Minecraft Usage Guidelines Comparison

Let's break down the sections of both documents and compare them:

1. Current Minecraft Usage Guidelines (new.pdf)

1. Introduction
2. Naming Guidelines
3. Hand Crafted Products
4. Videos and Streams
5. Extended Functionality and "Mods"
6. Servers and Hosting
7. Domain Names and Websites
8. Constructed Promotions in Minecraft
9. Books and Other Publications

2. Commercial Usage Guidelines - Last Update: 17 April 2020 (old.pdf)

1. Introduction
2. Naming Guidelines
3. Hand Crafted Products
4. Videos and Streams
5. Extended Functionality and "Mods"
6. Servers and Hosting
7. Domain Names and Websites
8. Constructed Promotions in Minecraft
9. Books and Other Publications

Now, let's compare the sections:

Introduction

• New: The introduction emphasizes that the guidelines are to ensure that the community can create and share content while respecting the rights of others. It also mentions that these guidelines may change and that they should be checked regularly.
• Old: The introduction highlights the restrictions on the commercial use of Minecraft's name, brand, and assets. It mentions that the guidelines allow some leniency for limited commercial activity but can change over time. It also specifies that the guidelines are for the community and not for commercial companies or governments to promote unrelated products or services.

Naming Guidelines

• New: The naming guidelines emphasize the importance of not misleading consumers into thinking that a product or service is official or affiliated with Mojang.
• Old: The naming guidelines focus on the use of Minecraft's name in connection with products or services. It provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable naming.

Hand Crafted Products

• New: The section allows for the creation and sale of handcrafted products inspired by Minecraft, with specific conditions.
• Old: The section has similar provisions but provides more detailed examples and explanations.

Videos and Streams

• New: The guidelines allow for the creation, use, and distribution of videos and streams of Minecraft gameplay. It specifies conditions for monetization.
• Old: The section has similar provisions but provides more detailed explanations.

Extended Functionality and "Mods"

• New: The section allows for the creation and distribution of mods, with specific conditions.
• Old: The section has similar provisions but provides more detailed explanations.

Servers and Hosting

• New: The guidelines allow for the hosting of servers and monetization, with specific conditions.
• Old: The section has similar provisions but provides more detailed explanations.

Domain Names and Websites

• New: The section provides guidelines for setting up websites and registering domain names related to Minecraft.
• Old: The section has similar provisions but provides more detailed explanations.

Constructed Promotions in Minecraft

• New: The section restricts the use of Minecraft for promotional purposes by corporations, businesses, and other entities.
• Old: The section has similar provisions but provides more detailed explanations.

Books and Other Publications

• New: The guidelines allow for the creation and publication of works inspired by Minecraft, with specific conditions.
• Old: The section has similar provisions but provides more detailed explanations.

Summary of Changes:

While the structure and main sections of both documents are similar, the newer guidelines are more concise and straightforward. The older guidelines provide more detailed explanations and examples. The emphasis in the new guidelines is on clarity and ensuring that the community understands the boundaries for using Minecraft's name, brand, and assets.

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Let's break down the changes for the "Naming Guidelines" section:

Naming Guidelines

New Guidelines (new.pdf)

• You may use the Minecraft name in a secondary name, secondary title, or description if:

  • It's necessary to describe your creations or their purpose honestly and fairly.
  • The secondary title (which includes a Minecraft name) is not the dominant element or the distinctive part of the complete name or title.
  • You don't use any other aspect of any of our brand or assets as part of any related branding, including as a logo or part of a logo.
  • You don’t use the Minecraft name as keywords or search tags for products that have no relationship with them or that are infringing or counterfeit.

• You may not use the Minecraft name as the primary or dominant name or title.

  Examples provided:

  • "The Shaft - a Minecraft podcast" (acceptable).
  • "Minecraft - the ultimate help app" (not acceptable).

  (Pages: 3)

Old Guidelines (old.pdf)

• You may use the Minecraft name in connection with a product or service title or listing if:

  • The name is in a secondary name or title.
  • It's necessary to honestly and fairly describe those things or their purpose.
  • The name (which includes any confusingly similar name) is not the dominant element or the distinctive part of your complete name or title.
  • You don't use any other aspect of the brands or assets as part of any related branding, including as or as part of any logo.

  Examples provided:

  • "The Shaft - a Minecraft podcast" (acceptable).
  • "Minecraft - the ultimate help app" (not acceptable).

