Minecraft China Edition: All you need to know

Minecraft is a world-famous sandbox title that is available in almost every country. Players can download Java or Bedrock Edition and enjoy it from anywhere worldwide. However, China is one country that experiences Minecraft entirely differently. They have their own 'China Edition' instead of the traditional Java or Bedrock.

Though players might consider it an entirely different game, that is untrue, as the China Edition is exceptionally close to traditional Minecraft. However, there are several hoops and restrictions that Chinese players must overcome to play their indigenous edition.

Here is everything about the fascinating third edition of the popular sandbox game.

---

Everything to know about Minecraft China Edition

Why does China have a special edition?

Minecraft China Edition main page on the Netease website (Image via Sportskeeda)

The first question that comes to mind is why China has a special game edition, the answer to which is quite simple. China has several country-wide rules and regulations regarding curbing video game addiction in children, how players interact with each other in the game and other different security rules.

The game's policies did not comply with the country's rules. Hence, Mojang could not release the game in China for several years. In 2017, the Swedish game company partnered with NetEase, a Chinese internet technology company. Finally, it released a special edition for the country with unique features that complied with the restrictions imposed by the government.

---

China Edition is entirely free of cost.

Players must usually pay for Java and Bedrock Edition in other countries. However, the special China Edition caters to the Chinese player base and is downright free. Players can log in with their Chinese ID and download the game. This edition was made free of charge to grab as many players as possible from a market Mojang had not been tapping into for the past six years.

---

Some restrictions in the China Edition

There are several restrictions in the Minecraft China Edition (Image via Minecraft Fandom/Anterdc99)

The China Edition has several in-game limits, some of which have been hereby listed:

• Chinese citizen ID is required to play China Edition
• China Edition will attempt to verify the copy of the game and its location to prevent foreign users from playing
• The interface will be locked to Simplified Chinese without the ability to change the language
• In-game text content is heavily censored, including chat, Book and Quills, Written Books, Signs, Command Blocks, renamed items, and mobs.
• Censorship also applies to any text in the launcher, such as community posts, comments on contents, private messages, etc.
• The curfew time for younger players (under 18 years) is from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. The game will disconnect younger players from controlling their screen time and game addiction.

NetEase, based in China, provides these restrictions and is well-versed with all limitations that must be placed in the game.