game itself”.
What is Minecraft Realms?
Minecraft Realms is a subscription-based service that allows players to create and manage their own private Minecraft servers. These servers are hosted by Mojang, ensuring a seamless and reliable experience. Friends and family can join these servers free of charge, making it an attractive option for those looking to play together without the hassle of setting up and maintaining a server on their own.
The service is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that allows players to easily manage their server settings, invite friends, and even backup their worlds. This makes it accessible to players of all ages and technical skill levels, further broadening its appeal.
The Vision Behind Minecraft Realms
“We have never tried to sell anything except the game and a little merchandise,” said Mojang CEO Carl Manneh. “It’ll be very interesting to see if the community will be prepared to pay for this service.”
The introduction of Minecraft Realms represents a significant shift in Mojang’s business model. By offering a subscription service, the company aims to create a steady stream of revenue that can support ongoing development and improvements to the game. This is particularly important given the game’s massive and dedicated player base, which continues to grow even years after its initial release.
“Then really Minecraft would become a huge MMO, a really vast universe consisting of very many small worlds. That’s kind of a dream we’ve had for a while,” Manneh added. This vision of a vast interconnected universe of player-created worlds is an ambitious one, but it aligns perfectly with the game’s core philosophy of creativity and exploration.
Benefits of Minecraft Realms
One of the key benefits of Minecraft Realms is the ease of use. Setting up a traditional Minecraft server can be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring technical knowledge and ongoing maintenance. With Realms, Mojang takes care of all the technical details, allowing players to focus on what they love most: building and exploring.
Another significant advantage is the enhanced security and reliability. Since the servers are hosted by Mojang, players can expect a stable and lag-free experience. This is particularly important for younger players and families, who may not have the technical expertise to troubleshoot server issues.
Potential Impact on the Minecraft Community
The introduction of Minecraft Realms has the potential to significantly impact the Minecraft community. By making it easier for players to create and manage their own servers, Mojang is fostering a more connected and collaborative player base. This could lead to the creation of even more diverse and imaginative worlds, as players are able to share their creations with a wider audience.
Additionally, the subscription model could provide Mojang with the financial resources needed to continue developing new features and content for the game. This, in turn, could help to keep the game fresh and engaging for both new and existing players.
Minecraft Realms represents an exciting new chapter in the game’s evolution. By offering a user-friendly, reliable, and secure way for players to create and manage their own servers, Mojang is making it easier than ever for friends and family to play together. This new feature has the potential to become a significant source of revenue for the company, supporting ongoing development and ensuring that Minecraft remains a beloved and innovative game for years to come.
Source Games Industry International
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