Minecraft VR support has been terminated by Mojang, ending a complex yet problematic virtual reality journey.
The allure of nostalgia can be powerful, it can make you long for a can of spaghetti hoops after a grueling day, conjure memories when you catch a familiar scent, and even spark a desire to start Minecraft for the umpteenth time, only to abandon it a week later.
My first encounter with VR was somewhat nostalgic, occurring approximately thirty minutes after the delivery of my Oculus Quest. Over a decade since its introduction, Mojang has recently withdrawn support for Minecraft VR in the Bedrock Edition. Although we were informed about this decision back in October, the change became effective in May (as spotted by PC World).
Mojang's implementation of Minecraft VR was, truth be told, temperamental and underwhelming. The performance was inconsistent, requiring frequent tweaks and restarts. Interacting with objects such as trees, mud, and zombies didn't feel as satisfying as one would hope, often resulting in missed shots or speed losses. To achieve a more authentic Minecraft experience, I switched to clicking a button to attack trees, but it lacked the captivating magic of true VR action.
Yet, despite these significant drawbacks, Minecraft VR was an exhilarating experience that breathed new life into the game. Transforming flat games into VR can infuse them with a dose of adrenaline, as seen in games like No Man's Sky and Phasmophobia. This enhanced adrenaline stems from the removal of traditional controllers and the subsequent fear that permeates upon seeing zombies, creepers, and skeletons once more. VR Minecraft added depth to the world, making it feel fresh and exciting, just like playing the game for the first time again.
Upon trying to boot up virtual Minecraft last month, I encountered issues, perhaps partly due to my ineptitude, but it serves as an indication that the game was on my mind. For those who still wish to play Minecraft in VR, mods like Vivecraft can be a viable alternative. Vivecraft is a testament to the best aspects of PC gaming, a free fan-supported mod that allows players to enjoy Minecraft VR from their PC.
However, Vivecraft doesn't guarantee compatibility, which means playing Minecraft VR via the official route once enabled you to join other worlds your friends were playing on without them needing a VR headset. Now, to play with others, you'll need to set up some mods and persuade all your friends to do the same. It also doesn't resolve the issue for PSVR Minecraft VR players who don't have any workaround options.
The reasons behind Mojang ending support for Minecraft VR remain unclear, but it's likely due to the game's ever-evolving nature. Minecraft has undergone significant transformation, with new mobs, areas, ores, and more being introduced, necessitating updates for every version of the game. As the game expands, developers must make tough decisions about which platforms will see updates, given the resources available and the game's strategic priorities.
In essence, Minecraft VR losing official support is just another step in the prescheduled obsolescence of older or less popular versions of Minecraft. While this decision may not come as a surprise, it's a shame to see it go, given the vibrant Minecraft VR community that emerged around unofficial solutions.
- In 2025, it's largely uncertain if I'll be able to join friends in a VR Minecraft world, as the need for mods and everyone adopting those mods may make the experience less seamless.
- I've largely given up on VR Minecraft these days, as the inconsistent performance and underwhelming interactions left me yearning for the simplicity of cards - perhaps a game of solitaire on my gadgets.
- It's amusing how largely technology has evolved over the last decade, transforming even a 'bet' like picking up blocks in Minecraft into an immersive virtual reality experience.
- When I won PS gift cards for consistently ranking high in Phasmophobia's VR game sessions, it largely felt like a triumphant season for me and my team.
- Mojang's decision to largely withdraw support for Minecraft VR feels like an ending of sorts, akin to reaching the credits in a top-tier game, realizing it's largely over but leaving you with memories of great gameplay.
- As the tech industry largely focuses on the future, it's increasingly rare to find companies willing to largely invest in once-popular games like Minecraft VR.
- When the season for cozy spaghetti dinners arrives, I largely find myself reminiscing about those virtual nights spent racing zombies and enthusiastically building fortresses in Minecraft VR.
