Minecraft Officially Ends VR Support: What This Means for Players and the Future of VR Gaming
Minecraft has officially dropped support for virtual and mixed reality platforms as of the latest Bedrock Edition update (version 1.21.80). This move follows Mojang’s initial announcement in October 2023, which indicated that VR support would be discontinued by March 2024. While players were given a few extra weeks beyond the original deadline, the removal is now complete, marking the end of an era for VR Minecraft enthusiasts.
The decision to eliminate VR support from one of the world’s most popular games—boasting over 238 million monthly active players as of 2024—raises critical questions about the future of VR gaming and Mojang’s strategic priorities.
### Why Did Mojang Remove VR Support?
Mojang has not provided an explicit reason for discontinuing VR support, but industry analysts speculate several possible factors:
1. Low VR Player Adoption – Despite Minecraft’s massive player base, only a small fraction engaged with VR. Steam data from 2023 suggests that less than 1% of Minecraft’s active players used VR regularly.
2. Maintenance Costs – Supporting VR requires ongoing development resources for compatibility updates, bug fixes, and optimizations, which may not justify the investment given low usage.
3. Shift in Microsoft’s VR Strategy – Microsoft has scaled back its VR ambitions in recent years, discontinuing Windows Mixed Reality and reducing investments in HoloLens.
### The Impact on VR Gamers
For players who enjoyed Minecraft in VR, this change is a significant loss. The immersive experience of exploring blocky worlds in virtual reality was a unique draw. However, third-party solutions like Vivecraft (a mod for Java Edition) still offer VR functionality, though they are not officially supported by Mojang.
#### Alternative VR Options for Minecraft Fans
– Vivecraft – A highly regarded mod that enables full VR support for Minecraft Java Edition, including motion controls and room-scale VR.
– QuestCraft – A version of Vivecraft optimized for Meta Quest headsets, allowing standalone VR play without a PC.
– Pico 4 & Other Standalone Headsets – Some third-party tools enable VR play on non-Meta devices, though performance varies.
### The Bigger Picture: Is VR Gaming in Decline?
Minecraft’s exit from VR is part of a broader trend. While VR gaming saw a surge during the pandemic, growth has slowed in 2024. Key indicators include:
– Meta’s (formerly Facebook) declining VR investments – Despite the success of the Quest 3, Meta has shifted focus toward AI and mixed reality.
– Sony’s PSVR 2 underperforming – Sales have been below expectations, with limited exclusive titles.
– Steam VR user stats plateauing – Only about 2% of Steam users actively engage with VR monthly.
However, VR isn’t dead—games like Beat Saber, Half-Life: Alyx, and Resident Evil 4 VR continue to thrive. The industry is evolving toward mixed reality (MR) and augmented reality (AR), with Apple’s Vision Pro leading the charge.
### What’s Next for Minecraft?
Mojang’s decision suggests a refocusing on core platforms:
– Bedrock & Java Editions remain the priority, with cross-play and marketplace content driving revenue.
– Education Edition continues expanding in schools, leveraging Minecraft’s educational potential.
– Potential AR/MR Future? Microsoft may explore augmented reality integrations, aligning with its HoloLens and Mesh initiatives.
### Player Reactions & Community Workarounds
The Minecraft community has mixed feelings. While some VR players are disappointed, others acknowledge that official VR support was rarely updated. Modders have already stepped in to fill the gap, ensuring VR gameplay remains possible—albeit unofficially.
#### How to Keep Playing Minecraft in VR (Unofficially)
1. Install Vivecraft – Works with Java Edition and supports most PC VR headsets.
2. Use QuestCraft for Meta Quest – A standalone solution for wireless VR play.
3. Explore Pico & Other Mods – Community-driven projects keep VR alive for alternative headsets.
### Final Thoughts: A Strategic Move or a Missed Opportunity?
Mojang’s choice to drop VR may be pragmatic, but it also highlights the challenges of maintaining niche features in a blockbuster game. For now, VR enthusiasts must rely on mods, while the industry watches to see if mixed reality will reignite interest in immersive gaming.
Want the latest Minecraft updates? Follow our gaming news section for real-time coverage. Looking for the best VR alternatives? Check out our top VR game recommendations for 2024.
This article was originally published on Engadget and has been expanded with additional insights, data, and community perspectives.