# Minecraft 

By [cryptixis.eth](https://paragraph.com/@cryptixis) · 2023-04-13

---

**_Minecraft_** is a [sandbox game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandbox_game) developed by [Mojang Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mojang_Studios). The game was created by [Markus "Notch" Persson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markus_Persson) in the [Java](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_\(programming_language\)) [programming language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programming_language). Following several early private testing versions, it was first made public in May 2009 before being fully released in November 2011, with Notch stepping down and [Jens "Jeb" Bergensten](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jens_Bergensten) taking over development. _Minecraft_ is the [best-selling video game in history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_video_games), with over 238 million copies sold and nearly 140 million monthly [active players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_users) as of 2021 and has been ported to several platforms.

In _Minecraft_, players explore a blocky, [procedurally generated](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procedural_generation), [three-dimensional](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-dimensional_space) world with virtually infinite terrain and may discover and extract raw materials, [craft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_video_game_terms#Crafting) tools and items, and build structures, [earthworks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthworks_\(engineering\)), and machines. Depending on their chosen [game mode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_mechanics), players can fight hostile [mobs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mob_\(video_games\)), as well as cooperate with or compete against other players in the same world. Game modes include a [survival mode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival_mode) (in which players must acquire resources to build in the world and maintain health) and a creative mode (in which players have unlimited resources and access to flight). There is also a wide variety of [user-generated content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User-generated_content), such as [modifications](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_modding), [servers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_server), [skins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_\(computing\)#Video_gaming), [texture packs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texture_mapping), and custom maps, which add new game mechanics and possibilities.

_Minecraft_ has received critical acclaim, winning several awards and later being cited as one of the [greatest video games ever created](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_considered_the_best). [Social media](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media), [parodies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parody), adaptations, [merchandise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchandising), and the annual [Minecon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecon) conventions played prominent roles in popularizing the game. The game has also been used in educational environments to teach [chemistry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemistry), [computer-aided design](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_design), and [computer science](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science). In 2014, Mojang and the _Minecraft_ intellectual property were purchased by [Microsoft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft) for US$2.5 billion. Several spin-offs have also been made, including [_Minecraft: Story Mode_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft:_Story_Mode), [_Minecraft Dungeons_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_Dungeons), [_Minecraft Earth_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_Earth), and the upcoming [_Minecraft Legends_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_Legends).

Gameplay
--------

_Minecraft_ is a [3D](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_computer_graphics) [sandbox game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandbox_game) that has no required goals to accomplish, allowing players a large amount of freedom in choosing how to play the game.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-IGN_review-25) However, there is an [achievement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achievement_\(video_games\)) system,[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-26) known as "advancements" in the _Java Edition_ of the game, and "[trophies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Network#Trophies)" on the PlayStation ports.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-27) Gameplay is in the [first-person perspective](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-person_\(video_games\)) by default, but players have the option of a third-person perspective.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-28) The game world is composed of rough 3D objects—mainly cubes and fluids, and commonly called "blocks"—representing various materials, such as dirt, stone, ores, tree trunks, water, and lava. The core gameplay revolves around picking up and placing these objects. These blocks are arranged in a 3D grid, while players can move freely around the world. Players can "mine" blocks and then place them elsewhere, enabling them to build things.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-29) Many commentators have described the game's physics system as unrealistic.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Minecraft_In_Education-30) The game also contains a material called redstone, which can be used to make primitive mechanical devices, electrical circuits, and [logic gates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logic_gate), allowing for the construction of many complex systems.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-RedstoneComputer-31)

An example of _Minecraft_'s procedurally generated terrain, including a village and the default skin [Steve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_\(Minecraft\))

The game world is virtually infinite and [procedurally generated](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procedural_generation) as players explore it, using a [map seed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map_seed) that is obtained from the [system clock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_time) at the time of world creation (or manually specified by the player).[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-NotchExplain1-32)[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-NotchExplain2-33)[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Beginner's_guide-34) There are limits on vertical movement, but _Minecraft_ allows an infinitely large game world to be generated on the horizontal plane. Due to technical issues when extremely distant locations are reached, however, there is a barrier preventing players from traversing to locations beyond 30 million blocks from the center.[\[i\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-35)\[[_obsolete source_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:AGE_MATTERS)\] The game achieves this by splitting the world data into smaller 16 by 16 sections called "chunks" that are only created or loaded when players are nearby.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-NotchExplain1-32) The world is divided into [biomes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biome) ranging from deserts to jungles to snowfields;[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-36)[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-37) the [terrain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrain) includes plains, mountains, forests, caves, and bodies of water or lava.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Beginner's_guide-34) The in-game [time system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timekeeping_in_games) follows a day and night cycle, with one full cycle lasting for 20 real-time minutes.

