At this year’s Minecon, Microsoft have announced the next version of Mojang’s cult block classic: Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition. As the name suggests, the game is built with Windows 10 in mind, and will take advantage of many new features that the new OS brings.

Also, all current PC owners will receive a free copy of the new edition, and the beta starts on July 29th.

Earlier this week, Mojang announced that over 20 million copies of Minecraft on PC have been sold, and now every one of those players are eligible to upgrade to Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition for free. New players will need to pay $10 if they want to purchase access to the game and the beta, which launches on July 29th.

Here’s what’s currently included in the Minecraft: Windows 10 Editon:

Craft, create, and explore online with up to seven friends playing Windows 10 Edition Beta, through local multiplayer or with your Xbox Live friends online.
Play online and local multiplayer with other Pocket Edition players thanks to a free update, due to arrive soon after launch.

Multiple control schemes! Switch between controller, touch, and keyboard controls with little to no effort!
Record and share gameplay highlights with built-in GameDVR.

Help shape the future of Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta with our built player feedback mechanisms!
Chickens, zombies, pigs, boats, armed skeletons, potatoes, zombies, baby squids, enchantment tables, villagers, naked sheep, iron golems, potions, ghasts, pickaxes, carrots, and all the weird and wonderful goodness you’ve come to expect from Minecraft.

While the new edition is planned to add many new features to Minecraft, as well as porting in existing ones from the current game, Mojang have said that the Windows 10 Edition will not replace the existing game. Instead, both versions of the game will be equally supported going forward.

After Microsoft bought out Mojang for a smooth $2.5 billion last year, it’s not surprising for Microsoft to increase the incentive for their brand new flagship Windows OS. To find out more about Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition, you can hop over to Mojang’s blog.

Posted: Jul 04, 2015 1:50 pm
Related Forum: Gaming Discussion

Source: http://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/microsoft-announce-minecraft-windows-10-edition-free-to-all-existing-pc-owners