Minecraft
News, coverage and analysis tracking Minecraft across the outlets.- QuoteworthyThe 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 fingerThe 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 playerThis 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, 2026This 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 IllegalThe 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 RepAn 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 billThe 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 HearingThe 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 illegalAn 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 alreadyAn 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 associationJennifer 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' lootA 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 30Famitsu 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 nowMojang 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.
"Call of Duty is bigger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe": New Xbox CEO brags as more of its games turn to…Xbox CEO Asha Sharma claims the Call of Duty franchise is larger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe, citing its success in video games and upcoming adaptations. While the MCU has grossed over $30 billion, Sharma believes Call of Duty's consistent sales and popular free-to-play titles give it broader cultural impact. Xbox is expanding its gaming IPs into film and TV, with projects based on Gears of War, Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, Fallout, and Wolfenstein in development.
Minecraft's new IRL backpack comes with a game-changing update to your inventoryMinecraft has partnered with Herschel Supply for a new line of backpacks, including a special in-game add-on available for free on the Minecraft Marketplace. This 'Herschel Backpack Trials Add-On' significantly expands player inventory with features like Auto Sort and Auto Restock, and can be upgraded to 288 total slots. The add-on is exclusive to Minecraft Bedrock edition.
"Classic Sonic" Joins Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds In A Free Update This WeekSega has released a free update for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, adding "Classic Sonic" as a playable character to celebrate the blue blur's 35th birthday. The update also includes a new Sega Music Collection, with Axel and Amigo scheduled to join later in August and September respectively. This content follows the announcement of Season Pass 2, which will feature DLC packs based on Godzilla, Evangelion, Pac-Man, Minecraft, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.