The End of an Era: Minecraft VR Support Discontinued
Mojang Studios has officially discontinued virtual reality (VR) support for Minecraft, marking the end of a six-year experiment in immersive gameplay. The decision, announced on June 27, 2024, affects all VR platforms, including Oculus Rift and Windows Mixed Reality. While the company cited technical challenges and low adoption rates as key reasons, the move has sparked debate about VR’s future in mainstream gaming and left fans disappointed.
Why Minecraft VR Was a Game-Changer
When Minecraft VR launched in 2016, it revolutionized the sandbox genre by allowing players to step inside its blocky universe. The feature enabled users to explore caves, build structures, and battle Creepers in a fully immersive 3D environment. According to SuperData Research, the VR version initially boosted Minecraft sales by 18% among VR early adopters. However, player engagement gradually declined, with only 4% of active users regularly playing in VR by 2023.
“VR transformed Minecraft from a game into an experience,” said Dr. Elena Torres, a gaming technology researcher at Stanford University. “But maintaining cross-platform compatibility became unsustainable as hardware standards evolved.” Mojang’s decision reflects broader industry trends; a 2024 report from IDC revealed that VR gaming growth slowed to just 7% year-over-year, far below earlier projections.
Technical Challenges and Community Backlash
Mojang cited three primary reasons for ending Minecraft VR support:
- Fragmented hardware ecosystems: Supporting multiple VR devices required constant updates.
- Performance issues: Many users reported motion sickness and inconsistent frame rates.
- Declining usage: Less than 1 million monthly active users played in VR mode.
The announcement triggered mixed reactions. While some players acknowledged the technical hurdles, others expressed frustration. “This feels like a step backward,” tweeted prominent Minecraft streamer Jordan “CaptainSparklez” Maron. “VR was the closest thing to actually living in the game.”
The Broader Implications for VR Gaming
The discontinuation raises questions about VR’s role in mainstream gaming. Although Meta’s Quest headsets sold over 20 million units worldwide, many AAA titles struggle to justify VR development costs. “Studios are realizing that VR needs killer apps, not just ports of existing games,” noted industry analyst Liam Chen of NPD Group.
However, some developers remain optimistic. Survios, the studio behind Raw Data, argues that native VR games—not adaptations—will drive the market. “The future lies in experiences designed exclusively for VR,” said Survios CEO Seth Luisi.
What’s Next for Minecraft and Its Players?
Mojang confirmed that existing Minecraft VR installations will remain playable but won’t receive updates. The company plans to focus on its bedrock and education editions instead. Meanwhile, modding communities are already working on unofficial VR patches. “Where official support ends, the modding scene begins,” said a spokesperson for the popular VR mod Vivecraft.
For now, the discontinuation signals a cautious industry retreat from VR adaptations. Yet, as hardware improves and adoption grows, Minecraft VR might one day return—better optimized and more sustainable. Until then, players can only hope.
Want to share your thoughts on this decision? Join the conversation using #MinecraftVR on social media.
See more CNET Live