When starting a new world, players must choose one of five game modes, as well as one of four difficulties, ranging from "Peaceful" to "Hard". Increasing the difficulty of the game causes the player to take more [damage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_\(game_terminology\)) from [mobs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mob_\(video_games\)), as well as having other difficulty-specific effects. For example, the Peaceful difficulty prevents hostile mobs from [spawning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spawning_\(video_games\)), and the Hard difficulty allows players to starve to death if their hunger bar is depleted.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Controls_and_Settings-38) Once selected, the difficulty can be changed, but the game mode is locked and can only be changed with [cheats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheating_in_video_games).

Some of _Minecraft_'s monsters, displayed from left to right: a zombie, a spider, an enderman, a [creeper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creeper_\(Minecraft\)), and a skeleton

New players are given a randomly selected default character [skin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_\(computing\)) out of 9 possibilities, including [Steve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_\(Minecraft\)) or Alex,[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-39) but the option to create custom skins was made available in 2010.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-40) Players encounter various [non-player characters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-player_character) known as [mobs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mob_\(video_games\)), such as animals, villagers, and hostile creatures.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Update_May_2012-41) Passive mobs, such as cows, pigs, and chickens, can be hunted for food and crafting materials. They [spawn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spawning_\(video_games\)) in the daytime, while hostile mobs—including large spiders, [skeletons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeleton_\(undead\)), and [zombies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zombie)—spawn during nighttime or in dark places such as caves.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Beginner's_guide-34) Some hostile mobs, such as zombies, skeletons and drowned (underwater versions of zombies), burn under the sun if they have no headgear.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-42) Other creatures unique to _Minecraft_ include the [creeper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creeper_\(Minecraft\)) (an exploding creature that sneaks up on the player) and the enderman (a creature with the ability to [teleport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleportation) as well as pick up and place blocks).[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Eurogamer-43) There are also variants of mobs that spawn in different conditions; for example, zombies have husk and drowned variants that spawn in deserts and oceans, respectively.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-44)

_Minecraft_ has two [alternative dimensions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_universes_in_fiction) besides the Overworld (the main world): the Nether and the End.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Eurogamer-43) The Nether is a [hell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell)\-like underworld dimension accessed via player-built obsidian portals; it contains many unique resources and can be used to travel great distances in the Overworld, due to every block traveled in the Nether being equivalent to 8 blocks traveled in the Overworld.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-45) Water cannot exist in the Nether, as it will vaporize instantly.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-46) The Nether is mainly populated by pigman-like mobs called piglins and their zombified counterparts, plus floating balloon-like mobs called ghasts.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-47) The player can also build an optional [boss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boss_\(video_games\)) mob called The Wither out of materials found in the Nether.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-48)

[Wikisource](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikisource) has original text related to this article:[**End Poem**](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/End_Poem)

The End is reached by underground portals in the Overworld. It consists of [islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island) floating above a dark, bottomless void. A boss [dragon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon) called the Ender Dragon guards the largest, central island.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-49) Killing the dragon opens access to an exit portal, which upon entering cues the game's ending credits and a poem (the "End Poem") written by Irish novelist [Julian Gough](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Gough).[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Juilan_Gough-50)[\[j\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-52) Players are then teleported back to their respawn point and may continue the game indefinitely.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-53)

### Game modes

#### Survival mode

The crafting menu in _Minecraft_, showing the crafting recipe of a stone axe as well as some other blocks and items in the player's inventory

In survival mode, players have to gather natural resources such as wood and stone found in the environment in order to craft certain blocks and items.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Beginner's_guide-34) Depending on the difficulty, monsters spawn in darker areas outside a certain radius of the character, requiring players to build a shelter at night.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Beginner's_guide-34) The mode also has a [health bar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_\(game_terminology\)) which is depleted by attacks from mobs, falls, drowning, falling into lava, suffocation, starvation, and other events.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:7-54) Players also have a hunger bar, which must be periodically refilled by eating food in-game (except in peaceful difficulty).[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:7-54)[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:8-55) If the hunger bar is depleted, automatic healing will stop and eventually health will deplete. Health replenishes when players have a nearly full hunger bar or continuously on peaceful difficulty.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:8-55)[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-56)

Players can craft a wide variety of items in _Minecraft_. Craftable items include armor, which mitigates damage from attacks; weapons (such as swords or axes), which allows monsters and animals to be killed more easily; and tools (such as pickaxes or hoes), which break certain types of blocks more quickly. Some items have multiple tiers depending on the material used to craft them, with higher-tier items being more effective and durable. Players can construct furnaces, which can cook food, process ores, and convert materials into other materials.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-57) Players may also exchange goods with a villager ([NPC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-player_character)) through a trading system, which involves trading [emeralds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald) for different goods and vice versa.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Trading_update-58)[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Update_May_2012-41)