  (Pages: 1)

Summary of Changes:

The new guidelines are more explicit about the use of the Minecraft name in secondary titles and descriptions. They also provide clearer instructions about not using the Minecraft name as keywords or search tags for unrelated products. The essence of the guidelines remains consistent between the two versions, but the new guidelines offer more detailed and specific instructions to ensure clarity.

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Let's break down the changes for the "Hand Crafted Products" section:

Hand Crafted Products

New Guidelines (new.pdf)

• Fans are encouraged to make, share, and sell handcrafted products inspired by Minecraft.

• The product should contain enough personal creativity to be considered a unique design.

• The product should not use any of the Minecraft brand or assets as the dominant part.

• Examples:

  • A hand-crocheted blanket with the Creeper texture pattern (acceptable).
  • A box featuring Steve’s face in Minecraft textures but with green eyes (not acceptable).

• The product should not use any software, music, or other audio from Minecraft.

• The product should not be mass-produced or distributed through a major retailer.

• No more than 20 product items using the same design can be sold.

• The products can only be sold through platforms that record quantities sold.

• Annual earnings from the sale of the product should not exceed $5,000 USD.

  (Pages: 10-11)

Old Guidelines (old.pdf)

• Fans can make and sell individual handcrafted products inspired by Minecraft.

• The product should be entirely original and unique.

• The product should not use the Minecraft brand or assets as a dominant element.

• The product should not use any software, sound, or audio from Minecraft.

• The product should be marked clearly as "NOT OFFICIAL MINECRAFT PRODUCT. NOT APPROVED BY OR ASSOCIATED WITH MOJANG."

• No more than 20 product items using the same design can be sold.

• The products can only be sold through platforms that record quantities sold.

• Annual earnings from the sale of the product should not exceed $5,000 USD.

  (Pages: 2-3)

Summary of Changes:

The essence of the guidelines for handcrafted products remains consistent between the two versions. However, the new guidelines provide more detailed examples to clarify what is considered acceptable and what is not. Additionally, the new guidelines emphasize the importance of personal creativity in the design of the products.

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Let's break down the changes for the "Videos and Streams" section:

Videos and Streams

New Guidelines (new.pdf)

• You can create, use, and share videos, streams, and screenshots of Minecraft gameplay.

• You can monetize these videos and streams through ad revenue with conditions:

  • Videos must be free to view (no paywalls).
  • You must add enough unique content to the video or stream, such as audio commentary.
  • You can't just overlay your logo or web address on someone else's gameplay.
  • Videos or streams shouldn't advertise or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Title cards, end credits, and other callouts should be outside the game content.
  • You can't sell copies of the videos or streams.
  • You can't broadcast or distribute videos of full, uninterrupted gameplay via traditional TV networks.
  • Gameplay can't be displayed or projected publicly in places like restaurants or theaters.

  Examples provided:

  • Uploading a video with unique content to YouTube and making money from ads (acceptable).
  • Distributing a video through services like iTunes and charging viewers (not acceptable).

  (Pages: 5-6)

Old Guidelines (old.pdf)

• You can create, use, and distribute videos and streams of Minecraft gameplay.

• You can monetize these videos and streams with conditions:

  • All video downloads must be free to view.
  • Streams must be made free to view within 24 hours.
  • You must add unique content to the video or stream, such as audio commentary.
  • Videos or streams shouldn't advertise or promote unrelated products or services.
  • You can't sell physical copies of videos or streams.
  • You can't broadcast videos or streams via television.

  Examples provided:

  • Uploading a video with unique content to YouTube and making money from ads (acceptable).
  • Distributing a video through iTunes and charging viewers (not acceptable).

  (Pages: 3)

Summary of Changes:

The new guidelines provide more detailed and specific conditions for creating and monetizing videos and streams. They emphasize the importance of adding unique content and provide clearer instructions on what is considered acceptable and what is not. The new guidelines also introduce restrictions on broadcasting or distributing videos on traditional TV networks and displaying gameplay in public venues.

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Let's break down the changes for the "Extended Functionality and Modifications (Mods)" section:

Extended Functionality and Modifications (Mods)

New Guidelines (new.pdf)

• By "mods", they refer to an original plug-in that extends the functionality of Minecraft without containing a substantial part of Mojang's copyrightable code or content.
• You may create, use, or distribute a mod if:
  • You distribute only the mod and not a modded version of Minecraft.
  • The mod doesn't create a play-to-earn function where players earn real-world or out-of-game currency or in-game currency that can be cashed out for real-world currency.
  • The mod cannot be used to directly or indirectly verify whether a player owns or has access to out-of-game content, products, or services that affect in-game features and functions.
  Example provided:
  • A mod that directly or indirectly checks a player owns an NFT to unlock skins, functions, or other in-game experiences is not acceptable.
  (Pages: 9-10)

Old Guidelines (old.pdf)

• By "Mods", they mean something original that doesn't contain a substantial part of Mojang's copyrightable code or content.

