In a twist that could make even the most skeptical creepers blink twice, Sony and Microsoft have apparently remembered they are adults and have agreed that yes, PlayStation owners should still be able to buy things in “Minecraft.” Specifically, Microsoft has reversed course on plans to shut down the Minecraft Store on PlayStation, which would have neatly set fire to any remaining notions of platform neutrality.
“Minecraft,” of course, is the endlessly blocky juggernaut that Microsoft owns but still allows to roam freely on rival platforms, much like a cat that technically belongs to one household but regularly eats and sleeps in three others. Earlier rumblings about disabling in-game purchases on Sony’s console had threatened to make that cat a bit less welcome in the neighborhood.
The controversy began when Minecraft fans on PlayStation noticed a particularly unfriendly pop-up announcing that the “Marketplace” would soon no longer support purchases. Exactly how this differed from the usual level of corporate passive-aggression remains unclear, but public outcry was swift enough to cause a strategic re-evaluation. In other words, the internet yelled and Microsoft blinked.
Mojang, the Microsoft-owned developer behind Minecraft, diplomatically said it was “exploring options for PlayStation support” which is code for “our PR department just spilled coffee on itself and we’re working on it.” Fortunately, the coffee has apparently been mopped up and the panic button has been gently set back on its velvet cushion.
The Minecraft Store will remain open for PlayStation users after all, which means no one’s carefully stockpiled Minecoins will be vanishing into the void anytime soon. A relief, no doubt, to the countless young gamers who have invested more thought into their skin selection than their elementary school book reports.
“We can confirm that the Minecraft Store and its range of content will continue to be supported on Minecraft PlayStation platforms and there’s no plans to change that,” a Mojang spokesperson said, clearly recovering from what must have been a very lively internal Slack conversation.
So in the end, Minecraft players on PlayStation can rest easy, at least until the next corporate misunderstanding cuts off access to Capes or the DLC featuring seventeen types of pet foxes. But for now, digital peace has settled over the pixelated realm, and gamers everywhere can go back to what really matters: accidentally falling into lava during mining expeditions.
Nothing says cross-platform harmony quite like realizing everyone, everywhere, just wants to punch trees in peace.