Minecraft won't go free-to-play due to its unique monetization strategy and values. The game's core appeal to children ensures its longevity and constant player base. Minecraft's success as a premium product with multiple revenue streams proves it doesn't need to pivot.

Minecraft is massive; it's the best-selling game ever made and is even more popular in 2025 than it was back when it launched in 2011. But following Minecraft, the majority of hyper-popular game releases on that level have been free-to-play games like Fortnite,