Microsoft to bring Minecraft to Windows 10 later this month

Microsoft is making a version of the world’s favourite block-building game for Windows 10. Dubbed Minecraft Windows 10 Edition Beta, the new version will be continually developed and tinkered with as Mojang looks to optimise the franchise for Microsoft’s new OS.

Microsoft to bring Minecraft to Windows 10 later this month

Windows 10 owners with the existing PC edition of the game will be able to download the Windows 10 version for free, while other players can download the game for $10 – although this price may increase after the beta period.

Interestingly, the new software has little in common with the existing Java-based PC version of the game, instead using code from Minecraft: Pocket Edition, available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone.

As a result, Minecraft Windows 10 Edition Beta will offer local and online multiplayer with the handheld version of the game. It will also support keyboards, mice and the Xbox One controller.

Minecraft gets the Windows treatment

The decision to use code from Pocket Edition hints at Microsoft’s longer-term plans for its $2.5 billion investment.

It’s likely that the company will standardise Minecraft across platforms, allowing players from mobile devices to play those on the PC and vice-versa – increasing its community significantly.

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