Microsoft has announced Minecraft Earth, the new Minecraft mobile game. Minecraft Earth uses augmented reality to bring Minecraft to the real world. The game won't be out until the end of this year, but you can sign up for the beta now.
What is Minecraft Earth?
Minecraft Earth is a new free augmented reality game for mobile phones. It should be released on Android and iOS by the end of 2019, and a final release date has yet to be confirmed. However, there will be a limited beta version this summer. If you are not familiar with augmented reality, then this is what drives Pokemon GO. Augmented reality essentially puts the virtual world on top of the real world, so when you look into your phone's camera, you see things that aren't really there.
In the case of Minecraft Earth, this means that you will see elements familiar to you from the existing game in the world around you. There will be uneven grasses and blocky trees, all designed to blend in with the actual habitat. You will find Tappables that you can click for resources. You will find adventures, which are mini-games that use your phone as a window into this virtual Minecraft world. There will also be animal mobs like pigs and chickens like in the main game. Potentially the biggest and best part of Minecraft Earth is the Build Plate. You drop one down to create a piece of land, and then you can build whatever you want on it. And when he's ready, you can blast him to the limit and literally bypass him.
How can I play Minecraft Earth?
Minecraft Earth will be released on Android and iOS later this year. However, if you want to get in before everyone else, you can subscribe to the limited beta, which will be released this summer. Just register at Minecraft.net/earth to be able to participate. Even at this early stage, with subtle details on the ground, it is clear that Minecraft Earth is more ambitious than previous augmented reality attempts like Pokemon GO.
And if Microsoft can handle that, Minecraft Earth could be the game everyone wants to play. Minecraft Earth introduces Microsoft to the future of the franchise. However, you can now play Minecraft Classic for free in your browser, giving you a look back at the early years of Minecraft before it became the phenomenon it is today.