The game has an inventory system, allowing players to carry a limited number of items.[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-59) Upon dying, items in the players' inventories are dropped unless the game is reconfigured not to do so. Players then re-spawn at their spawn point, which by default is where players first spawn in the game and can be reset by sleeping in a bed (in the overworld)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-60) or using a respawn anchor(in the Nether).[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-61) Dropped items can be recovered if players can reach them before they disappear or despawn after 5 minutes. Players may acquire [experience points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experience_point) by killing mobs and other players, mining, smelting ores, [breeding animals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_breeding), and cooking food. Experience can then be spent on [enchanting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incantation) tools, armor and weapons.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Controls_and_Settings-38) Enchanted items are generally more powerful, last longer, or have other special effects.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Controls_and_Settings-38)

#### Creative mode

In creative mode, players have access to nearly all resources and items in the game through the inventory menu and can place or remove them instantly.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Creative_Mode-62) Players can toggle the ability to fly freely around the game world at will, and their characters do not take any damage and are not affected by hunger.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Creative_Mode_2-63)[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-64) The game mode helps players focus on building and creating projects of any size without disturbance.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Creative_Mode-62)

#### Other game modes

_Minecraft_ includes other game modes such as spectator mode, which allows players to fly through blocks. Hardcore mode is a survival mode variant in which, upon death, the player may only view the world in spectator mode or return to the game’s menu. This is only available in Java edition, however. Adventure mode is a survival mode variant with possible restrictions added by a creator of a map.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-65)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-66)[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-RPS_%E2%80%93_1.3aug-67)

### Multiplayer

_See also:_ [_Minecraft server_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_server)

Multiplayer in _Minecraft_ enables multiple players to interact and communicate with each other on a single world. It is available through direct game-to-game multiplayer, LAN play, local split screen (console-only), and servers (player-hosted and business-hosted).[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Multiplayer_servers-68) Players can run their own servers, use a hosting provider, or connect directly to another player's game via Xbox Live. Single-player worlds have [local area network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_area_network) support, allowing players to join a world on locally interconnected computers without a server setup.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-69) _Minecraft_ multiplayer servers are guided by server operators, who have access to server commands such as setting the time of day and teleporting players. Operators can also set up restrictions concerning which usernames or [IP addresses](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address) are allowed or disallowed to enter the server.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Multiplayer_servers-68) Multiplayer servers have a wide range of activities, with some servers having their own unique rules and customs. The largest and most popular server is [Hypixel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypixel), which has been visited by over 14 million unique players.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-70)[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-riotgames-71) [Player versus player](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Player_versus_player) combat (PvP) can be enabled to allow fighting between players.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-pcgamer_minecraft_future-72) Many servers have custom plugins that allow actions that are not normally possible.

#### Minecraft Realms

In 2013, Mojang announced _Minecraft Realms_, a server hosting service intended to enable players to run server multiplayer games easily and safely without having to set up their own.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-73)[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-pcgamesn-74) Unlike a standard server, only invited players can join Realms servers, and these servers do not use IP addresses. _Minecraft: Java Edition_ Realms server owners can invite up to twenty people to play on their server, with up to ten players online at a time. _Minecraft_ Realms server owners can invite up to 3,000 people to play on their server, with up to ten players online at one time.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Minecraft_Realms-75) The _Minecraft: Java Edition_ Realms servers do not support user-made plugins, but players can play custom _Minecraft_ maps.[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-76) _Minecraft_ Realms servers support user-made add-ons, resource packs, behavior packs, and custom _Minecraft_ maps.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Minecraft_Realms-75) At [Electronic Entertainment Expo 2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E3_2016), support for [cross-platform play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-platform_play) between [Windows 10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10), [iOS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS), and [Android](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_\(operating_system\)) platforms was added through Realms starting in June 2016,[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-77) with [Xbox One](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_One) and [Nintendo Switch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Switch) support to come later in 2017,[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-78) and support for [virtual reality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reality) devices. On 31 July 2017, Mojang released the beta version of the update allowing cross-platform play.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-79) Nintendo Switch support for Realms was released in July 2018.[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-80)

### Customization

_See also:_ [_Minecraft modding_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_modding)

A smeltery within the mod _Tinkers' Construct_

The _modding community_ consists of fans, users and third-party programmers. Using a variety of [application program interfaces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/API) that have arisen over time, they have produced a wide variety of [downloadable content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downloadable_content) for _Minecraft_, such as modifications, texture packs and custom maps. Modifications of the _Minecraft_ code, called [_mods_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_modding), add a variety of gameplay changes, ranging from new blocks, items, and mobs to entire arrays of mechanisms.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-81)[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-82) The modding community is responsible for a substantial supply of mods from ones that enhance gameplay, such as [minimaps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini-map),[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-83) waypoints, and durability counters,[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-84) to ones that add to the game elements from other video games and media. While a variety of mod frameworks were independently developed by [reverse engineering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_engineering) the code, Mojang has also enhanced [vanilla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla_software) _Minecraft_ with official frameworks for modification, allowing the production of community-created resource packs, which alter certain game elements including textures and sounds.[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-85) Players can also create their own "maps" (custom world save files) which often contain specific rules, challenges, puzzles and quests, and share them for others to play.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Custom_maps-86) Mojang added an adventure mode in August 2012[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-RPS_%E2%80%93_1.3july-87) and "command blocks" in October 2012,[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Gallegos-88) which were created specially for custom maps in _Java Edition_. Data packs, introduced in version 1.13 of the _Java Edition_, allow further customization, including the ability to add new advancements, dimensions, functions, loot tables, predicates, recipes, structures, tags, world generation settings, and biomes‌.[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-89)[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-90)

