Joining the small but increasing number of mobile device exclusive games making use of augmented reality systems at their foundation, and following a recent closed beta test period, Microsoft have released Minecraft Earth to early access within Australia. Accessible for both iOS and Android platforms from today, Minecraft Earth sets out to be a free-to-play mobile game combining “state-of-the art AR technology with a new version of Minecraft built on the Bedrock engine“, essentially fusing components of Minecraft’s gameplay and portraying it with the real world through a smartphone or tablet screen.
Here is a bit about Minecraft Earth, for those who have yet to hear about it:
“Minecraft Earth” blends state-of-the-art technology with a new version of Minecraft which allows players to explore their own world, build creations in both table-top and life-size AR, and set off on adventures and challenges with other players. In “Minecraft Earth,” you go out in the real world to find clusters of blocks, chests or mobs called tappables. As you travel, you will also discover adventures, which are slices of Minecraft worlds that you play in life-sized AR. You will fight mobs, collect resources and experience points to progress, delve into other players’ creations, and collaborate with friends to create masterpieces together!
– Xbox Game Studios
Minecraft Earth boasts the use of two Microsoft technologies. The first of these is Azure PlayFab’s dedicated servers, which supports “Minecraft Earth’s multiplayer gameplay by hosting both buildplates and adventures” and Azure Spatial Anchors (ASA) to “implement shared experiences and persistence of augmented reality content. So, when you set off to your local park and find an abandoned mine with treasures, “Minecraft Earth” is using the ASA service to help guide different players to the same adventure “.
Early Access will be rolled out over the coming months, with the intention being to have more countries added weekly leading to a worldwide release by the end of 2019. New features introduced in this Early Access version are:
- Adventures – small slices of procedurally generated, limited-time Minecraft worlds that you play in augmented reality in life size. These are optimised for social multiplayer.
- New mob variants, smelting and crafting – like the Muddy Pig, Moobloom, Jumbo Rabbit and Cluckshroom, there will be new friendly and hostile mobs for players to meet. Through smelting, you’ll be able to work ores into ingots and with crafting you’ll get to create items you need (provided you have the materials), instead of having to collect the items outright.
Will Minecraft Earth, given the series’ loyal fanbase, become the next Pokemon Go where millions of players will venture out of their homes in search of new experiences? Time will tell.
Note: While Minecraft Earth will be free-to-play, it will be supported by in-game purchases.
Promoted Features of Minecraft Earth
Crafting: Use your resources to craft and smelt new items. These actions have been optimized for mobile play to provide an optimum experience on the go.
Tappables: Collect tappables and build up your inventory! They can be randomized blocks, mobs, or other items, which are discovered through gameplay and help make “Minecraft Earth’s” world feel as alive as the real one.
Adventures: Check out adventures, or events at real-world locations where players can collect resources and mobs and team up with other players. Adventures offer something for everyone, ranging from solving puzzles and interacting with peaceful mobs, to more action-oriented experiences like fending off a wave of attacking zombies.
Buildplates: Craft a Minecraft creation on a buildplate using blocks you collect from tappables and Adventures. On the buildplate, you can build your house, castle, tower, or anything you want.
Play Mode: When in play mode, place your own buildplates on the ground and you can place yourself inside the Minecraft world to explore your creations (or a friend’s!) on a real-life scale. Continue building, spawn mobs and more in this life-size, interactive mode.
Progression: Collect experience points to level up. With each level, you get rewards, which may be currency like rubies, cosmetic items or buildplates.
Mob Variants: Like your favorite existing mobs, but a little different! Interact with these fun new characters like the Muddy Pig to experience new mob behaviors and collect special items unique to only these variants.
Multiplayer: All “Minecraft Earth” experiences are optimized for social multiplayer. Adventures, building, playing – invite anyone with an AR-enabled phone and “Minecraft Earth” installed to join your session quickly and have fun together.
Preview Screenshots
