Minecraft Developer Argues If Game Purchase Isn’t a Purchase, Then Game Pirating Isn’t Theft

An Overview of Markus Persson’s Controversial Views on Piracy and Game Longevity

Markus Persson, widely recognized as Notch, is the visionary behind Minecraft. Over the past decade, he has sparked debate with his outspoken views on various topics, particularly concerning the gaming industry and societal issues. Notably, back in 2012, he made headlines when he encouraged a Minecraft enthusiast struggling with finances to pirate the game:

Just pirate it. If you still like it when you can afford it in the future, buy it then. Also, don’t forget to feel bad.😉

During the 2011 Game Developers Conference, Persson further stirred controversy by asserting that piracy should not equate to theft. He reasoned, “If someone steals a car, there is one less car in the world. However, pirating a game merely adds another copy, potentially bringing in new fans.”

The Stop Killing Games Initiative: A New Context for Discussion

Persson has once again revisited his views on the matter in the wake of the Stop Killing Games initiative. This movement aims to collect enough support to propose legislation in the UK and European parliaments that would prevent game developers and publishers from creating games that can be permanently rendered unplayable by shutting down servers. A pertinent example is Electronic Arts’ announcement that all services for BioWare’s Anthem will cease on January 12, 2026, making the game unplayable thereafter.

Growing Support and Industry Responses

The Stop Killing Games initiative has gained significant traction, nearing 1.3 million signatures on its official platform. Many game publishers have expressed concerns, suggesting that such legislation would incur ‘prohibitively expensive’ costs, which some interpret as a veiled warning of potential price hikes for consumers.

Persson’s Current Stance on Game Longevity

In light of these developments, Persson stated:

If buying a game is not a purchase, then pirating them is not theft.

When questioned about alternatives to shutting down games, he referenced a time when developers allowed players to host their own servers, thereby extending the life of games even after official support ended.

Future Prospects for Persson and Minecraft

Earlier this year, Persson explored the possibility of creating a spiritual successor to Minecraft, receiving enthusiastic feedback from his followers. However, the timeline for such a project remains uncertain.