Microsoft Announces AR-enabled Minecraft Earth Game
On the 10th anniversary of the iconic Minecraft game, Microsoft is announcing the future for Minecraft: a new game that takes Minecraft to the real world.
Much like Pokemon Go, the new augmented reality version game will allow you to go around your neighbourhood and collect things from the Minecraft world, that includes things like animals, mobs, and more.
Picture the scene: you’re walking through your neighbourhood and see a patch of grass. Grass is lovely and all, but you see this patch every day. It’s getting a little dull and is practically begging for a talented builder to brighten it up. So you take out your phone and craft a beautiful Minecraft build on a nearby picnic table. Then you place your colourful new Minecraft creation on the real-life grass.
You’ve just used the power of augmented reality to bring the Minecraft universe into our universe, making it a bit more block-tastic.
This is Minecraft like you’ve never experienced it before, allowing you to give your day-to-day life a Minecraft makeover. Here’s just some of the AR features you’ll be able to get up to in Minecraft Earth:
- Collect - Minecraft Earth features many of the mobs you know, along with a bunch of new ones. Over time, you’ll get the chance to discover unique variants, and use them to populate your builds. Minecraft pigs parading around your local park? That’s about to become your reality.
- Explore - Your real-life neighbourhood is about to take on a new dimension. Gather resources, take on challenges, and experience a new world to discover
- Collaborate - Build even better by teaming up with other Minecraft Earth players. You can craft creations together.
- Survive - Sure, Are you ready to battle Minecraft mobs in real life?
The new AR-based game will be available on iPhones and Android devices later this summer, starting with a closed beta.
Head over to the Minecraft Earth page for more info and learn how you can sign up for a chance to play the limited beta.
Microsoft did not to say how the game will make money. The company ruled out advertising and selling loot boxes, where gamers pay for surprise items.