Minecraft
News, coverage and analysis tracking Minecraft across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Famitsu sales (6/22/26 – 6/28/26) – first week sales revealed for Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2
Famitsu has released its latest Japanese hardware and software sales data for the week of June 22-28, 2026. The Nintendo Switch 2 led hardware sales with 24,879 units, while the new release Star Fox for the Nintendo Switch 2 topped the software charts with 41,680 units sold. The data also includes sales figures for various PlayStation 5 and Xbox models, as well as other Nintendo Switch titles.
Creator-distributed discount codes drive massive uptake of game storefronts, according to new Tebex data
New data from Tebex reveals that creator-distributed discount codes significantly boost game storefronts, with over 80% of players using these codes being new to the platform. While these codes increase average basket value, their impact is heavily concentrated among a small percentage of top-tier creators, who drive the vast majority of gross merchandise value.
Private Minecraft servers are "Illegal," according to an ESA official
An official from the Entertainment Software Association stated that private Minecraft servers are illegal and considered piracy, despite Microsoft's encouragement of community servers. Minecraft's creator, Markus Persson, criticized the ESA's stance, while Microsoft and Mojang Studios have not officially commented.
Quoteworthy
The creator of Minecraft, Markus 'Notch' Persson, has spoken out against the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), calling their stance on private servers 'illegal'. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about intellectual property rights and server hosting for popular games.
'This Is Borderline Evil' - Minecraft Creator Speaks Out Against ESA Calling Private Servers 'Illegal'
Minecraft creator Markus Persson has criticized the Electronic Software Association for labeling private servers as illegal. Persson, also known as 'Notch,' believes this stance is 'borderline evil' and is sparking debate about server legality and intellectual property.
The ESA quietly starts walking back baffling statements about private servers being 'illegal', though it's still tutting and wagging its finger
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has softened its stance on private game servers, clarifying that concerns primarily relate to those that host or distribute copyrighted content without authorization. While still asserting publishers' rights to enforce intellectual property, the ESA's updated statement acknowledges that private servers are not inherently illegal and that publishers may approach them differently. This follows earlier, more condemnatory statements made by the ESA regarding private servers for games like Minecraft.
How to build an Xbox game night for every kind of player
This guide provides advice on hosting a successful Xbox game night for players of all skill levels and preferences. It emphasizes selecting a variety of games, structuring the evening in rounds, and accommodating both active players and spectators. The article also touches on practical tips like food choices, room setup, and utilizing services like Game Pass.
Evening Reading - July 30, 2026
This article rounds up various gaming news items from July 30, 2026. Highlights include a live-action Persona adaptation for Netflix, a fall 2026 release window for Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2, and SECI Interactive warning of staffing decisions after Microsoft pulled out of publishing Project Fantasy. It also touches on esports events like EVO 2026 for 2XKO and mentions updates for games like Battlefield 6 and Turok: Origin.
Private Minecraft servers are "illegal," game industry lobbyists declare as another Stop Killing Games effort…
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has declared private Minecraft servers illegal, arguing they infringe on Microsoft's intellectual property rights and lack safety standards. This statement comes as the 'Stop Killing Games' campaign faces setbacks with the failure of the Protect Our Games Act in California and similar legislative inaction in the EU. Despite these challenges, 'Stop Killing Games' remains determined to pursue legislation for community server support.
ESA Tries To Walk Back Calling Private and Community Servers Illegal
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has walked back its earlier statements calling private and community game servers illegal. Initially, the ESA's vice president stated that unauthorized servers are illegal and akin to piracy. However, the ESA has since clarified that while unauthorized servers infringe on intellectual property rights, publishers may approach enforcement differently, and they are concerned about the lack of publisher oversight and safety standards on such servers.
Minecraft, Call Of Duty Community Servers Are “Illegal,” Claims ESA Rep
An Entertainment Software Association (ESA) representative claimed that private community servers for Minecraft and Call of Duty are illegal and constitute piracy. Jennifer Gibbons, the ESA's vice president of state government affairs, argued that these servers are not affiliated with Microsoft and do not adhere to the same safety standards as official servers. The 'Stop Killing Games' movement has vowed to continue advocating for game preservation and the legality of community servers in future legislation.
The ESA is up to its tired old tricks in helping to block a California games preservation bill
The Electronic Software Association (ESA) is reportedly lobbying against California's AB 1921, the Protect Our Games Act, which aims to preserve online games. The ESA is accused of using misleading claims to deter lawmakers, including calling private servers for games like Minecraft and Call of Duty illegal. Despite the bill failing to pass committee, the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative plans to continue advocating for game preservation.
ESA Claims Private Minecraft Servers Are 'Illegal' and 'Piracy' in Stop Killing Games Hearing
The Entertainment Software Association has controversially claimed that private Minecraft servers constitute 'illegal' activity and 'piracy' during a recent hearing. This statement has drawn criticism and confusion regarding intellectual property rights and user-created content.
ESA lobbyist claims Minecraft & Call of Duty community servers are illegal
An Entertainment Software Association lobbyist claimed that community servers for games like Minecraft and Call of Duty are illegal during a hearing for California's Protect Our Games Act. The bill, which aimed to provide consumer protections for game preservation and prevent the shutdown of older games, was ultimately voted down in committee. The ESA's stance may surprise players who have long utilized community servers for Minecraft.
ESA VP calls Minecraft Community Servers “illegal,” which is an impressively stupid thing to say in an industry full of impressively stupid things already
An Entertainment Software Association VP called Minecraft community servers "illegal," a statement widely criticized as inaccurate and damaging. While individual servers can violate EULAs, the concept of community servers is officially supported by Mojang and Microsoft. This statement occurred during a California Senate committee hearing opposing the Protect Our Games Act, which aims to ensure players retain access to games after services shut down.
ESA bafflingly declares private Minecraft servers 'illegal' in Stop Killing Games hearing: 'We consider…
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) declared private servers for games like Minecraft and Call of Duty to be illegal and considered piracy during a California State Senate hearing. ESA vice president Jennifer Gibbons stated that these servers infringe on publisher intellectual property rights and do not meet safety standards, despite community pushback and the failure of the Protect Our Games Act to pass in its current form.
Minecraft servers are apparently "illegal," according to the Vice President of America's biggest gaming association
Jennifer Gibbons, Vice President of the Entertainment Software Association, stated that community-run Minecraft servers are "illegal" and akin to "piracy" during a California State Senate hearing. This statement contradicts Microsoft and Mojang's official promotion and support of community servers for the game. The hearing was regarding Assembly Bill 1921, which aims to protect players' access to server-dependent games.
Minecraft's new, free inventory-expanding backpack has been eating players' loot
A new free Herschel Backpack add-on for Minecraft, which offers 384 inventory slots, is reportedly causing players to lose their items. Some users have experienced their entire backpack contents vanishing after logging out and back in, even with the soul-bound upgrade. Mojang has acknowledged the bug, which remains unresolved.
Famitsu software sales (6/15/26 – 6/21/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released its weekly Japanese software sales data for the period of June 15-21, 2026. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for Nintendo Switch topped the charts with 34,957 units sold. The list includes sales figures for various titles across Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5.
You can put Minecraft's gorgeous new biome and building blocks to the test right now
Mojang has released Game Drop Three for Minecraft, introducing the new Dappled Forest biome and various building materials. Players can test the update now in the latest Bedrock preview and Java snapshot builds, featuring Poplar Wood, Wool Stairs and Slabs, and Shelf Mushrooms.
