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{{Other uses}}
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{{Short description|Sandbox video game}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Minecraft
|image = Minecraft_cover.png
|caption =
|developer = [[Mojang]]{{efn|Ports to consoles developed by [[4J Studios]];<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/11/6/7167349/microsoft-owns-minecraft-mojang-acquisition-closes | title=Microsoft officially owns Minecraft and developer Mojang now| date=6 November 2014}}</ref> New Nintendo 3DS port developed by Other Ocean Interactive<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/minecraft-new-nintendo-3ds-edition|title=Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition|website=www.nintendo.com|access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref>}}
|publisher = {{ubl|Mojang{{efn|(PC/Java, Android, iOS, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch)}}|[[Xbox Game Studios]]{{efn|(Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows Phone, Windows 10 Edition)}}|{{nowrap|[[Sony Computer Entertainment]]}}{{efn|(PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita)}}}}
|series = <!-- Leave blank for Wikidata suppression -->
|designer = {{ubl|[[Markus Persson]]{{efn|2009–2011}}|[[Jens Bergensten]]{{efn|2011–present}}}}
|programmer = <!-- Leave blank for Wikidata suppression. -->
|artist = {{ubl|Markus Toivonen|Jasper Boerstra}}
|composer = [[C418]]
|released = {{collapsible list|title=18 November 2011{{efn|Although ''Minecraft'' was first publicly available on 17 May 2009,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://notch.tumblr.com/post/109000107/minecraft-0-0-11a-for-public-consumption |title= Minecraft 0.0.11a for public consumption : The Word of Notch |last= Persson |first= Markus |date= 17 May 2009 |website= [[Tumblr]] |accessdate= 1 April 2018 }}</ref> and was fully released on 18 November 2011, the first version of ''Minecraft'' which required a paid account was first publicly available on 23 December 2009,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Java_Edition_Indev |title= Java Editino Indev - Official Minecraft Wiki |author= Minecraft Wiki contributors |website= Minecraft Wiki |accessdate= 25 July 2019 }}</ref> therefore it started accumulating sales that year.}}|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|
'''Windows''', '''macOS''', '''Linux'''{{vgrelease|WW|<!-- Don't change this to 2009/2010; this is the full release date, read the Development section -->18 November 2011<ref name="PC release date">{{cite web|title=Minecraft |url=http://www.gamespot.com/minecraft/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=21 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015224527/http://www.gamespot.com/minecraft/ |archivedate=15 October 2012 }}</ref>}}
'''Android'''{{vgrelease|WW|7 October 2011<ref name="Android release date">{{cite web|title=Minecraft – Pocket Edition – Android |url=http://www.ign.com/games/minecraft/android-101490 |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=21 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116020619/http://www.ign.com/games/minecraft/android-101490 |archivedate=16 November 2012 }}</ref>}}
'''iOS'''{{vgrelease|WW|17 November 2011<ref name="iOS release date">{{cite web|title=Minecraft: Pocket Edition |url=http://www.gamespot.com/minecraft-pocket-edition/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=21 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031722/http://www.gamespot.com/minecraft-pocket-edition/ |archivedate=23 October 2012 }}</ref>}}
'''Xbox 360'''{{vgrelease|WW|9 May 2012<ref name="Xbox 360 release date">{{cite web|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-03/22/minecraft-xbox-360-dated |title=Minecraft for Xbox 360 release date announced, amongst others |magazine=[[Wired UK]] |date=22 March 2012 |accessdate=22 October 2012 |last=Brown |first=Mark |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218065518/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-03/22/minecraft-xbox-360-dated |archivedate=18 December 2012 }}</ref>}}
'''Raspberry Pi'''{{vgrelease|WW|11 February 2013<ref name="Raspberry Pi Release Date">{{cite web|title=Minecraft Raspberry Pi |url=http://mojang.com/2013/02/minecraft-pi-edition-is-available-for-download |publisher=[[Mojang]] |accessdate=27 March 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327003305/http://mojang.com/2013/02/minecraft-pi-edition-is-available-for-download/ |archivedate=27 March 2013 }}</ref>}}
'''PlayStation 3'''{{vgrelease|NA|17 December 2013|EU|18 December 2013}}
'''Fire OS'''{{vgrelease|WW|2 April 2014<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/04/02/amazons-fire-tv-game-lineup/|title=Amazon's first Fire TV games include in-house titles and Minecraft (update: video)|work=Engadget|access-date=25 September 2018}}</ref>}}
