It has been over six years since Microsoft purchased Mojang, but until now players of Minecraft Java Edition have been logging in with credentials specific to Minecraft. That is all going to change very soon, and players will need to act or risk losing access to the game.
All new players on Minecraft Java Edition will need to register with Microsoft accounts instead of Mojang accounts. All current Mojang and legacy account holders will be moved over to the new system in batches, starting in 2021. Players should expect to see emails from Mojang and a banner on their profile page inviting them to complete their registration on a new or existing Microsoft account. The move is mandatory, so those who do not complete registration in the next year may lose access to their account.
Minecraft developer Dinnerbone, who has been with Mojang since 2012 and has seen through Minecraft's transition to Microsoft, posted this video to educate players about the eventual migration to Microsoft/Xbox Live accounts. Dinnerbone normally appears to be standing on his head due to a feature in Minecraft Java Edition that turns any entity named "Dinnerbone" upside down, but shockingly he turns back upright so he can properly address the crowd.
The transition will allow for more secure two-factor authentication, which will send a text message or email to verify that the person trying to log in is who they say they are, even if they have the right password. Players who complete the transition will also receive an exclusive cape proving that they were playing Minecraft before the 2020 migration. The announcement hints this may not be the only cosmetic perk awaiting the migrating players.
A quick word of caution to players in transition: scammers and phishers are known to impersonate Mojang and Microsoft emails in an attempt to gain access to secured accounts. Even if an email that shows up in the next few months looks legitimate, it may be best to log in directly on the Minecraft.net website and complete the transition from the banner on the user's profile.
Minecraft is available on PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and mobile devices.
Source: Minecraft