Mojang has taken a significant step in its ongoing evolution of Minecraft with the recent Bedrock Edition 1.21.80 Update, officially discontinuing support for virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) devices. This decision aligns with the company’s previous announcement made last year, which indicated that support for VR headsets would cease after March 2025.
The patch notes released today confirm that the integration of VR and MR technologies has come to an end, a move that Mojang attributes to the limitations in their ability to maintain support for these platforms. Despite this shift, players can rest assured that they will continue to receive updates on their PCs and can enjoy the game without the need for VR or MR devices. Additionally, all previously purchased Marketplace content and the ability to build worlds remain intact.
For those who still wish to experience Minecraft in virtual reality, alternative options are available. Players who own the Java version of the game on PC can explore mods such as Vivecraft, which is compatible with various VR platforms, or QuestCraft, specifically designed for Meta Quest headsets. These alternatives provide a pathway for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the blocky universe of Minecraft from a new perspective.
While the official support for VR may be ending, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of nostalgia for the groundbreaking Minecraft demo showcased for HoloLens in the past. That moment captured the imagination of many and highlighted the potential of blending gaming with augmented reality.