The _Xbox 360 Edition_ supports downloadable content, which is available to purchase via the [Xbox Games Store](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_Games_Store); these content packs usually contain additional character skins.[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-91) It later received support for texture packs in its twelfth title update while introducing "mash-up packs", which combines texture packs with skin packs and changes to the game's sounds, music and user interface.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-92) The first mash-up pack (and by extension, the first texture pack) for the _Xbox 360 Edition_ was released on 4 September 2013, and was themed after the [_Mass Effect_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect) franchise.[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-93) Unlike _Java Edition_, however, the _Xbox 360 Edition_ does not support player-made mods or custom maps.[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-IGN_Xbox-94) A cross-promotional resource pack based on the [_Super Mario_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario) franchise by Nintendo was released for the _Wii U Edition_ worldwide on 17 May 2016.[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-95) A mash-up pack based on _Fallout_ was announced for release on the _Wii U Edition_.[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-96) In April 2018, [malware](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware) was discovered in several downloadable user-made _Minecraft_ skins for use with the _Java Edition_ of the game.[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-pcgamermalware-97)[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-varietymalware1-98) [Avast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avast) stated that nearly 50,000 accounts were infected, and when activated, the malware would attempt to [reformat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_formatting#Reformatting) the user's hard drive.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-varietymalware1-98)[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-pcgamermalware-97) Mojang promptly patched the issue, and released a statement stating that "the code would not be run or read by the game itself",[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-pcgamermalware-97) and would only run when the image containing the skin itself was opened.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-99)

In June 2017, Mojang released an update known as the "Discovery Update" to the _Bedrock_ version of the game.[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-100) The update includes a new map, a new game mode, the "Marketplace", a catalogue of user-generated content that gives _Minecraft_ creators "another way to make a living from the game", and more.[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-101)[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-102)[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-103)

Development
-----------

_Minecraft_ creator [Markus "Notch" Persson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markus_Persson) at the [GDC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Developers_Conference) in 2016

_Minecraft_ lead designer and creative director [Jens "Jeb" Bergensten](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jens_Bergensten) in 2011

Java Edition major update release timelinePre-release years in red2009Pre-ClassicClassicSurvival Test2010IndevInfdevAlphaBeta2011Beta1.0: "Adventure Update"20121.11.21.31.4: "Pretty Scary Update"20131.5: "Redstone Update"1.6: "Horse Update"1.7: "The Update that Changed the World"20141.8: "Bountiful Update"201520161.9: "Combat Update"1.10: "Frostburn Update"1.11: "Exploration Update"20171.12: "World of Color Update"20181.13: "Update Aquatic"20191.14: "Village & Pillage"1.15: "Buzzy Bees"20201.16: "Nether Update"20211.17: "Caves & Cliffs: Part I"1.18: "Caves & Cliffs: Part II"20221.19: "The Wild Update"20231.20: "Trails & Tales"

Before coming up with _Minecraft_, [Markus "Notch" Persson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markus_Persson) was a game developer with [King](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_\(company\)) through March 2009, at the time serving mostly [browser games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browser_game), during which he learnt a number of different programming languages.[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-wired_origins-104) He would prototype his own games during his off-hours at home, often based on inspiration he found from other games, and participated frequently on the [TIGSource](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIGSource) forums for independent developers.[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-wired_origins-104) One of these personal projects was called "RubyDung", a base-building game inspired by [_Dwarf Fortress_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_Fortress), but as an isometric three dimensional game like [_RollerCoaster Tycoon_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RollerCoaster_Tycoon).[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-TechRadar:_History-105) He had already made a 3D texture mapper for another zombie game prototype he had started to try to emulate the style of [_Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Theft_Auto:_Chinatown_Wars).[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-rubydung-106) Among the features in "RubyDung" he explored was a first-person view similar to [_Dungeon Keeper_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeon_Keeper) but at the time, felt the graphics were too pixelated and omitted this mode.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-rubydung-106)[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-GSint-107) Around March 2009, Persson left King and joined jAlbum, but otherwise kept working on his prototypes.[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Story_of_Mojang-108)[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-GSint-107)[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-GAMASUTRA-109)

[_Infiniminer_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zachtronics), a block-based open-ended mining game first released in April 2009, sparked Persson's inspiration for how to take "RubyDung" forward.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-rubydung-106) _Infiniminer_ heavily influenced the visual style of gameplay, including bringing back the first-person mode, the "blocky" visual style and the block-building fundamentals.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-rubydung-106) However, unlike _Infiniminer_, Persson wanted _Minecraft_ to have [RPG](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Role-playing_game) elements.[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Blockbuster-110)

