Microsoft’s Move to Simplify Minecraft Modding
Minecraft, the brainchild of Markus “Notch” Persson, has evolved from a simple Java-based game into a cultural phenomenon, culminating in a remarkable billion acquisition by Microsoft. Initially, Notch took measures to obfuscate the game’s code, a strategy intended to safeguard his creation from unauthorized replication. However, this decision inadvertently paved the way for a vibrant community of fans who have tirelessly developed a myriad of hacks and enhancements over the years.
In a significant shift, Microsoft has announced plans to remove the code obfuscation, a move that promises to streamline the modding experience for enthusiasts. As stated in a recent communication,
“Modding is at the heart of Java Edition – and obfuscation makes modding harder. We’re excited about this change to remove obfuscation, as it should make it quicker and easier for modders to create and improve mods. Now you won’t have to untangle tricky code or deal with unclear names. What’s more, de-bugging will become more straightforward, and crash logs will actually be readable!”
Despite the obfuscation, the underlying code has been well understood, thanks in part to various SDKs that have simplified the modding process. Microsoft had previously mapped out the obfuscation, making it less of a barrier for developers. However, the company has clarified that while the source code will be more accessible, the licensing terms remain unchanged, meaning it is not freely available for all.
On a personal note, my experiences with the Microsoft version of Minecraft have been less than seamless. The process of setting up the game on a new computer can be laborious and fraught with complications. My last attempt involved navigating multiple Microsoft accounts and installations, often requiring me to log in to different services, sometimes more than once. The installer even bore a warning reminiscent of a post-it note on a neglected gas station card reader, advising against use before logging into the Microsoft Store. One can’t help but wonder if a similar “deobfuscation” of the installation process might be in order.
Previously:
- Ending an endless game: an interview with Julian Gough, author of Minecraft’s epic finale
- Already regretting assigning Bret Easton Ellis to review Minecraft’s photorealistic texture pack
- Minecraft is for the children
