Minecraft will soon require a Microsoft account

All Mojang games will, actually

You’re going to be blocked from playing Minecraft if you don’t add some security to your account. Minecraft‘s owner has mandated that a Microsoft account is required for all of Mojang’s games.

The reason for the change is mostly focused on security and safety. It’ll allow for two-factor authentication, it’ll introduce improved parental controls, and it’ll enable chat and invitation blocking. Another perk is that all Minecraft PC games will be connected to the same acconut.

This affects all editions of Minecraft, from the original Java Edition to the most current version. Microsoft assures everyone that nothing else will change, though. Microsoft says “You’ll also keep your Minecraft Java username, and new players will still get to choose their Minecraft username.” Once you’ve completed the free account migration, you’ll receive a cape for your trouble; the cape can be seen in the gallery below.

It’s all going down relatively soon. Anyone with a Java or Mojang account will have to make the switch sometime early next year. New players will have to create Microsoft accounts rather than Mojang accounts starting this fall. 

Java Edition is Moving House [Minecraft]