The original edition of _Minecraft_, now known as the _Java Edition_, was first developed in May 2009. Persson released a test video on YouTube of an early version of _Minecraft_.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-rubydung-106)[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-111) The base program of _Minecraft_ was completed by Persson over a weekend in that month and a private testing was released on TigIRC on 16 May 2009.[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-112) The game was first released to the public on 17 May 2009 as a developmental release on _TIGSource_ forums.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-113) Persson updated the game based on feedback from the forums.[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-wired_origins-104)[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-114) This version later became known as the _Classic_ version.[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-115) Further developmental phases dubbed as _Survival Test_, _Indev,_ and _Infdev_ were released in 2009 and 2010.[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-GSint-107)

The first major update, dubbed [Alpha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_development), was released on 30 June 2010.[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-116)[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-117) Although Persson maintained a day job with Jalbum.net at first, he later quit in order to work on _Minecraft_ full-time as sales of the alpha version of the game expanded.[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-PCGAMERinterview-118) Persson continued to update the game with releases distributed to users automatically. These updates included new items, new blocks, new mobs, survival mode, and changes to the game's behavior (e.g. how water flows).[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-PCGAMERinterview-118) To back the development of _Minecraft_, Persson set up a video game company, Mojang, with the money earned from the game.[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Cult_and_merchandise-119)[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-LackOfUpdates-120)[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-MCcompany-121) Mojang co-founders included Jakob Porser, one of Persson's coworkers from King, and Carl Manneh, jAlbum's CEO.[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-wired_origins-104)

On 11 December 2010, Persson announced that _Minecraft_ was entering its beta testing phase on 20 December 2010.[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-122) He further stated that bug fixes and all updates leading up to and including the release would still be free.[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-BetaDate-123) Over the course of the development, Mojang hired several new employees to work on the project.[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-MCMannehMollstam-124)

Mojang moved the game out of beta and released the full version on 18 November 2011.[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-125) On 1 December 2011, [Jens "Jeb" Bergensten](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jens_Bergensten) took full creative control over _Minecraft_, replacing Persson as lead designer.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-bergleaddev-126) On 28 February 2012, Mojang announced that they had hired the developers of the popular "Bukkit" developer API for _Minecraft_,[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-pcgamer_minecraft_future-72) to improve _Minecraft_'s support of [server modifications](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_modding).[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-127) This acquisition also included Mojang apparently taking full ownership of the CraftBukkit server mod which enables the use of Bukkit,[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-128) although the validity of this claim was questioned due to its status as an [open-source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_software) project with many contributors, licensed under the [GNU General Public License](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_General_Public_License) and [Lesser General Public License](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Lesser_General_Public_License).[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-gon-craftbukkitdmca-129)

On 15 September 2014, [Microsoft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft) announced a $2.5 billion deal to buy Mojang, along with the ownership of the _Minecraft_ intellectual property.[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:2-130)[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:3-131)[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:4-132) The deal was suggested by Persson when he posted a tweet asking a corporation to buy his share of the game after receiving criticism for enforcing terms in the game's [end-user license agreement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-user_license_agreement) (EULA), which had been present in the EULA in the prior three years.[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-133)[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-134)[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-MicrosoftMinecraft4-135) According to Persson, Mojang CEO Carl Manneh received a call from a Microsoft executive shortly after the tweet, asking if Persson was serious about a deal. Mojang was also approached by other companies including [Activision Blizzard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activision_Blizzard) and [Electronic Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Arts).[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-MicrosoftMinecraft4-135) The deal with Microsoft was arbitrated on 6 November 2014 and led to Persson becoming one of [_Forbes_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes)' "World's Billionaires".[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-MicrosoftMinecraft1-136)[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-MicrosoftMinecraft2-137)[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-MicrosoftMinecraft3-138)[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-MicrosoftMinecraft4-135)

Since the first full release of _Minecraft_, dubbed the "Adventure Update", the game has been continuously updated with many major updates, available for free to users who have already purchased the game.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-notchMigr-139) Early updates frequently introduced gameplay-altering mechanics while more recent updates tend to enhance the game through additional content or tweaks to existing features.[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-140)\[[_better source needed_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NOTRS)\] The most recent major update to the game was "The Wild Update", which released in June 2022 and added new creatures, biomes, and items.[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-141)

The original version of the game was renamed to _Minecraft: Java Edition_ on 18 September 2017 to separate it from _Bedrock Edition_, which was renamed to just _Minecraft_ by the _Better Together Update_.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:0-142)

The _Bedrock Edition_ has also been regularly updated, with these updates now matching the themes of _Java Edition_ updates. Other versions of the game such as the various console editions and _Pocket Edition_ were either merged into _Bedrock_ or discontinued and as such have not received further updates.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:0-142)

