Minecraft Taps Into Private Data to Test Whether Players are 'Having Fun'
Minecraft is testing more changes from update 1.19.3. Snapshot 22w46a introduces interesting features, but will also enable Mojang to collect more data on the players.
Minecraft players can already check out the new test version. Snapshot 22w46a is available to users of the Java version through the game client, where you need to go to the "Installations" section, and then enable snapshots. NOTE: before you activate this feature, make a backup of your world or run sessions with the "snapshot" from a separate folder - as test versions can permanently mess up your creations.
Minecraft knows how much you play
The content of the new snapshot has excited fans so much that few players pay attention to the change regarding the collection of user data by Minecraft. From snapshot 21w38a the game came with the WorldLoad "event," which - in the shortest terms - means sending login information to your Minecraft account, both in single-player mode and on multiplayer servers.
The 22w46a version adds the WorldUnload "event," which tracks when a user turns off Minecraft. Mojang explains this, on the one hand, by wanting to supplement data on whether players are "having fun," and on the other by Microsoft's requirements.
The two "events" described above are mandatory, but in addition to that, adult users can also agree to send optional data. These are information about the game's performance and the loading times of worlds.
The change will come into effect in the Java version of Minecraft with the debut of update 1.19.3.
Symphony (cacophony?) of mobs
Telemetry issues aside, snapshot 22w46a introduces a handful of minor but exciting changes. The ability to freely arrange books on chiseled bookshelves may sound like a trifle - until you realize that this item generates a redstone signal.
Combined with the stacking of volumes without constraints, this gives quite a bit of scope for creative (read: typical) Minecraft players. Enough to take a look at the player creations, for example, the following pixel art (via Reddit).
Another seemingly minor novelty is the ability to stack mob heads (yes, heads) on note blocks to make them make sounds associated with the creatures. This takes into account the freshly added Piglin's head, which we get as a result of an unfortunate encounter between a pig man and an exploding Creeper.
Changes are coming to the appearance of two types of skeletons and Endermen (which is supposed to reduce the effectiveness of the existing farms of these mobs), the loading and "stitching" of textures (in order to reduce the time it takes to load a location) and creative equipment.
The full list of changes in snapshot 22w46a can be found on Minecraft's official website.
