In order to celebrate the launch of Windows 10 on July 29th, the tech giant Microsoft is rolling out a "Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta" at the same time and "It's gonna be cool."
Along with Windows 10, Microsoft plans to update its special version of "Minecraft" over time, and future updates will be free.
According to records on The Verge, for those who already own and play "Minecraft," the Windows 10 version will be free while it will be up for grabs for other players for $10 during the beta period.
This new version will effectively be the Pocket Edition of "Minecraft" for all devices running Windows 10. Players will be able to create and explore online with up to seven other friends via Xbox Live. In addition, an update anticipated shortly after launch, will add the ability to play online with other Pocket Edition players.
But that's not all, the tech giant is also adding support for controllers, touch as well as keyboard control to play "Minecraft" on Windows 10 allowing players to use an Xbox One controller to navigate around.
"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," Mojang's Owen said in a blog post on the company's official website.
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," Owen added.
Along with some cool extras, Owen revealed some Pocket Edition features in "Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta."
Check out some highlights below:
Players can craft, create and explore online with up to seven friends playing Windows 10 Edition Beta through local multiplayer or with their Xbox Live friends online.
A free update due to arrive soon after launch will allow players to play online and local multiplayer with other Pocket Edition players.
Players will be able to switch between controller, touch and keyboard control almost effortlessly.
Players can record and share gameplay highlights with built-in GameDVR.
"Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta" will feature player feedback mechanisms.
It will feature all the weird and wonderful goodness such as chickens, zombies, pigs, boats, armed skeletons, potatoes, zombies, baby squids, enchantment tables, villagers, naked sheep, iron golems, potions, ghasts, pickaxes, carrots players expect from Minecraft.
A full Windows Store version of "Minecraft" of the hit sandbox independent video game has been a long time coming, it's not at all surprising this has finally arrived after Microsoft acquired the title last year.
"Minecraft" creator Markus "Notch" Persson famously criticized Microsoft and its Windows 8 OS. In fact Microsoft wanted a Windows Store version of the game, however Notch said at the time, "I'd rather have Minecraft not run on win 8 at all than to play along. Maybe we can convince a few people not to switch to win 8 that way."
