Microsoft cancels VR support for "Minecraft"

Minecraft and VR – seem like an unbeatable combination at first glance. But apparently virtual reality was not well received by Minecraft players: Microsoft has discontinued VR support with the latest update for the Bedrock variant of "Minecraft".

"Access to gameplay in virtual and mixed reality removed", the patch notes for version 1.21.80 simply state. The announcement from last year is a little more detailed, but hardly more meaningful. At that time, Microsoft had already announced that VR support would end in spring 2025. "Our ability to support VR/MR devices has come to an end," Microsoft wrote at the time.

Microsoft has therefore failed to provide a real reason for the end of VR support for Minecraft. It stands to reason that the VR version of the creative game was not played by enough users. The move is annoying for fans of VR Minecraft. The function was completely removed with the latest patch and can no longer be used.

Mod alternative Vivecraft

The only alternative is the user mod Vivecraft, as reported by PCWorld magazine. While the official VR support of "Minecraft" was limited to the Bedrock version, Vivecraft is only available for the Java version of the creative game. Owners of VR headsets will therefore have to switch to the other version of Minecraft. This is financially bearable, but also means a new savegame and thus the end of game worlds and buildings that may have been maintained for a long time.

Microsoft has largely discontinued its mixed reality efforts in recent years. The company never launched its own VR headset on the market, but instead tried its hand at augmented reality with the Hololens. However, these experiments have now also come to an end.

(dahe)