Mojang have announced a new version of Minecraft today, built for Windows 10. The game will launch July 29th in beta, alongside Windows 10, optimised for the new operating system. The game is not designed to replace the current PC version, and will launch with fewer features, however will be rapidly updated post-launch.
When the beta drops this month, those who played the original Java based version of the game can access the download for free. This gives over 20 million players access to Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition for no extra cost. Everybody else must pay $10 to play the beta build, and once the full game releases, those who played will be upgraded for free. When the title leaves beta the price is expected to rise, but until then the price will be constant.
When the game launches alongside Windows 10, both Creative and Survival mode will be playable, with all the features found in Minecraft: Pocket Edition, and some from other platforms. The game will be updated for free after the initial purchase.
“Just like the first release of Minecraft all those years ago, this version will develop and evolve over time with the help of your feedback. That’s why it has “Beta” in the title – because it’s not quite finished, and will become even more fun over time. Just like the other versions of Minecraft, all future updates will be free. We spoil you. We really do.”
The game will support keyboard and mouse, touch screens and controllers, with the GUI changing based on the input method. Many Xbox Live features will be supported, such as Xbox Live social integration, and Game DVR. It is unclear whether the application is a universal app at this point in time.
This title was expected by many, especially after a Windows 10 advertisement teased the project last month.
Source: Mojang
Matt was a regular ICXM contributor in 2015, publishing 110 articles across game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news. Their work focused on hands-on reviews, platform commentary, and breaking-news reporting during the Xbox One’s first full year of post-launch coverage, including the early days of Backwards Compatibility and Windows 10 gaming. They post on X as @RTEnvi.