• You may distribute or make available mods for free and without any charge, but not if the purpose of your mod is to advertise or promote other products or services.

• You may not distribute any modded versions of the game, though you may distribute mods.

• You may make money from mods as described in the "Servers and Hosting" section.

  (Pages: 3-4)

Summary of Changes:

The new guidelines provide more detailed and specific conditions for creating and distributing mods. They emphasize the importance of not using mods for play-to-earn functions and provide clearer instructions on what is considered acceptable and what is not, especially concerning real-world currency and out-of-game content verifications. The new guidelines also introduce restrictions related to NFTs and in-game experiences.

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Let's break down the changes for the "Servers and Hosting" section:

Servers and Hosting

New Guidelines (new.pdf)

• You may host a server for Minecraft and even charge for access, but you must follow specific guidelines.
• Access to your server:
  • Must only be granted to users who have a genuine paid-for version of Minecraft.
  • Can't be limited or controlled by a player owning or having access to out-of-game content, products, or services.
• You may monetize your server by:
  • Charging for access, ensuring the cost is the same for everyone and that all paying users have access to all mods.
  • Asking for donations without offering exclusive in-game items. However, server-wide rewards can be offered if donation goals are met.
  • Selling entitlements that affect gameplay without ruining others' experiences or giving a competitive advantage.
  • Selling cosmetics, except for capes or anything resembling a Minecraft player cape.
  • Providing in-game display and video advertising that doesn't harm gameplay or give competitive advantages.
  • Selling and using in-game virtual currencies that have no real-world value, aren't affiliated with Mojang, and don't resemble Minecoins.
  (Pages: 8-9)

Old Guidelines (old.pdf)

• You may distribute or make available mods for free and without any charge, but not if the purpose of your mod is to advertise or promote other products or services.

• You may not distribute any modded versions of the game, though you may distribute mods.

• You may make money from mods as described in the "Servers and Hosting" section.

  (Pages: 3-4)

Summary of Changes:

The new guidelines provide a more comprehensive and detailed set of conditions for hosting and monetizing servers. They emphasize the importance of ensuring equal access and treatment for all players and provide clearer instructions on acceptable monetization methods. The new guidelines also introduce specific restrictions related to out-of-game content and virtual currencies.

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Let's break down the changes for the "Domain Names and Websites" section:

Domain Names and Websites

New Guidelines (new.pdf)

• You can set up and run your own website and related forums centered around information regarding the Minecraft game.
• You may register and use a domain name that includes one of Mojang's names or brands if:
  • The domain name doesn't appear official and isn't used in a way that appears official.
  • The website relates only to the Minecraft game, the brand, or assets in a fair, reasonable, and appropriate way and not to other third-party games.
  (Pages: 4)

Old Guidelines (old.pdf)

• You may set up and run your own website to provide information regarding the Minecraft game and run related forums, as long as you comply with the guidelines.
• You may also register and use a domain name that includes one of Mojang's names or brands if:
  • Mojang doesn't consider the domain name to seem official, and it doesn't become something that seems official.
  • The website genuinely relates to the Minecraft game, the brand, or assets in a fair, reasonable, and appropriate way.
  • The website relates exclusively to Minecraft and not other third-party games.
  • Any third-party advertising doesn't harm Mojang's brand.
  • The domain isn't used for cybersquatting or primarily to make money, including through affiliate services.
  (Pages: 5)

Summary of Changes:

The new guidelines simplify the conditions for setting up websites and registering domain names related to Minecraft. While the core principles remain the same, the old guidelines provided more detailed conditions, especially concerning third-party advertising and the intent behind registering a domain name.

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Let's break down the changes for the "Constructed Promotions in Minecraft" section:

Constructed Promotions in Minecraft

New Guidelines (new.pdf)

• Minecraft is a platform for players to play, not to be part of an advertisement.

• Commercial companies, corporate brands, advertising agencies, non-profits, politicians, political action committees, governments, individual artists, and other entities are not permitted to use Minecraft gameplay to promote or market products, services, events, campaigns, or brands unrelated to Minecraft without prior written approval from Mojang or Microsoft.

