With the mighty success of Pokemon Go, Wizard's Unite and other augmented reality games, it stands to reason that software giant Microsoft wants a slice of that action. After all, it owns one of the biggest brands in gaming: Minecraft.
To be fair, it has bided its time, but is now ready to capitalise on the popularity of AR for its latest block-building mobile release, Minecraft Earth.
But what is Minecraft Earth? How does it work? And do you really have to stand in a park all day creating something on your phone? Read on to find out.
What is Minecraft Earth?
Minecraft Earth is a block building and adventure game, much like the existing Minecraft for PC, consoles and mobile devices. Where it differs is that it is solely designed for Android and iOS and uses augmented reality to overlay Minecraft creations onto the real world.
You can use your smartphone to build creations anywhere you like, placing them in parks, streets, even around and on top of your home. Then, other Minecraft Earth users can hold up their phones and view them.
It's not just a solo experience neither. You can collaborate on builds with friends or fellow 'crafters, with each of you using a tablet or phone to build and view the ongoing project.
And, if you're worried about having to stand in a park for hours to build a masterpiece, you will be able to build something at home and then place it anywhere outside you like: "Work on a smaller scale with friends before taking your builds out into the wild at full size," revealed Microsoft during the game's unveiling.
There will be adventure and collection elements too, with the ability to battle Mobs (creatures that inhabit the world of Minecraft) either placed by the game or other players. Once found and collected, you can then place your own Mobs in Minecraft Earth builds.
Minecraft Earth gameplay footage and exclusive content
The game was first demoed publicly during Apple's WWDC keynote at the beginning of June. We learned a few extra things about it during the on-stage presentation, not least that one of the features will be exclusive to iPhone and iPad.
The demo showed gameplay that will be available on both Android and iOS, with two members of the Microsoft-owned studio Mojang interacting with a previously-built castle.
Minecraft Earth demo at wwdc #wwdc #minecraft pic.twitter.com/QMx3C8loPB
— Stuart Miles (@stuartmiles) June 3, 2019
As first, it was small and Lego-sized, sat on a tablet, but was then moved onto the stage floor and resized into a life-size building.
The iOS-exclusive feature was then revealed as one of the developers was automatically cut-out and placed inside the Minecraft Earth world. This is thanks to a new feature in Apple's ARKit 3.0: people occlusion.
The software automatically detects humans and can place them in a 3D space, placing virtual objects behind, to the sides and in front. This would usually have to be implemented by the developer manually. In addition, the ARKit tools can automatically recognise gestures for full, automated motion capture.
The Minecraft avatar in the demo, therefore, moved in sync with the player.
Other gameplay videos made by people with early access to the closed beta have also started to appear online. And, we've played the beta version itself, which you can read about here: How to play Minecraft Earth and what to expect.
When and where will it be available?
Minecraft Earth is starting as a closed beta that is now available on iOS and Android, for select users that signed up on the dedicated pre-registration page. It is currently restricted to users in London, Mexico City, Seattle, Stockholm and Tokyo.
If you're in one of those areas, or want to be one of the first to play in your region when available, you can still sign up yourself for the chance to play. Just head to the dedicated Minecraft Earth website here.
You will need a Microsoft or Xbox Live account to participate and not everyone is being chosen for the closed beta round. However, all those who register will be kept up to date on developments and get a free, exclusive skin for use in Minecraft Earth and/or standard Minecraft.
Microsoft hopes to release the full version of Minecraft Earth globally. That means, while the closed beta may be regional only, the final rollout will be available in all countries and languages currently supported by the regular Minecraft. It does say that the rollout will be gradual, however, to ensure the game fully works in each region.
What platforms will Minecraft Earth be available for?
Both Android and iOS are supported. You will need a device that is capable of running a decent AR experience, though.
That means you will need a device that runs either iOS 10 or Android 7.0 at the very least, as it is developed using Apple's ARKit and Google's ARCore development software respectively.
Some of the features, such as the iOS-exclusive people occlusion discussed above, will need more recently released handsets.
How much will it cost?
The Minecraft Earth is completely free, with all paid elements currently locked-off. The full version will be a free-to-play game, meaning you can download it at no cost and use the AR title as often as you like without hidden fees.
However, while Microsoft is yet to fully detail in-app purchasing there will be a store to purchase extra Mobs and skins.
There will be no loot boxes though, so you will get exactly what you paid for - no gambling aspect at all.
Minecraft Earth more information
You can find out more information about the game from the official website here.
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