Pocket Edition Submitted, Not Released Just Yet

A new update for Minecraft: Pocket Edition (0.3.3) is in the pipeline, but has hit an unexpected snag in the process.  It is not currently known when it will clear for release, but in the meantime, there are exciting things on the horizon for future Pocket Edition updates - things like beds, chests, and the very real possibility of wheat and bread!  It is not currently believed that bread is indicative of a hunger system, but rather a means to gain health back more quickly.

Speculation of TNT and creepers has come to the fore, but neither are currently confirmed at this time.  We will keep you posted on developments regarding the most recent patch submission, and future updates.

Want to Try Out PC Minecraft?

Users have long awaited the means to try out the full version of Minecraft before buying it, just to see if it suits them.  Now, the means to do so is finally at hand, with the PC demo of Minecraft!  If you would like to try Minecraft before deciding to make a purchase, you can play the demo by registering an account, and downloading the Minecraft game client. Then, you just log into Minecraft with a non-premium account, and you will see an option to play the demo mode. This version of the game is 100 minutes long, or five in-game days.  Not only is this useful to see if you will enjoy the game, but it is a great way to make sure your PC can handle the game as well!

Keep in mind, if you have downloaded the Minecraft client prior to August 1st, 2012, you will need to download a new version of the Minecraft launcher in order for it to be displayed. To do so, simply delete your old Minecraft launcher (and only the launcher), download the most recent version from Mojang's site, then start the game normally.  Easy!

MineTV, Episode 2:  Video-maker Direwolf20

This week on MineTV, we had a chance to sit down with Mod Tutorial and Let's Play guru Direwolf20, to chat a bit about his video series, the 1.3.1 update, and more.  Check it out!  Also, be sure to check in frequently for your chance to join the live studio audience for future episodes of MineTV!

Minecraft & Mojang News:  Update 1.3, & Minecon Announced!

This week, David and Toby go over the 1.3 update, all things Minecon 2012, and more - give it a look! Back to Top

The 0.3.2 update for Minecraft Pocket Edition is available! Little by little, more survival elements make their way into the handheld sandbox port, as well as numerous bug fixes. Be sure to check the Bugs list as well - these glitches will be updated in the near future. So, what does 0.3.2 have on offer? Let's take a look! Features:

• Furnaces! Every available block and item can now be gathered, crafted or smelted into.
• Grow trees! Saplings dropped when harvesting leaf with Shears.
• More tiles such as thin glass, and half blocks in different material.
• Gold, diamond and iron ore can now be gathered (smelt them for stronger tools)!

Bug Fixes:

• less flickering/Z-fighting on some devices
• mobs have correct health
• fixed rendering of fence gate and half block in hand

Bugs:

• Saplings aren't available in Creative
• Saplings aren't visible in the hotbar
• Dandelion Yellow is show as an egg in MATTIS and the hotbar
• Swords don't lose durability when hitting mobs
• Crafting a iron block only needs 6 iron ingots, but a iron block yields 9 iron ingots
• It only needs 4 wood blocks to craft a door

Don't forget, you can discuss all things Pocket Edition over here - there's plenty of buzz about the update, so drop by and see what's going on! Back to Top

An update for Minecraft - Pocket Edition is now available! What sort of awesome enhancements does it have in store? Let's take a look:

• Crafting added
  
• New mobs: Cows and Chickens!
  
• New sounds
  
• New inventory
  
• All items need to be gathered, except Shears, Bricks & Glass.
  
• New blocks and items: Crafting Table, Brick Slabs, Brick Stairs, Cobblestone Slab, Snow, Stick, Wooden Slab, Dandelion Yellow, Wooden Axe, Shovel, Pickaxe, Sword, Bowl, Sugar, Book & Paper
  
• Added bookshelves to Survival Mode (you need to craft)

Quite a grab bag of goodies, indeed! Each update brings us a little closer to the PC edition, and while the two have never been planned to be identical, Pocket Edition is definitely making welcome advances. With these new enhancements to the game, how will you change your portable world? Back to Top

Daniel Kaplan Talks "Pocket Edition"

Daniel Kaplan recently held a Q&A session regarding Minecraft: Pocket Edition on twitch.tv!  He was asked a massive volume of questions about the hit pocket game, and addressed a good number of them - all said, the session lasted nearly 2 hours!  Kaplan covered a staggering amount of information, including the possibility of texture packs and music, more monsters (with creepers possibly having priority), redstone and much more.  If you're clamoring for a taste of what Pocket Edition has in store, definitely click this link and give the session a watch!  Note that it's in three parts, but all are listed on the page.

Perhaps I shouldn't have built so many creeper statues taunting them...Daniel suggests that their arrival will be "soon".  They will want revenge, no doubt.

Want To Play MCX360?

Planning on picking up MCX360 when it's released?  Are you looking forward to it?  Maybe you prefer the PC or Pocket Edition?  We would like to hear your opinion about Minecraft!  Click the banner above and take our Minecraft survey - make yourself heard!