On 16 April 2020, a [beta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle#Beta) version of _Minecraft_ implementing [physically based rendering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physically_based_rendering), [ray tracing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_tracing_\(graphics\)), and [DLSS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_learning_super_sampling) was released by [Nvidia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nvidia) on [RTX](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nvidia_RTX)\-enabled [GPUs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit).[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-143) The final version was released on 8 December 2020.[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-144)

### Minecraft: Pocket Edition

In August 2011, _Minecraft: Pocket Edition_ was released for the [Xperia Play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xperia_Play) on the [Android Market](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Play) as an early alpha version. It was then released for several other compatible devices on 8 October 2011.[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-MobileGamas-145)[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-MobileKotaku-146) An [iOS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS) version of _Minecraft_ was released on 17 November 2011.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-147) A port was made available for [Windows Phones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Phone) shortly after Microsoft acquired Mojang.[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-148) The port concentrates on the creative building and the primitive survival aspect of the game and does not contain all the features of the PC release. On his Twitter account, Jens Bergensten said that the _Pocket Edition_ of _Minecraft_ is written in C++ and not Java, due to iOS not being able to support Java.[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-PE_C++-149) However, there now exists a way to play _Java Edition_ on both Android and iOS devices.[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-150)[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-151)

On 10 December 2014, a port of _Pocket Edition_ was released for [Windows Phone 8.1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Phone_8.1).[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-engadget-wpmc-152) In January 2017, Microsoft announced that it would no longer maintain the Windows Phone versions of _Pocket Edition_.[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-ars-mcw10discontinued-153) On 19 December 2016, the full version of _Minecraft: Pocket Edition_ was released on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.

_Pocket Edition_ was replaced by _Minecraft: Bedrock Edition_ in 2017, enabling [cross-platform play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-platform_play) with the _Xbox One_ and _Nintendo Switch Editions_.[\[144\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:12-154)

### Legacy Console Editions

An [Xbox 360](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360) version of the game, developed by [4J Studios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4J_Studios), was released on 9 May 2012.[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-xboxpress-155)[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-xboxreleasedate-156) On 22 March 2012, it was announced that _Minecraft_ would be the flagship game in a new Xbox Live promotion called _Arcade NEXT_.[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-xboxreleasedate-156) The game differs from the home computer versions in a number of ways, including a newly designed crafting system, the control interface, in-game tutorials, split-screen multiplayer, and the ability to play with friends via [Xbox Live](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_network).[\[147\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-157)[\[148\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-GSpot_Xbox-158) The worlds in the Xbox 360 version are also not "infinite", and are essentially barricaded by invisible walls.[\[148\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-GSpot_Xbox-158) The Xbox 360 version was originally similar in content to older PC versions, but was gradually updated to bring it closer to the current PC version prior to its discontinuation.[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-xboxpress-155)[\[149\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-159)[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-160) An Xbox One version featuring larger worlds among other enhancements[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Microsoft-161) was released on 5 September 2014.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Microsoft-161)

Versions of the game for the [PlayStation 3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3) and [PlayStation 4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_4) were released on 17 December 2013 and 4 September 2014 respectively.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-PS4-7) The PlayStation 4 version was announced as a launch title, though it was eventually delayed.[\[152\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-ps4_launch-162)[\[153\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-gamespot1-163) A version for [PlayStation Vita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Vita) was also released in October 2014.[\[154\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-vita_launch-164) Like the Xbox versions, the PlayStation versions were developed by 4J Studios.[\[155\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-165)

On 17 December 2015, _Minecraft: Wii U Edition_ was released. The [Wii U](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_U) version received a physical release on 17 June 2016 in North America,[\[156\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-166) in Japan on 23 June 2016,[\[157\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-167) and in Europe on 30 June 2016.[\[158\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-168) A [Nintendo Switch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Switch) version of the game was released on the [Nintendo eShop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_eShop) on 11 May 2017, along with a physical retail version set for a later date.[\[159\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-169) During a [Nintendo Direct](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Direct) presentation on 13 September 2017, Nintendo announced that _Minecraft:_ [_New Nintendo 3DS_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Nintendo_3DS) _Edition_ would be available for download immediately after the livestream, and a physical copy available on a later date. The game is only compatible with the "New" versions of the 3DS and 2DS systems and does not work with the original [3DS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS), 3DS XL, or [the old 2DS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_2DS).[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-New3DS-14)

On 20 September 2017, the _Better Together Update_ was released on the Xbox One, Windows 10, VR, and mobile versions of the game, which used the _Pocket Edition_ engine to enable cross-platform play between each of these versions. This version of the game eventually became known as the _Bedrock Edition_.[\[160\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-170) Shortly after, the _Bedrock Edition_ was also ported to the Nintendo Switch.