'''PlayStation 4'''{{vgrelease|WW|4 September 2014<ref name="PS4">{{cite web|last1=Pitcher |first1=Jenna |title=Minecraft PS4 Edition Release Date Confirmed |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/04/minecraft-ps4-edition-release-date-confirmed |website=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc. |accessdate=3 October 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001124534/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/04/minecraft-ps4-edition-release-date-confirmed |archivedate=1 October 2014 |date=3 September 2014 }}</ref>}}
'''Xbox One'''{{vgrelease|WW|5 September 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/minecraft-for-xbox-one-to-launch-on-friday/ |title=Minecraft for Xbox One to launch on Friday |website=CNET |accessdate=13 October 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007081727/http://www.cnet.com/news/minecraft-for-xbox-one-to-launch-on-friday/ |archivedate=7 October 2014 }}</ref>}}
'''PlayStation Vita'''{{vgrelease|NA|14 October 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/10/minecraft-ps-vita-edition-release-date-revealed-for-north-america |title=Minecraft: PS Vita Edition Release Date Revealed for North America |website=IGN |accessdate=13 October 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012184258/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/10/minecraft-ps-vita-edition-release-date-revealed-for-north-america |archivedate=12 October 2014 |date=10 October 2014 }}</ref>|EU|15 October 2014}}
'''Windows Phone'''{{vgrelease|WW|10 December 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mojang.com/2014/12/pocket-edition-comes-to-windows-phones |title=Minecraft Comes to Windows Phones |website=Mojang |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230104436/https://mojang.com/2014/12/pocket-edition-comes-to-windows-phones/ |archivedate=30 December 2014 }}</ref>}}
'''Windows 10'''{{vgrelease|WW|29 July 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/minecraft-for-xbox-one-to-launch-on-friday/ |title=Announcing Minecraft Windows 10 Edition Beta |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709070948/http://www.cnet.com/news/minecraft-for-xbox-one-to-launch-on-friday/ |archivedate=9 July 2015 }}</ref>}}
'''Wii U'''{{vgrelease|WW|17 December 2015<ref name="WiiU">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-wii-u-confirmed-coming-very-soon/1100-6432876/ |title=Minecraft Wii U Confirmed, Coming Very Soon |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=7 December 2015 |accessdate=8 December 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207140300/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-wii-u-confirmed-coming-very-soon/1100-6432876/ |archivedate=7 December 2015 }}</ref>}}
'''tvOS'''{{vgrelease|WW|19 December 2016<ref name="AppleTV">{{cite web |url=https://minecraft.net/en/article/apple-tv-edition-released |title=minecraft.net – Apple TV Edition released! |publisher= |accessdate=30 December 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227200120/https://minecraft.net/en/article/apple-tv-edition-released |archivedate=27 December 2016 |date=19 December 2016 }}</ref>}}
'''Nintendo Switch'''{{vgrelease|NA|11 May 2017|PAL|12 May 2017}}
'''New Nintendo 3DS'''{{vgrelease|WW|13 September 2017<ref name="New3DS">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-3ds-version-of-minecraft-announced-release-dat/1100-6453329/|title=New 3DS Version Of Minecraft Announced, Release Date Set For Today|last=Pereira|first=Chris|date=13 September 2017|website=GameSpot|accessdate=13 September 2017}}</ref>|EU|20 September 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/NintendoEurope/status/1042688985615740928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1042688985615740928&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nintendolife.com%2Fnews%2F2018%2F09%2Fthe_minecraft_new_nintendo_2ds_xl_is_coming_to_europe_after_all_available_next_month|title=On 19/10, look out for the #Minecraft New Nintendo #2DS XL – Creeper Edition, distinctively decked out with a Creeper design and pre-loaded with Minecraft: New Nintendo #3DS Edition! Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition is available on #eShop now!|website=Twitter|accessdate=23 September 2018}}</ref>}}}}
|genre = [[Sandbox game|Sandbox]], [[Survival game|survival]]
|modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
|platforms = {{collapsible list|title={{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[macOS]]|[[Linux]]}}|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;background:transparent;text-align:left|
{{ubl|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]
|[[iOS]]
|[[Windows Phone]]
|[[Xbox 360]]
|[[Xbox One]]
|[[PlayStation 3]]
|[[PlayStation 4]]
|[[PlayStation Vita]]
|[[Raspberry Pi]]
|[[Universal Windows Platform]]
|[[Wii U]]
|[[Nintendo Switch]]
|[[New Nintendo 3DS]]
|[[tvOS]]
|[[Fire OS]]
}}}}}}