  Examples provided:

  • A mod created to allow players to play in a world with branded automobiles (not acceptable).
  • A skin pack containing brand logos (not acceptable).
  • Minecraft blocks used to build a world or characters from a movie (not acceptable).
  • A political campaign or rally that takes place in-game (not acceptable).

  (Pages: 5)

Old Guidelines (old.pdf)

• Minecraft is a place for players to play, not to be part of an advertisement.

• Commercial companies, corporate brands, advertising agencies, non-profits, politicians, political action committees, governments, individual artists, and other entities are not permitted to use Minecraft gameplay to promote or market products, services, events, campaigns, or brands unrelated to Minecraft without prior written approval from Mojang or Microsoft.

  Examples provided:

  • A mod created to allow players to play in a world with branded automobiles (not acceptable).
  • A skin pack containing brand logos (not acceptable).
  • Minecraft blocks used to build a world or characters from a movie (not acceptable).
  • A political campaign or rally that takes place in-game (not acceptable).

  (Pages: 5)

Summary of Changes:

The guidelines for "Constructed Promotions in Minecraft" remain largely consistent between the two versions. Both versions emphasize that Minecraft is not a platform for advertisements and provide similar examples of what is considered unacceptable. The wording and structure are slightly refined in the new guidelines, but the core principles and restrictions remain the same.

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Let's break down the changes for the "Books and other publications" section:

Books and other publications

New Guidelines (new.pdf)

• By "publications," they refer to any written and published work inspired by Minecraft.
• You can create publications as long as:
  • You don't use the Minecraft brand and assets on the front or back covers of your publication.
  • The name "Minecraft" can't be the first word or dominant part of the title of your publication, the name of your publisher, or the name of a series of books.
  • Your publication has enough unique content to make it reasonable for people to invest in it.
  Examples provided:
  • A publication sharing a story of adventures exploring and surviving in the world of Minecraft (acceptable).
  • A coloring book, poster, sticker book, or chart that just copies Minecraft assets (not acceptable).
  (Pages: 10-11)

Old Guidelines (old.pdf)

• The guidelines for "Books and other publications" were not explicitly outlined in the old document. However, the general guidelines emphasized not using the Minecraft brand in a way that could be interpreted as official or approved by Mojang or Microsoft.

  (Pages: 2-5)

Summary of Changes:

The new guidelines provide a more detailed and specific set of conditions for creating and publishing books and other written works inspired by Minecraft. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that the publications have unique content and provide clearer instructions on the use of the Minecraft brand and assets in the publications.

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Let's break down the changes for the "Education and Learning" section:

Education and Learning

New Guidelines (new.pdf)

Unfortunately, the "Education and Learning" section was not found in the new document based on the provided search results.

Old Guidelines (old.pdf)

The old document also does not seem to have a specific section titled "Education and Learning" based on the provided search results.

Summary of Changes:

It appears that neither the new nor the old guidelines have a specific section dedicated to "Education and Learning." It's possible that the topic might be covered under a different title or within another section in one or both of the documents.

Would you like a breakdown of another section or further assistance with this topic?

Live in-game events

Current Guidelines (Pages 6-7):

• You can host a 100% in-game event if:
  • The event is free to view or attend virtually.
  • Permissions and clearances are obtained from the owners of any intellectual property used.
  • All other local laws and regulations are complied with.
  • If outside parties are involved, the event must comply with the "Constructed Promotions in Minecraft" section.
• Mojang reserves the right to stop any event that doesn't follow these guidelines.

Archived Guidelines (Page 6):

• The archived guidelines do not provide specific details about hosting live in-game events. Instead, they mention restrictions on displaying Minecraft gameplay in physical locations and creating promotional or marketing videos through Minecraft gameplay.

In-person events

Current Guidelines (Pages 7):

• You can organize live in-person events if:
  • The event is limited to approximately 150 participants.
  • Sponsorships are not accepted for profit.
  • It's clear that the organizer (not Mojang) is responsible for the event.
  • All local laws are complied with.
  • The event theme is appropriate for all ages.
  • A code of conduct is recommended for the event.
  • Official Minecraft brand or assets are not used on marketing materials. However, the Minecraft name can be used in a secondary name, title, or description.
  • The event must comply with the Minecraft Usage Guidelines, Community Guidelines, and the Minecraft End User License Agreement.

Archived Guidelines (Page 6):

• The archived guidelines do not provide specific details about organizing in-person events. They focus more on restrictions related to promoting or advertising Minecraft gameplay in commercial venues.

