Minecraft · Minecraft Usage Guidelines · View original document ↗

Prohibition on Selling Mods

Medium severity Medium confidence Explicitdocumentlanguage Unique · 0 of 343 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

The document prohibits users from charging money for mods built using Minecraft's code or assets unless Mojang has specifically authorized it, with the Minecraft Marketplace cited as the designated authorized channel.

This analysis describes what Minecraft's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision establishes that mod monetization outside Mojang-operated platforms is not permitted under the guidelines, directing any commercial mod distribution through the Minecraft Marketplace. Under this clause, mod developers selling through third-party platforms or directly to users would be operating outside the stated permissions.

Interpretive note: The boundary between a 'mod' and an independently created tool or asset is not defined in the document, creating interpretive uncertainty at the margins.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

This provision establishes that mod developers may not charge for their modifications to Minecraft unless distributing through the Minecraft Marketplace or another Mojang-authorized platform. Mod developers using third-party distribution with payment mechanisms should evaluate their arrangements against this restriction.

How other platforms handle this

Shopify Medium

You may not use the Shopify Services to offer, sell, or facilitate the sale of: Counterfeit goods: Sale of counterfeit goods or use of another's intellectual property without authorization or in a manner that otherwise infringes on another's intellectual property rights.

DoorDash Medium

(g) You will not use or attempt to use the Services or content accessible through the Services without DoorDash's prior written consent in connection with the development of any software program, including, but not limited to, training a machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) system or pro...

AWS Bedrock Medium

You may not use the Services to develop foundation models or other large scale models that compete with Amazon Bedrock or any other AWS Service.

See all platforms with this clause type →

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
You are not allowed to make money off mods unless we have specifically authorized it (i.e. through the Minecraft Marketplace or similar platforms operated by us).

— Excerpt from Minecraft's Minecraft Usage Guidelines

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (Compliance & governance intelligence)

(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision primarily engages copyright law, as the restriction on monetization flows from Mojang's IP ownership over game code and assets. Competition law considerations may arise in jurisdictions where platform operators are subject to app store or marketplace regulations, such as the EU's Digital Markets Act, if Mojang's Marketplace is considered a gatekeeper channel for mod distribution. (2) GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Medium. The restriction channels commercial mod activity through a proprietary marketplace, creating platform dependency for developers. The provision does not define what constitutes a 'mod' versus an independent creation, which introduces interpretive ambiguity at the margins. (3) JURISDICTION FLAGS: EU developers should evaluate whether the Marketplace-exclusive monetization channel engages Digital Markets Act obligations. US developers should note that fair use doctrines may affect the enforceability of restrictions on certain transformative mod works, though this is jurisdiction-dependent and fact-specific. (4) CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Businesses or studios that have contracted with mod developers to produce paid Minecraft modifications should review whether those arrangements comply with this provision or require a separate commercial agreement with Mojang. (5) COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Mod developers currently monetizing outside the Marketplace should assess their arrangements and consider whether to apply for a commercial license or transition to Marketplace distribution.

Full compliance analysis

Regulatory citations, enforcement risk, and due diligence action items.

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Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC's consumer protection authority is relevant if restrictions on mod monetization channels affect commercial operators in ways that could constitute unfair practices.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Minecraft Usage Guidelines
Entity
Minecraft
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 20, 2026
Last verified
May 20, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-012292
Document ID
CA-D-00119
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
5e8b017eedb8b7b023b00d0a87e3cefa11f56cf0639d1270bb0ec0efe3aed3c6
Analysis generated
May 20, 2026 18:46 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Minecraft
Document: Minecraft Usage Guidelines
Record ID: CA-P-012292
Captured: 2026-05-20 18:46:29 UTC
SHA-256: 5e8b017eedb8b7b0…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/minecraft/minecraft-usage-guidelines/prohibition-on-selling-mods/
Accessed: May 25, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Minecraft's Prohibition on Selling Mods clause do?

This provision establishes that mod monetization outside Mojang-operated platforms is not permitted under the guidelines, directing any commercial mod distribution through the Minecraft Marketplace. Under this clause, mod developers selling through third-party platforms or directly to users would be operating outside the stated permissions.

How does this clause affect you?

This provision establishes that mod developers may not charge for their modifications to Minecraft unless distributing through the Minecraft Marketplace or another Mojang-authorized platform. Mod developers using third-party distribution with payment mechanisms should evaluate their arrangements against this restriction.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Minecraft?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Minecraft.