TheMineStream - Charity for Child's Play

Child's Play - a charity beginning in 2003 dedicated to improving the lives of children with toys and games - receives millions every year from charitable gamers, and 2012 will likely be no exception.  TheMineStream is starting up early this year, by hosting a charity drive this Friday!  For guests, they will be hosting a number of in-game events on their SMP server; the arenas and events are being designed by the highly talented team from The Voxel Box, and the event will include appearances by notable Minecraft personalities, such as Vareide, AviatorGaming, SethBling, TheMineBox, and many more.  Interested in helping out, or attending the event as a guest?  You can get all the details by clicking this link - check it out! Back to Top

Pocket Edition Sneak Peek

Daniel Kaplan has revealed a teaser image for the upcoming Pocket Edition update! The image reveals an interface similar to what MCX360 is expected to use for crafting, albeit more compact for touch-screens. When is the update, you ask? Soon - very soon. The image above isn't expected to be the final rendition of the menu, nor the sole update for the game; even so, it heralds exciting things for pocket-sized crafting.

Ask Mollstam Anything? You Still Can!

Tobias Möllstam - Front-end developer of Mojang - will be answering questions...any questions at all! There aren't many opportunities left to be this close to Mojang, so be sure to visit this AMA session - and the few remaining beyond it - you could get your question answered by Mojang themselves!

Don't forget to check out the AMA schedule, so you can ask your favorite developer anything! Back to Top

Minecraft Weekly News

This weeks "Minecraft News" takes a close look at Notch's upcoming new game, "0x10c"; we also touch on the recent release of the official line of Minecraft LEGO products, this week's AMA (more on that in a moment), Minecon 2012 and the secret Snapshot 12w15a update details!

Pocket Edition Update Soon

It is about time for another Pocket Edition Update!  The portable Minecraft port can expect more advances in tools, creatures and survival mechanics - one step closer to perfection.  Have you built something truly awesome in Minecraft: Pocket Edition?  If so, show us here!

Pocket Edition has spent some time slowly becoming more and more like the Survival mode we know and love on the PC version.  While it has been said that MCPE will never be exactly like the PC version, the addition of Survival elements and more robust Creative controls is a welcome addition.  Keep an eye out as we track the exact changes to the upcoming update - if you just can't get enough portable building action, you won't want to miss out on the new info!

Of note on the PC version, the Mod API will be getting some particular focus very soon.  How soon?  We won't say, precisely - not just yet.

Ask Jon Anything - Users Ask Much of Mojang's AI Guru

Jon Kågström - the man responsible for many incredible AI changes in Minecraft, among others - had his AMA session today!  Jon answered a host of questions about the game; the future of group-based monster intelligence, how the upcoming Mod API might be used with mob interaction in mods, possible trading with villagers, and so much more.  If you have never heard about what Jon does for Mojang, now is a great opportunity to see him talk about his work first-hand, and believe me, you don't want to miss out.  Check out Jon's AMA by clicking this link!

Mojang Moving Into New Office Soon

Mojang has been pining for a new office for some time now, and they finally have a "ready" date for it - June 1st!  Mojang's Carl Manneh spoke briefly on the topic, noting that the ceiling is green.

One has to wonder if it is creeper green.  Why would it be anything else?

While the office will be ready for move-in by June 1st, Mojang will likely not relocate to the new building until a week or more after this date.  Anyone who has ever tried to relocate an entire office can easily tell you why:  all of the excitement of packing up and moving from home, but with tons more stuff.  Usually much heavier stuff, too.  Nonetheless, the new location looks fancy - we will update you with new pictures as they become available.

Scrolls to Alpha Stage Soon

Have you been anxiously awaiting the upcoming CCGI-alike, "Scrolls"?  Itching for some card-combat action?  It won't be long before you can see it first-hand:  the Scrolls Alpha is coming soon!  Mojang has been playtesting Scrolls quite a bit lately, even having in-house tournaments every week.  It won't be long before players will be able to do the same, so keep an ear to the ground! Back to Top

Pocket Edition Updated

An update for Minecraft Pocket Edition is now out! The list of updates includes the following:

• New controller option – Split Touch Controls. This is option may be more suitable for those with bigger screens (hello tablets!). You got a cross hair and the right half of the screen lets you rotate the camera. Touch to place block, hold down to remove blocks. Just like you did before
  
• Flying is changed; ascend/descend by sliding from the center button to the up/down button
  
• Pigs are added to Survival Mode
  
• Bug fixes
  

You can update your game at Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iOS).


XBLA Minecraft Goodies Now Available

Ever wanted to have a pet pig on XBOX? What about a pet creeper? How about a diamond sword and Notch hat? All these goodies and more are now available for your avatar! The selection is quite diverse, comprised of equippable and wearable items, pets and more. What better way to get ready for the upcoming console release of Minecraft than to deck out your avatar? Check it out - click the banner above! Back to Top

The popular hand-held version of Minecraft recently cleared one million sales - congratulations, Mojang!  It wasn't long ago that we began speculation on when the "1 millionth sale" landmark would be achieved, and it took just shy of two weeks to go from 750,000 sales to this remarkable milestone.  Our attention now turns to the 2-million mark; it likely will not be long in coming.