Summary of Changes:

• The current guidelines provide a clear and detailed framework for hosting both live in-game and in-person events, emphasizing the importance of adhering to intellectual property rights and local laws.
• The archived guidelines did not have specific sections dedicated to live in-game or in-person events. Instead, they had broader restrictions on how Minecraft gameplay could be displayed or used for promotional purposes.

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Hand-crafted products

Current Guidelines (new.pdf):

• Encourages fans to make, share, and sell hand-crafted products inspired by Minecraft.
• A unique design should add enough personal creativity to make the work distinctive and original.
• Products should not commercialize the Minecraft name, brand, or assets.
• Guidelines for hand-crafted products:
  1. The product should contain enough personal creativity to be considered a unique design and should not use Minecraft brand or assets as the dominant part.
     • Example: A hand-crocheted blanket with the Creeper texture is acceptable, but a box featuring Steve's face with green eyes is not.
  2. Software, music, or other audio from Minecraft should not be used as part of the product.
  3. The product should not be mass-produced or distributed through a major retailer.
  4. No more than 20 product items using the same design should be made and sold.
  5. Products can only be sold through platforms that record quantities sold and allow Mojang/Microsoft to verify the quantity.
  6. Annual earnings from the sale of the product should not exceed $5,000 USD.
  7. All other laws and regulations should be complied with.

Archived Guidelines (old.pdf):

• Allows for the creation and sale of individual hand-crafted products inspired by Minecraft.
• A unique design is defined as something that adds enough personal creativity to make the work distinctive and original.
• Guidelines for hand-crafted products:
  1. The product should be entirely original and unique.
  2. No part of the Minecraft brand or assets should form a dominant element of the product or its design.
  3. Minecraft software, sound, or audio should not be used.
  4. Products should clearly state that they are "NOT OFFICIAL MINECRAFT PRODUCT. NOT APPROVED BY OR ASSOCIATED WITH MOJANG."
  5. No more than 20 product items using the same design should be made and sold.
  6. Products can only be sold through platforms that record quantities sold and allow Mojang to verify the quantity.
  7. Annual earnings from the sale of the product should not exceed $5,000 USD.

Summary of Changes:

• The new guidelines provide more detailed examples of what is considered acceptable and what is not.
• The new guidelines emphasize not commercializing the Minecraft name, brand, or assets.
• Both versions have a similar structure and restrictions, such as the $5,000 annual earning limit and the 20 product item limit per design.

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Based on the sections we've reviewed so far, here's a summary of the consistency between the two versions:

1. Branding and Naming:

   • Consistency: Largely consistent.
   • Details: Both versions emphasize not using the Minecraft brand in a way that could be interpreted as official or approved by Mojang or Microsoft.

2. Videos and Streams:

   • Consistency: Largely consistent.
   • Details: Both versions allow for the creation and monetization of videos and streams as long as they adhere to specific guidelines.

3. Extended Functionality and Modifications (Mods):

   • Consistency: Some changes.
   • Details: The new guidelines provide more detailed and specific conditions for creating and distributing mods, especially concerning real-world currency and out-of-game content verifications.

4. Servers and Hosting:

   • Consistency: Some changes.
   • Details: The new guidelines provide a more comprehensive and detailed set of conditions for hosting and monetizing servers.

5. Domain Names and Websites:

   • Consistency: Largely consistent.
   • Details: Both versions emphasize the importance of ensuring that websites and domain names related to Minecraft do not appear official.

6. Constructed Promotions in Minecraft:

   • Consistency: Largely consistent.
   • Details: Both versions emphasize that Minecraft is not a platform for advertisements and provide similar examples of what is considered unacceptable.

7. Books and other publications:

   • Consistency: Some changes.
   • Details: The new guidelines provide a more detailed and specific set of conditions for creating and publishing books and other written works inspired by Minecraft.

8. Live in-game events & In-person events:

   • Consistency: Some changes.
   • Details: The current guidelines provide a clear and detailed framework for hosting both live in-game and in-person events.

9. Hand-crafted products:

   • Consistency: Largely consistent.
   • Details: Both versions have a similar structure and restrictions, such as the $5,000 annual earning limit and the 20 product item limit per design.

Out of the nine sections we've reviewed, six of them (Branding and Naming, Videos and Streams, Domain Names and Websites, Constructed Promotions in Minecraft, Live in-game events & In-person events, and Hand-crafted products) are largely consistent between the two versions. The other three sections (Extended Functionality and Modifications, Servers and Hosting, and Books and other publications) have seen some changes in the new guidelines.

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