On 18 December 2018, the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, and Wii U versions of _Minecraft_ received their final update and would later become known as _Legacy Console Editions_.[\[161\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-171)

On 15 January 2019, the New Nintendo 3DS version of _Minecraft_ received its final update, effectively becoming discontinued as well.[\[162\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-172)

The PlayStation 4 version of _Minecraft_ was updated in December 2019 and became part of the _Bedrock Edition_, which enabled cross-platform play for users with a free Xbox Live account.[\[163\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-ps4_bedrock-173)

### Minecraft Education

_Minecraft Education_ (known as _Minecraft: Education Edition_ until December 2022)[\[164\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-174) is an educational version of the game, designed specifically for use in educational establishments such as schools, and built off of the _Bedrock Edition_ codebase. It is available on [Windows 10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10), [MacOS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacOS), [iPadOS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPadOS), and [ChromeOS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChromeOS).[\[165\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-175)[\[166\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:22-176) It includes a Chemistry Resource Pack,[\[167\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-177) free lesson plans available online, and two free companion applications: Code Connection and Classroom Mode.[\[168\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-178)

An initial beta test was carried out between 9 June and 1 November 2016.[\[169\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-179) The full game was then released on Windows 10 and MacOS on 1 November 2016.[\[170\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-180) On 20 August 2018, Mojang announced that it would bring _Education Edition_ to iPadOS in Autumn 2018. It was released to the App Store on 6 September 2018.[\[171\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-181) On 27 March 2019, it was announced that it would be operated by [JD.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JD.com) in China.[\[172\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-182) On 26 June 2020, a public beta for the _Education Edition_ was made available to [Google Play Store](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Play) compatible Chromebooks. The full game was released to the Google Play Store for Chromebooks on 7 August 2020.[\[166\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-:22-176)

### Minecraft China

On 20 May 2016, _Minecraft China_ was announced as a localized edition for China, where it was released under a licensing agreement between [NetEase](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NetEase) and Mojang.[\[173\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-183) The PC edition was released for public testing on 8 August 2017. The iOS version was released on 15 September 2017, and the Android version was released on 12 October 2017.[\[174\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-184)[\[175\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-185)[\[176\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-186) The PC edition is based on the original _Java Edition_, while the iOS and Android mobile version is based on the _Bedrock Edition_. The edition is free-to-play and had over 300 million players by November 2019.[\[177\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-China-300m2-187)

### Other PC versions

Apart from _Minecraft: Java Edition_, there are other versions of _Minecraft_ for PC, including _Minecraft for Windows_, _Minecraft Classic_, _Minecraft 4K_, and a version for the [Raspberry Pi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi).

#### Minecraft for Windows

_Minecraft for Windows_ is exclusive to Microsoft's Windows 10 and [Windows 11](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_11) operating systems. The [beta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_development#Beta) release for Windows 10 launched on the [Windows Store](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Store) on July 29, 2015.[\[178\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-188)

After nearly one and a half years in beta, Microsoft fully released _Minecraft for Windows_ on December 19, 2016. Called the "Ender Update", this release implemented new features to this version of _Minecraft_ like world templates and add-on packs.[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-189) This version has the ability to play with Xbox Live friends, and to play local multiplayer with owners of _Minecraft_ on other _Bedrock_ platforms. Other features include the ability to use multiple control schemes such as a gamepad, keyboard, or touchscreen (for [Microsoft Surface](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Surface) and other touchscreen-enabled devices). Virtual reality support has been implemented, as well as the ability to record and take screenshots in-game via the Windows built-in GameDVR.[\[180\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-190)

As of 7 June 2022, the _Java_ and _Bedrock Editions_ of _Minecraft_ for Windows were merged into a single title for purchase; those who owned one version would automatically gain access to the other version. Both game modes would otherwise remain separate.[\[181\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-191)

#### Minecraft 4K

_Minecraft 4K_ is a simplified version of _Minecraft_ similar to the Classic version that was developed for the [Java 4K Game Programming Contest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_4K_Game_Programming_Contest) "in way less than 4 kilobytes".[\[182\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-m4k-192) The map itself is finite—composed of 64×64×64 blocks—and the same world is generated every time. Players are restricted to placing or destroying blocks, which consist of grass, dirt, stone, wood, leaves, and brick.[\[183\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-193)

#### Raspberry Pi

A version of _Minecraft_ for the Raspberry Pi was officially revealed at [Minecon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecon) 2012. The _Pi Edition_ is based on an alpha version of _Pocket Edition_ with the added ability of using text commands to edit the game world. Players can open the game code and use the [Python](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_\(programming_language\)) programming language to manipulate things in the game world.[\[184\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-194) It also includes a scripting API to modify the game, and server software for multiplayer. The game was leaked on 20 December 2012, but was quickly pulled off.[\[185\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-195) It was officially released on 11 February 2013.[\[186\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-196) Mojang stopped providing updates to _Minecraft: Raspberry Pi Edition_ in 2016. It is preinstalled on [Raspberry Pi OS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi_OS) and can be downloaded for free from the official _Minecraft_ website.[\[187\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-197)

### Music

_Main article:_ [_Music of Minecraft_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Minecraft)

