A free update to unify (almost) all the Minecraft versions into one codebase and feature set. It looks like the official retail title will be Minecraft Ultimate.
Trailer
It was a little surreal seeing a Switch in the MS conference.
PC and mobile are included in the initiative, if that wasn't already obvious.
Dedicated servers are coming to ALL "Better Together" platforms!
If you prefer Realms to Dedicated Servers, those are coming too.
Platform exclusive content like the Mario pack are still being negotiated.
Slide Deck:
Trailer
It was a little surreal seeing a Switch in the MS conference.
PC and mobile are included in the initiative, if that wasn't already obvious.
A game all about teamwork, building together and creating communities shouldn't be restricted to one device, which is why our Better Together Update introduces cross-platform play, breaking down the barriers and letting people play the same complete Minecraft with each other across devices! We've wanted to integrate cross-platform for ages, essentially making a version of Minecraft that's consistent no matter what device you're choosing to play on.
So going forward, the edition you'll find on Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, mobile and VR will simply be known as 'Minecraft', a separate entity from 'Minecraft: Java Edition', which is the original PC game (that we'll continue to support, of course). This means when you buy 'Minecraft', you're buying a game that can you can play with friends across devices.
Anyone playing the game on Windows 10, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and VR devices will be able to play online together. If you own Minecraft for your mobile or VR device, you'll get this as a free update this summer. If you own Minecraft: Xbox One Edition or Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition, you'll receive the brand new version of Minecraft for free, and your existing worlds and DLC will come along to the new version with you. What's more, any DLC you purchase will be accessible amongst the various devices at no extra charge. (For example: if you buy the Greek Mythology pack on Nintendo Switch, you'll also own it on the mobile, Xbox One and Windows 10 Editions too - no extra charge).
Dedicated servers are coming to ALL "Better Together" platforms!
Independent servers, run by members of the amazing Minecraft community, have been around since the earliest days of the game. They're essentially online platforms where you can socialise, play and collaborate with millions of other players! Basically, servers make it easier for you to enjoy multiplayer Minecraft and access new mini-games, worlds, and friends to craft with! Nice!
Unlike Minecraft Realms, which gives you access to a private, cloud-hosted world for you and your friends, servers are open and accessible to everyone - some have monthly users in the millions!
So this Summer, all platforms receiving the Better Together Update will then have a server browser in the Minecraft start menu. This'll let you search a list of servers which you can join right away! We'll be launching with four servers – Lifeboat, Mineplex, InPVP, and Cubecraft - with more to follow. Plus we've made sure that parental controls and other safety features will be in place, so you decide what your child can access. We'll have a more detailed summary of servers closer to the update. After all, we live to serve(er)! ...sorry.
If you prefer Realms to Dedicated Servers, those are coming too.
Platform exclusive content like the Mario pack are still being negotiated.
When it comes to platform specific content, such as the Switch and Wii U Super Mario Mash-Up Pack, a representative for the Minecraft team said ”We are still working out [if platform-specific content will be available to a player on all platforms] and hope to have more details on that as we get closer to launch."
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