Mojang has announced that official support for Minecraft VR will conclude in March 2025. This decision was confirmed in a recent changelog, which highlighted the cessation of PlayStation VR support, followed by the revelation that all other VR devices would similarly face service termination.
Transitioning from Official Support
While the discontinuation of features is never an easy pill to swallow, players can take solace in the fact that virtual reality will remain accessible through various mods. Minecraft boasts one of the most vibrant modding communities in the gaming world, ensuring that enthusiasts on platforms like HTC Vive and Meta Quest can continue to create and explore their worlds using tools such as Vivecraft and Questcraft. However, for those using PSVR, the closed nature of the PlayStation ecosystem presents a significant barrier to accessing similar content.
Mojang reassured VR players that they will retain access to their existing worlds, albeit without the ability to engage with them through a headset. This announcement is particularly disheartening, considering Minecraft was among the pioneering titles to showcase the vast potential of augmented and virtual reality. A memorable demonstration at E3 featured Microsoft’s HoloLens, allowing players to construct entire worlds atop a table, igniting excitement about the future of AR and VR technology.
The journey of virtual reality support in Minecraft began in 2016, and nearly a decade later, the VR landscape remains a niche market, grappling with various challenges. This latest development serves as yet another indicator of the stagnation within the VR sector.
As we reflect on these changes, one can’t help but wonder if the resources allocated to VR support have been redirected to fund the upcoming Minecraft movie. While the film has yet to be released, comparisons to past projects, such as the Sonic franchise, linger in the air. Nonetheless, it’s safe to say that even the star power of Jack Black may not be enough to ensure its success.
Image credit: Mojang
