This blog post is not meant to be an authoritative look at the new Minecraft Usage Guidelines, commonly referred to by the Minecraft community as the “EULA”. There has been a LOT of misinformation and FUD spreading from people comparing the old Minecraft EULA with the new Minecraft Usage Guidelines, and I was curious about what ChatGPT-4 would find.
TLDR (written by ChatGPT-4):
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.
To be clear, the new Minecraft Usage Guidelines change very little aside from adding a few minor sections (that impact a comparatively small group of people, like NFT creators) and improving the clarity of the rest. There are some loud claims that “the new EULA” is somehow destroying the Minecraft community, when in fact much of what those claims say is “new” has actually been in place for years (and the rest of the claims are just entirely false).
But that’s not what we’re here to discuss today. Yes, I am in a unique position as a member of the Minecraft community who also happens to be the Manager for FindMCServer.com, which performs EULA / MUG reviews for Minecraft servers and Content Creators to help them get listed on the site. I have been working with the EULA / MUG for years, and have had a closer look at these documents than most Minecrafters. But, again, I am not here to give a breakdown on how I perceive the new EULA / MUG. This blog post is a look at what ChatGPT-4 found when looking at the documents.
Disclaimer: The below content may have inaccuracies
As with anything that uses AI or ChatGPT, the text below, which was entirely written by ChatGPT-4, may have inaccuracies. AI today is not intended to be used for careful breakdowns of legal documents. It is up to you to read the documents for yourself and see what exactly is changed.
The blog post simply shows what ChatGPT found when I asked it to compare each individual section of the new MUG to its counterpart in the old, archived terms.
- Read the old, archived Terms
- Read the New Minecraft Usage Guidelines
- Read the announcement blog post outlining the changes
I used the AI PDF plugin for ChatGPT-4 to read and analyze the content of two PDFs, one was the old Commercial Usage Guidelines published in 2020, the other was the new Minecraft Usage Guidelines. I have attached those two PDFs here for you to read below, though you can see this same content at the links above.
By the way, I also made a Draftable comparison between the two documents. It’s not especially helpful, but maybe you’d like to see the exact differences in the texts here.
Before we begin, let’s go to the end
After I asked ChatGPT-4 to give me a full breakdown of the differences between the two documents, I asked it the following:
How many of the sections are generally consistent in the rules between the two versions?
I wanted to start here and show the answer it gave to this question, because it summarizes pretty nicely what the longer text shows further down on this page.
Again, you should read the documents for yourself to see the differences, but I thought this was a fine place to get started to set us on the right path and understand what to expect for the rest of this article. While there are some people out there saying that the new MUG changes a lot of the old rules, ChatGPT-4 found that 6 of the 9 sections were “largely consistent”, with only 3 of them noted as having “some changes”.
Now, let’s take a look at the rest of the full breakdown that ChatGPT-4 gave of the two documents. Please, please, please remember that this is a language learning model, not a perfectly flawless legal advisor bot. There are some inaccuracies here.
While we should be cautious about the specific details, one bigger picture idea we can take away from ChatGPT-4 is that there were minimal changes in the documents. A second idea we can learn is: don’t trust the first tweet or YouTube video you see about a topic.
For the rest of this article, you will be reading text from ChatGPT-4
If I am including something from me and my words, you will see it called out like this:
If I am including something from me using my own words, you will see it called out like this.
Alright, are we all clear?
Hopefully so. Probably not, though, so in between each section I will add another reminder that there may be inaccuracies in the text you are reading from ChatGPT-4. You should not be quoting this article verbatim, and you should contact Mojang if you have specific questions about the EULA, MUG, and other guidelines/terms.
Let’s begin.
- You can read my full conversation with ChatGPT-4 below, or click this link.
Summary Overview
Let’s break down the sections of both documents and compare them:
1. Current Minecraft Usage Guidelines (new.pdf)
- Introduction
- Naming Guidelines
- Hand Crafted Products
- Videos and Streams
- Extended Functionality and “Mods”
- Servers and Hosting
- Domain Names and Websites
- Constructed Promotions in Minecraft
- Books and Other Publications
2. Commercial Usage Guidelines – Last Update: 17 April 2020 (old.pdf)
- Introduction
- Naming Guidelines
- Hand Crafted Products
- Videos and Streams
- Extended Functionality and “Mods”
- Servers and Hosting
- Domain Names and Websites
- Constructed Promotions in Minecraft
- 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.
We finished processing the whole document with the PDF Search plugin. What else would you like to know?
Provide a summary of the changes for each individual section, citing examples of the differences
Naming Guidelines
REMINDER: The text on this page is a summary from ChatGPT-4. There may be inaccuracies. You should read the documents for yourself.
Let’s break down the changes for the “Naming Guidelines” section:
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.
Would you like a breakdown of the next section?
Yes
Hand Crafted Products
REMINDER: The text on this page is a summary from ChatGPT-4. There may be inaccuracies. You should read the documents for yourself.
Let’s break down the changes for the “Hand Crafted Products” section:
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.
Would you like a breakdown of the next section?
Yes
Videos and Streams
REMINDER: The text on this page is a summary from ChatGPT-4. There may be inaccuracies. You should read the documents for yourself.
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.
Would you like a breakdown of the next section?
Yes
Extended Functionality and Modifications (Mods)
REMINDER: The text on this page is a summary from ChatGPT-4. There may be inaccuracies. You should read the documents for yourself.
Let’s break down the changes for the “Extended Functionality and Modifications (Mods)” section:
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.
Would you like a breakdown of the next section?
Yes
Servers and Hosting
REMINDER: The text on this page is a summary from ChatGPT-4. There may be inaccuracies. You should read the documents for yourself. This section got mixed up a bit by ChatGPT-4, because it did not accurately review the Servers and Hosting section of the old EULA. I chose not to try and fix this in order to not be accused of editing the responses.
Let’s break down the changes for the “Servers and Hosting” section:
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.
Would you like a breakdown of the next section?
Yes
Domain Names and Websites
REMINDER: The text on this page is a summary from ChatGPT-4. There may be inaccuracies. You should read the documents for yourself.
Let’s break down the changes for the “Domain Names and Websites” section:
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.
Would you like a breakdown of the next section?
Yes
Constructed Promotions in Minecraft
REMINDER: The text on this page is a summary from ChatGPT-4. There may be inaccuracies. You should read the documents for yourself.
Let’s break down the changes for the “Constructed Promotions in Minecraft” section:
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.
Would you like a breakdown of the next section?
Yes
Books and other publications
REMINDER: The text on this page is a summary from ChatGPT-4. There may be inaccuracies. You should read the documents for yourself.
Let’s break down the changes for the “Books and other publications” section:
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.
Would you like a breakdown of the next section?
Yes
Events
REMINDER: The text on this page is a summary from ChatGPT-4. There may be inaccuracies. You should read the documents for yourself.
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.