Well. I think it’s safe to say most of us didn’t see this one coming. Though I suppose, with the increasing popularity of AR games, it was bound to happen eventually.
Today (May 17), Microsoft announced that a Minecraft mobile AR game is currently in development. The game is called Minecraft Earth and will allow players to use AR to build creations around objects in the real world. Players can collaborate or just walk around and view each other’s creations. The game will also feature both existing and completely new mobs (NPCs).
Minecraft Earth will be free to play and will not contain loot boxes. The game will be compatible with Android 7 and iOS 10 phones, with a closed beta set for sometime this summer. The number of fans able to participate in the closed beta will be limited, but will reportedly still be in the hundreds of thousands. Players who participate in the beta will receive a limited edition Minecraft Earth skin for the original Minecraft. Those looking to sign up for the chance to participate in the closed beta can do so at this link. In order to sign up for the beta, players must be at least 18 years old and have a Microsoft or Xbox Live account.
