Fans of Minecraft on PlayStation consoles will face a significant change next year as Mojang Studios announces the discontinuation of PlayStation VR support. This decision marks the end of a four-year period during which players have enjoyed immersive experiences in the virtual world of Minecraft through the PlayStation VR headset.
Mojang Studios, the developer and publisher behind the globally popular sandbox game, revealed this change in a recent update posted on the official Minecraft website. According to the announcement, support for PlayStation VR will cease with the release of a scheduled update in March 2025. After this update, Minecraft will no longer be playable on the PlayStation VR system.
The PlayStation VR functionality was introduced to Minecraft players on the PlayStation 4 in September 2020. The update aimed to enhance the gaming experience by integrating features specifically designed for virtual reality, allowing users to explore the game’s expansive worlds in a new and immersive way. The addition of this feature was part of Mojang’s broader strategy to continually evolve Minecraft’s gameplay and offer new experiences for its diverse player base.
Despite the forthcoming removal of PlayStation VR support, Mojang has assured that players who have been using the headset will retain access to their previously created worlds on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. Furthermore, any purchased tokens or items from the Minecraft Marketplace will remain accessible. This continuity ensures that existing players will not lose their in-game progress or purchases.
The decision to end PlayStation VR support has not been accompanied by a specific rationale from Mojang Studios. However, industry speculation suggests several possible factors. Notably, the PlayStation VR system requires a PlayStation console to operate, and the launch of the PlayStation VR 2 in early 2023 has introduced a new set of challenges. The PlayStation VR 2 is not backward-compatible with the original PlayStation VR, creating a fragmentation in VR support across the PlayStation ecosystem.
At present, there is no official announcement regarding Minecraft’s compatibility with the PlayStation VR 2. Despite the evident demand from the gaming community, evidenced by discussions on forums such as Reddit, Mojang’s parent company Microsoft, a competitor of Sony, might influence the game’s VR support direction. The lack of announcement regarding a PlayStation VR 2 version of Minecraft has led to growing uncertainty among fans.
In related news, Mojang has also unveiled plans for Minecraft Live 2024, scheduled for September 28. This annual event is a significant fixture in the Minecraft calendar, typically featuring a range of announcements and updates about the game’s future. It is anticipated that this year’s presentation may provide insight into Minecraft’s trajectory concerning virtual reality, including potential developments or new VR integrations.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits further details, the discontinuation of PlayStation VR support for Minecraft represents a notable shift in the landscape of virtual reality gaming. While players will need to bid farewell to the PlayStation VR experience, the game’s enduring appeal and the upcoming Minecraft Live event may offer new avenues for engagement and innovation.
In summary, the removal of PlayStation VR support from Minecraft in March 2025 signifies the end of an era for players who have embraced virtual reality on this platform. With Mojang’s forthcoming updates and the potential for new VR developments, the future of Minecraft remains vibrant and full of possibilities. As the gaming world looks forward to Minecraft Live 2024, fans will be keenly observing for any announcements that could shape the game’s VR future.
