The hashtag #SaveMinecraft has been trending on Twitter in response to a recent controversial update in Microsoft’s Minecraft that introduced a chat reporting system.
The Minecraft Java Edition 1.19.1, which critics are referring to as “Update 1.19.84” in reference to George Orwell’s novel 1984, has angered many fans. If a user is reported through the chat reporting system, they could be permanently banned.
“Censorship has no place in gaming,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “I hope that Microsoft takes at least some of the accountability and reverses some steps.”
Another said that the update was, “quite literally the dumbest update ever.”
Despite the backlash, Minecraft insisted that the chat reporting system would not be removed. On Reddit, a Minecraft community manager said: “While we understand this may not be the answer some of you were hoping for, we are not planning on changing it.”
The community manager added that the backlash and harassment of employees on social media would not “bring about the changes you’re wanting,” because Minecraft wants to maintain “constructive and open dialogue” within the Minecraft community.
The comment received over 2,000 downvotes.
