‘This Is Borderline Evil’ - Minecraft Creator Speaks Out Against ESA Calling Private Servers ‘Illegal’

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) sparked significant backlash by claiming Minecraft private servers are “illegal” and constitute piracy during a California State Senate hearing on the proposed Protect Our Games Act. The bill seeks to require publishers to maintain game functionality after ending server support, particularly targeting live-service games.

When private servers were suggested as a viable preservation solution, ESA Vice President Jennifer Gibbons argued they were illegal and noted they lack Microsoft’s safety standards. The statement drew immediate criticism from Minecraft creator Markus “Notch” Persson, who condemned the ESA’s position as “borderline evil.”

The controversy highlights tensions between game preservation advocates and the industry. The Stop Killing Games movement, which backs the legislation, argues publishers shouldn’t render games unplayable by shutting down servers. Meanwhile, the ESA represents publisher interests in opposing such mandates.

Following public backlash, the ESA began walking back its position, though industry observers note the association still maintains reservations about private servers. The incident underscores ongoing debates about digital ownership, game preservation, and publisher control over the games consumers purchase.

Sources

• ‘This Is Borderline Evil’ - Minecraft Creator Speaks Out Against ESA Calling Private Servers ‘Illegal’
• The ESA quietly starts walking back baffling statements about private servers being ‘illegal’, though it’s still tutting and wagging its finger
• ESA clarifies views on private servers after saying Minecraft servers are ‘illegal’ and ‘considered piracy’
• Are Minecraft community servers illegal? The ESA brands them piracy, pushing back against the Stop Killing Games movement