_Minecraft_'s music and sound effects were produced by German musician Daniel Rosenfeld, better known as [C418](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C418).[\[188\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-credits-198) The [background music](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Background_music) in _Minecraft_ is instrumental [ambient music](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambient_music).[\[189\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-199) On 4 March 2011, Rosenfeld released a [soundtrack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_music) titled [_Minecraft – Volume Alpha_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_%E2%80%93_Volume_Alpha); it includes most of the tracks featured in _Minecraft_, as well as other music not featured in the game.[\[190\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Bandcamp-200) Kirk Hamilton of [_Kotaku_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotaku) chose the music in _Minecraft_ as one of the best video game soundtracks of 2011.[\[191\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-201) On 9 November 2013, Rosenfeld released the second official soundtrack, titled [_Minecraft – Volume Beta_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_%E2%80%93_Volume_Beta), which includes the music that was added in later versions of the game.[\[192\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Bandcamp2-202)[\[193\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-Guardian-203) A physical release of _Volume Alpha_, consisting of CDs, black vinyl, and limited-edition transparent green vinyl LPs, was issued by indie electronic label [Ghostly International](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostly_International) on 21 August 2015.[\[194\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-204)[\[195\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-205) In addition to Rosenfeld's work, other composers have contributed tracks to the game since release, including Samuel Åberg, [Gareth Coker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gareth_Coker), [Lena Raine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lena_Raine), and [Kumi Tanioka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumi_Tanioka).[\[196\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-206)[\[197\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-207)[\[198\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-116release-208)[\[199\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-209)

### Variants

_Main article:_ [_Minecraft (franchise)_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft_\(franchise\))

For the tenth anniversary of the game's release, Mojang remade a version of _Minecraft Classic_ in [JavaScript](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JavaScript) and made it available to play online.[\[200\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-210)[\[201\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-211) It functions much the same as creative mode, allowing players to build and destroy any and all parts of the world either alone or in a multiplayer server. Environmental hazards such as lava do not damage players, and some blocks function differently since their behavior was later changed during development.[\[202\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-212)[\[203\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-213)[\[204\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-214)

Around 2011, prior to _Minecraft_'s full release, there had been collaboration between Mojang and [The Lego Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lego_Group) to make a [Lego](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego) brick-based _Minecraft_ game to be called _Brickcraft_. This would have modified the base _Minecraft_ game to use Lego bricks, which meant adapting the basic 1×1 block to account for larger pieces typically used in Lego sets. Persson had worked on the preliminary version of this game, which he had named "Project Rex Kwon Do" based on the joke from [_Napoleon Dynamite_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Dynamite). Lego had greenlit the project to go forward, and while Mojang had put two developers on the game for six months, they later opted to cancel the project, as Mojang felt that the Lego Group were too demanding on what they could do, according to Mojang's Daniel Kaplan. The Lego Group had considered buying out Mojang to complete the game, but at this point Microsoft made its offer to buy the company for over $2 billion. According to the Lego Group's Ronny Scherer, the company was not yet sure of the potential success of _Minecraft_ at this point and backed off from acquisition after Microsoft brought this offer to Mojang.[\[205\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-215)

#### Virtual reality

Early on, Persson planned to support the [Oculus Rift](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oculus_Rift) with a port of _Minecraft_. However, after Facebook acquired Oculus in 2013, he abruptly canceled plans noting "Facebook creeps me out."[\[206\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-216) A community-made modification known as _Minecraft VR_ was developed in 2016 to provide virtual reality support to _Minecraft: Java Edition_ oriented towards Oculus Rift hardware. A [fork](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fork_\(software_development\)) of the _Minecraft VR_ modification known as _Vivecraft_ ported the mod to [OpenVR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenVR), and is oriented towards supporting [HTC Vive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTC_Vive) hardware.[\[207\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-ars-minecriftgone-217) On 15 August 2016, Microsoft launched official Oculus Rift support for _Minecraft_ on Windows 10.[\[207\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-ars-minecriftgone-217) Upon its release, the _Minecraft VR_ mod was discontinued by its developer due to trademark complaints issued by Microsoft, and _Vivecraft_ was endorsed by the community makers of the _Minecraft VR_ modification due to its Rift support and being superior to the original _Minecraft VR_ mod.[\[207\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-ars-minecriftgone-217) Also available is a [Gear VR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Gear_VR) version, titled _Minecraft: Gear VR Edition_.[\[208\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-218) [Windows Mixed Reality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Mixed_Reality) support was added in 2017. On 7 September 2020, Mojang Studios announced that the PlayStation 4 version of the game would be getting [PlayStation VR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_VR) support in the same month.[\[209\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-PSVR-219) The only officially supported VR versions of _Minecraft_ are the _PlayStation 4_ version, _Minecraft: Gear VR Edition_ and _Minecraft for Windows 10_ for Oculus Rift and Windows Mixed Reality headsets.[\[210\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-220)[\[209\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft#cite_note-PSVR-219)

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*Originally published on [cryptixis.eth](https://paragraph.com/@cryptixis/minecraft)*