You will need Microsoft account to play Minecraft next year
Mojang said late Wednesday that the legacy, PC-centric Java version of Minecraft will now require a Microsoft account, a decision Microsoft says it's making for security reasons and to ensure future compatibility.
Minecraft now has two versions a Bedrock edition, which requires a Microsoft account to enjoy, and the Java Edition, which doesn't require a Microsoft account instead needed a Microsoft account.
In a post on the Minecraft website, the studio announced the move would be to allow users to utilise features such as 2 factor authentication, have all their Minecraft games including Minecraft Dungeons on the same account, and also offer improved parental controls as well as chat and invitation blocking. The transition will occur in 2021, though players signing up for the Java version of Microsoft will be required to enroll a Microsoft account beginning this fall. So you will not be able to play with your friends who are using the other version of the game. But he makes some assertive assumptions about how positive you will feel.
Minecraft is a vastly popular game with 131 million active monthly players, which have seen massive success during this pandemic.
In the support posts addressing the change, Mojang is clear that your username will not be affected in-game. Given that it's been eight years apart with console gamers, there may not be as many usernames to choose from.
Players will receive an email that will include instructions on how to move your account, and players will then use your Microsoft account to log into Minecraft rather than their previous Minecraft account. But if it is so important to present it in the first place, why has it been so long?
This particular iteration of the game is widely considered the best way to enjoy the game with mods. In such cases, Minecraft players will have to go through an account recovery process.