Is modding Java Edition Minecraft from the Microsoft Store against the ToS?

The Silver Trainmaster · Aug 4, 2022

I have played Minecraft for over 9 years now and gotten much enjoyment out of the game and the community around it. I've been lately playing a lot of MC Java Edition with 200+ mods from Curseforge. I love building crazy mod packs and sharing them with friends. With this summer's gift from Mojang, in giving people access to both copies of Minecraft, I have tried to increase the amount of friends that join me in my modded escapades. Some of my friends have stated that because they would be downloading Minecraft Java Edition from the Microsoft Store they would not be able to mod the game due to Microsoft's ToS. I don't think it is because it is the Java Edition and not Bedrock...

I am looking for a definitive answer because the Microsoft ToS is not clear. I read as much of the ToS as I could find and other articles directly from Microsoft and Mojang Official websites. It was stated that Java Edition is a moddable game but also "...You may lose access to or capabilities of Digital Goods, or have the nature of your access changed (e.g., lose family access, if any), if: (a) you violate the Terms or these Rules, (b) you use or try to use Digital Goods in a manner inconsistent with the Terms, these Rules, or the limited license granted to you, (c) you circumvent, or try to circumvent, any technical measures designed to limit access or enforce license limitations..." "...You may not: a. Work around any technical limitations in the application. b. Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the application, except and only to the extent that applicable law expressly permits, despite this limitation...." and Minecraft Games is listed under Covered Services...

So, is Java Edition Grandfathered in as a Moddable game?

Is the entire modding community going against ToS?

A well supported answer would be appreciated.

:)

Lady Nataleigh

There is no way of adding external mods to the Minecraft on Xbox as its against their ToS. The best version for modding would be the Minecraft Java Edition, which is PC only.

The Silver Trainmast

After I posted this question, I just recently found a clause in the Minecraft EULA for Java Edition from Mojang's website which reads as quoted:

"If you've bought the Game, you may play around with it and modify it by adding modifications, tools, or plugins, which we will refer to collectively as "Mods." By "Mods," we mean something original that you or someone else created that doesn't contain a substantial part of our copyrightable code or content. When you combine your Mod with the Minecraft software, we will call that combination a "Modded Version" of the Game. We have the final say on what constitutes a Mod and what doesn't. You may not distribute any Modded Versions of our Game or software, and we'd appreciate it if you didn't use Mods for griefing. Basically, Mods are okay to distribute; hacked versions or Modded Versions of the Game client or server software are not okay to distribute."

If I understand correctly... This EULA which is by extension also Microsoft's as them being the parent company. Grants permission to JAVA Edition users the ability to add Third-party Mods to the game within reason as long as this "Modded Version" is not distributed. And as long as the Mods are not breaking any legal boundaries. No matter what store it was bought from whether that be the Microsoft store, the Mojang Website, or any other Official platform. And unless Gamepass has other rules for JAVA Edition this EULA would also include that copy as well.

If I could get a supported confirmation or negation on this my question will be answered

andersonpassos

Thank you for contact us! I'm Anderson, an Independent Consultant and a Microsoft user like you.

good evening

Microsoft is totally responsible for using mods to earn money and provide game licenses to other people, but it has its own store inside minecraft and it is from them that guarantees the quality of the product.

reforc3

Hi,

Minecraft Java Edition can be purchased from thier store page using your Microsoft Account:

https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-edition

And then being accessed with the (free) Minecraft Launcher on the Microsoft Store.

Both Windows and Java Editions are included with Xbox Game Pass for PC/Ultimate subscription.

Sandrine et Sébasti

Hello,

I've tried from Minecraft website because Java Edition is not avaible on Microsoft Store.

Yes I can use credits on Microsoft Store, but can't find Minecraft Java Edition. I tought that Minecraft was a Microsoft's production, and that's why I sent a 25€ credit to my son on Microsoft account.

Is there a fix for this? Will Minecraft Java Editon be avaible on Microsoft Store?

Thanks,

Regards

Is modding Java Edition Minecraft from the Microsoft Store against the ToS?