Minecraft - Pocket Edition launched on Xperia Play last summer and quickly became the Android Market's most worldwide-downloaded app. The recent Survival Mode update to the game makes Pocket Edition more of an action-oriented experience, with health bars, weapons and animals included, as well as the addition of more blocks from the PC version of the game.  Creative mode continues to see improvements as well; while the portable sandbox isn't expected to be a mirror of its PC counterpart, it nonetheless holds its own as a solid gaming experience.

Don't have Pocket Edition yet?  You can grab it at the Android Store, or the iOS App Store right now - check it out!

The XBLA version of the game is still expected to hit consoles in March 2012. Back to Top

Interview with Jon Kagstrom

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mojang's resident AI guru, Jon Kagstrom, to ask some questions about the highly anticipated 1.2 update. Here's what he had to say!

Sach: There have been a lot of features added in recent snapshots (more advanced Testificate behavior, smarter mobs etc) that seem to indicate a wide range of potential for the future of hostile and non-hostile NPCs going forward - what are some of your plans for that?

• Jon: My primary task at the moment is to improve mobs (animals+monsters+npcs) to do that I first move them to a new AI platform. Once a mob has been moved it's really easy to add new behaviors without breaking existing ones. This is when the fun starts. What I find really interesting is emergent behaviors from only a few lines of code. For example the villager children playing tag or the dynamic when zombies break doors and villagers are fleeing in random directions. There is no overhead "invade village behavior" it's all a mixture of smaller reusable behavior modules. Another interesting aspect is the emotional relationship the player builds up with mobs. It's worse to see a villager child being eaten by a zombie than a grown, so you want to protect the little ones. Also I really like small subtle behaviors that doesn't necessarily add something concrete to the game but only atmosphere, like the new Iron Golem giving a rose to the children in a village.
  

Cats and creepers have an interesting dynamic in regards to how they behave with each other - will there be similar "quirks" or relationships between other NPC/mobs in the future?

• Yes, in the future we will definitely see more mob interactions, not only between the player and the mob but also between mobs, we want the world to feel alive and dynamic. In Minecraft you can basically build anything and I like the idea of having an adapting dynamic population as well. Next step might be some kind of trading with the villagers now that they are getting some life. So you have a good reason to keep them happy by protecting them from monsters. But Jens and I haven't really planned any details yet.
  

There are now a wide variety of diverse biomes, with the jungle being the most recent addition - and it has biome-specific life! Will there be any alterations going forward for certain biomes to be preferred homes for pigs, cows...even certain monsters?

• Yes probably, nothing is planned but as we update mobs this is considered.
  

More information on the update will be forthcoming - keep an eye out!

Improved half-blocks? Coming soon!

Pocket Edition - The Saga Continues

Daniel Kaplan took a moment to talk about Pocket Edition recently, showing some love for the incredibly active Korean fan-base of the popular portable title. He went on to say that there are a number of bug fixes in the works, such as continuously burning after respawning (if previously on fire), and the stubbornly unmovable cloth blocks being fixed. Finally, he offers this helpful hint on flying in Creative mode:

Daniel Kaplan said:

The hit portable sandbox game continues to make huge strides, currently sitting as the #8 top-grossing (earning/selling) app in the US market! Features for Pocket Edition have been released at a steady pace, and we look forward to the next iteration of advancement.

This week, David & Toby cover the bustling world of Minecraft's numerous goings-on, including a look at the recently concluded Mojam event, yesterday's Snapshot (with particular focus on the new Iron Golem) and more - check it out!

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I am Sacheverell, and I am not a robot (I swear!). Check the front page for all the latest Minecraft news, videos and more! Back to Top

Survival - Coming Soon

Players of Minecraft - Pocket Edition have strongly expressed a desire for a Survival mode since the game was released, and while Mojang has commented in the past how the full PC title would likely never make it to the handheld, it seems that significant progress is nonetheless being made on a portable Survival Mode. Mojang's Daniel Kaplan had this to say:

Daniel Kaplan, Mojang said:

As noted above, Mojang plans to submit the new and improved Pocket Edition by February 8th, 2012, where it will go through processing and approval by the Android and iOS markets. Yes, it won't be long now before creepers can stalk us and chickens flee from us, no matter where we travel! In particular, there was emphasis that, while new creatures and blocks would be added, crafting will not be included in this update, stating that the UI needs some revision before adding such a comprehensive feature. However, they also enthusiastically added that updates should be more frequent (and feature-filled) going forward, so keep an eye out for them!

Holidays Over - For Some

As the holidays wrap up, most of us spent a significant amount of time putting our various decorations, new presents and such back into storage. However, one man's decoration refuses to be put away - and refuses to relinquish its Santa hat.

I'll spare you the litany of explosion puns that immediately come to mind.

Still, winter is in full swing, and not showing any signs of slowing down. As most of us are stuck inside from the cold, we find ourselves spending even more time playing Minecraft, and it brings to mind a question - what sort of awesome winter mods are out there? What are some of your favorites? Tell us about them! Back to Top