Official VR Support for Minecraft Is Now Over — And That’s a Major Blunder by Mojang
In a decision that has puzzled a lot of fans, Mojang has formally discontinued virtual reality (VR) support for the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft on PC. This action, detailed in the 1.21.80 update changelog, signifies the conclusion of a journey that started in 2016 with the introduction of Minecraft VR on Samsung Gear VR and subsequently grew to include PC and PlayStation VR. While the company attributes its choice to limited capacity to support VR/MR devices, the actual situation is much more intricate — and the consequences are profound.
A Brief Overview of Minecraft VR
Minecraft has always been well-suited for VR. Its pixelated graphics, open-world sandbox gameplay, and engaging environments made it a beloved choice among early VR enthusiasts. Mojang originally tapped into this potential, launching VR support for Gear VR in April 2016 and adapting it for Oculus Rift later that same year. PSVR compatibility emerged in 2020, but since then, official updates have ground to a halt.
With the emergence of standalone VR headsets such as the Meta Quest 2 and 3, players anticipated Minecraft to grow alongside the platform. Instead, Mojang steadily pulled back support, leaving the community to fill the void.
Modders to the Rescue
As Mojang receded, the modding community filled the gap. Vivecraft, a VR modification for Minecraft Java Edition, introduced comprehensive VR mechanics that Mojang never brought to the Bedrock version. QuestCraft, a port of Vivecraft for Meta Quest headsets, debuted in 2022 and quickly developed a devoted following — despite the need for sideloading and a developer account to set up.
These community-led efforts demonstrated that Minecraft VR was not only feasible but flourishing. QuestCraft, for instance, is run by just four developers in their spare time, yet it has garnered over 80,000 users on its Discord server alone.
So why can’t Mojang — a studio with over 600 employees and Microsoft’s support — achieve the same?
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Minecraft is one of the most successful games ever, with over 300 million copies sold and more than 55 million daily active players as of 2023. It generates hundreds of millions of dollars each year through game sales, Marketplace content, Realms subscriptions, and merchandise. The recent success of the Minecraft movie further enhances its cultural and financial influence.
Given these figures, Mojang’s assertion that it can no longer support VR feels unconvincing. Maintaining a VR version of Minecraft — particularly on a platform as popular as Meta Quest — would demand only a small fraction of their resources. If four hobbyist developers can manage a functioning VR port, surely Mojang can allocate a small team to accomplish the same.
A Missed Opportunity on Meta Quest
Meta Quest headsets have emerged as the leading VR devices on the market, especially among younger players — the very demographic that dominates Minecraft’s audience. Titles like Gorilla Tag and Rec Room have shown that free-to-play, social, and creative experiences thrive on Quest. Minecraft, with its limitless potential and substantial brand recognition, would be an ideal match.
In fact, former Oculus CTO John Carmack successfully got Minecraft operational on Quest with full positional tracking. Yet Mojang never pursued an official adaptation. Reports indicate that Meta has sought collaboration with Microsoft for a Quest port as recently as August 2024, but no headway has been made.
This is particularly perplexing considering Microsoft’s broader VR strategy. Xbox Game Pass is accessible on Quest. Windows 11 accommodates VR integration with Meta headsets. Even Microsoft Office features official Quest apps. With an Xbox-branded Meta Quest headset on the horizon, the absence of Minecraft VR becomes even more striking.
The Consequences of Mojang’s Decision
By abandoning VR support, Mojang is overlooking potential revenue — and players. An official Minecraft VR release on Quest could easily draw in hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of users. These players would spend money on Marketplace content, subscribe to Realms, and generate content that further enhances the game’s appeal.
Instead, Mojang has opted to disregard a passionate segment of its community and a rapidly expanding platform. The message is unmistakable: Minecraft VR is not a priority. But it ought to be.
Conclusion: A Strategic Error
Mojang’s choice to terminate official VR support for Minecraft is not just disheartening — it’s a strategic blunder. In a time when immersive experiences are becoming increasingly prevalent, Minecraft had the opportunity to spearhead the movement. Instead, it is retreating.
Whether due to internal politics, misallocation of resources, or a fundamental misunderstanding of the VR market, Mojang has made a decision that distances fans and undermines its own legacy. The community will keep innovating, but without official backing, Minecraft VR will remain a niche — when it could have become a sensation.
Everyone suffers when Mojang concludes that Minecraft players don’t desire
