The original Minecraft PC client, dubbed Java Edition, will now require a Microsoft account to play.
Developers Mojang has now started to make this transition, which is mandatory for all players. Every Minecraft player should be migrating their current Mojang account to a Microsoft account by early 2021. New players will need to register a Microsoft account to play Minecraft Java Edition.
The developers outlined a few benefits of this account transition:
- Increased security for your account with two-factor authentication
- All your PC Minecraft games will be connected to the same account
- Improved parental controls
- Chat and invitation blocking
You will also get a special cape for the move.
Mojang reassures that the move to a Microsoft account won’t change the fundamental reasons why the Java Edition still exists alongside the Windows 10 PC-based Windows Edition- custom mods and skins. Access to those will remain available, and you still keep your Minecraft Java username as well as the ability to play with players on other Java servers.
For Minecraft Java Edition players, expect to see an email about instructions on how to migrate the account coming soon.
Microsoft has acquired Minecraft (and Mojang) for a good six years now, and only now making the transition to have all of Mojang’s games to use a Microsoft account.
Source: Minecraft