'''''Minecraft''''' is a [[sandbox video game]] created by Swedish game developer [[Markus Persson]] and released by [[Mojang]] in 2011. The game allows players to build with a variety of different blocks in a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[procedurally generated]] world, requiring creativity from players. Other activities in the game include exploration, resource gathering, [[Crafting (gaming)|crafting]], and combat. Multiple [[game mode]]s that change gameplay are available, including—but not limited to—a survival mode, in which players must acquire resources to build the world and maintain health, and a creative mode, where players have unlimited resources to build with. The ''Java Edition'' of the game allows players to modify the game with [[Minecraft mods|mods]] to create new gameplay mechanics, items, textures and assets. In September 2014, [[Microsoft]] announced a deal to buy Mojang and the ''Minecraft'' [[intellectual property]] for {{US$|2.5 billion}}, with the acquisition completed two months later.

''Minecraft'' received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, and has since been described as one of the most influential video games in history. Social media, parodies, adaptations, merchandise, and the [[MineCon]] convention played large roles in popularizing the game. It has also been used in educational environments, especially in the realm of computing systems, as virtual computers and hardware devices have been built in it. By mid-2018, the game had around 91 million active players monthly. It is also the [[best-selling video game]] of all time, selling over 176 million copies across all platforms by May 2019. A number of spin-off games have also been released, such as ''[[Minecraft: Story Mode]]'' and ''[[Minecraft Dungeons]]''.

== Gameplay ==
''Minecraft'' is a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[sandbox game]] that has no specific goals to accomplish, allowing players a large amount of freedom in choosing how to play the game.<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/11/24/minecraft-review |title=Minecraft Review&nbsp;— PC Review at IGN |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=18 December 2011 |first=Anthony |last=Gallegos |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106165908/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/11/24/minecraft-review |archivedate=6 November 2015 |date=23 November 2011 }}</ref> However, there is an [[Achievement (video gaming)|achievement]] system.<ref>{{cite web|last=Meer |first=Alec |title=Minecraft:Wolves, Achievements, Mods, Merch |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/03/30/minecraft-mods/ |publisher=Rock, Paper, Shotgun, Ltd. |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |date=30 March 2011 |accessdate=26 March 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093516/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/03/30/minecraft-mods/ |archivedate=2 April 2015 }}</ref> Gameplay is in the [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]] by default, but players have the option for third-person perspective.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-23-minecraft-1-0-launch-patch-notes |title=Minecraft 1.0 launch patch notes |publisher=Eurogamer Network |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=23 November 2011 |accessdate=2 January 2013 |last=Purchese |first=Robert |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203113330/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-23-minecraft-1-0-launch-patch-notes |archivedate=3 February 2013 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/11/this-is-minecraft |title=This is Minecraft |website=[[IGN]] |date=11 November 2010 |accessdate=2 January 2013 |last=Ashdown |first=Jeremy |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127020048/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/11/this-is-minecraft |archivedate=27 January 2013 }}</ref>

The game world is virtually infinite and [[procedural generation|procedurally generated]] as players explore it, using a [[map seed]] that is obtained from the [[system clock]] at the time of world creation (or manually specified by the player).<ref name="NotchExplain1">{{cite web|url=http://notch.tumblr.com/post/3746989361/terrain-generation-part-1 |title=Terrain generation, Part 1 |first=Markus |last=Persson |publisher=Mojang |date=10 March 2011 |accessdate=24 October 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312082752/http://notch.tumblr.com/post/3746989361/terrain-generation-part-1 |archivedate=12 March 2011 }}</ref><ref name="NotchExplain2">{{cite web|url=http://www.mojang.com/2011/02/a-short-demystification-of-the-map-seed |title=A Short Demystification of the 'Map Seed' |first=Jens |last=Bergensten |publisher=Mojang |date=23 February 2011 |accessdate=6 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007083324/http://www.mojang.com/2011/02/a-short-demystification-of-the-map-seed/ |archivedate=7 October 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Beginner's guide">{{cite web|last=Miller-Watt |first=Josh |title=Minecraft beginner's guide |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/minecraft-beginners-guide/ |website=[[GamesRadar]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |accessdate=24 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711051549/http://www.gamesradar.com/minecraft-beginners-guide/ |archivedate=11 July 2012 }}</ref> There are limits on vertical movement, but ''Minecraft'' allows an infinitely large game world to be generated on the horizontal plane. Due to technical problems when extremely distant locations are reached, however, there is a barrier preventing players from traversing to locations beyond 30,000,000 blocks.{{#tag:ref|In a blog post,<ref name="NotchExplain1" /> Persson explains:

::... let me clarify some things about the "infinite" maps: They're not infinite, but there's no hard limit either. It'll just get [[software bug|buggier]] and buggier the further out you are. Terrain is generated, saved and loaded, and (kind of) rendered in chunks of <math>16*16*128</math> blocks. These chunks have an [[offset (computer science)|offset]] value that is a [[32-bit|32 bit]] [[integer]] roughly in the range negative two billion to positive two billion. If you go outside that range (about 25% of the distance from where you are now to the sun), loading and saving chunks will start overwriting old chunks. At a 16/th of that distance, things that use integers for block positions, such as using items and pathfinding, will start [[arithmetic overflow|overflowing]] and acting weird.

::Those are the two "hard" limits.|group=nb}} The game achieves this by splitting the world data into smaller sections called "chunks" that are only created or loaded when players are nearby.<ref name="NotchExplain1" /> The world is divided into [[biome]]s ranging from deserts to jungles to snowfields;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/10/27/biomeshock-the-new-minecraft-worlds/ |title=BiomeShock: The New Minecraft Worlds |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |date=27 October 2010 |accessdate=2 January 2013 |last=Meer |first=Alec |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112224440/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/10/27/biomeshock-the-new-minecraft-worlds/ |archivedate=12 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-20-minecraft-jungle-biome-creatures-coming-soon |title=Minecraft jungle biome, creatures coming soon |publisher=Eurogamer Network |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=20 January 2012 |accessdate=2 January 2013 |last=Phillips |first=Tom |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203113322/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-20-minecraft-jungle-biome-creatures-coming-soon |archivedate=3 February 2013 }}</ref> the [[terrain]] includes plains, mountains, forests, caves, and various lava/water bodies.<ref name="Beginner's guide" /> The in-game [[Turns, rounds and time-keeping systems in games|time system]] follows a day and night cycle, and one full cycle lasts 20 real-time minutes.

[[File:Minecraft Mobs.png|thumb|left|A few of the monsters in ''Minecraft'', displayed from left to right: the zombie, spider, enderman, creeper, and skeleton.]]

Players encounter various [[non-player character]]s known as [[Mob (video gaming)|mobs]], such as animals, villagers, and hostile creatures.<ref name="Update May 2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/05/24/minecraft-update-snapshot-includes-trading-currency-new-item-and-sandstone-stairs/ |title=Minecraft update snapshot includes trading, currency, new item and sandstone stairs |publisher=[[Future plc]] |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |date=24 May 2012 |accessdate=2 January 2013 |last=Senior |first=Tom |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203114023/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/05/24/minecraft-update-snapshot-includes-trading-currency-new-item-and-sandstone-stairs/ |archivedate=3 February 2013 }}</ref> Passive mobs can be hunted for food and crafting materials, such as cows, pigs, and chickens. They [[Spawning (video gaming)|spawn]] in the daytime, while hostile mobs spawn during nighttime or in dark places such as caves—including large [[spider]]s, [[Skeleton (undead)|skeletons]], and [[Zombie (fictional)|zombies]].<ref name="Beginner's guide" /> Some hostile mobs such as zombies, skeletons and drowned (underwater versions of zombies), burn under the sun if they have no headgear.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/?id=tYPnmQEACAAJ|title=Minecraft: Beginner's Handbook|first1=Minecraft Books|last1=Staff|first2=Stephanie|last2=Milton|first3=Paul|last3=Soares|first4=Jordan|last4=Maron|date=7 December 2017|publisher=Egmont Books, Limited|accessdate=7 December 2017|pages=46–49|via=Google Books}}</ref> Other creatures unique to ''Minecraft'' include the creeper (an exploding creature that sneaks up on the player) and the enderman (a creature with the ability to [[Teleportation|teleport]], pick up, and place blocks).<ref name=Eurogamer /> There are also variants of mobs that spawn in different conditions, for example zombies have husk variants that spawn in deserts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=xH9ovgAACAAJ&dq=minecraft+guide+to+exploration&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiXvJnXg6ffAhXzShUIHVoUB7QQ6AEIJzAA|title=Minecraft: Guide to Exploration|first=Stephanie|last=Milton|date=17 December 2018|publisher=Random House Publishing Group|via=Google Books}}</ref>

Many commentators have described the game's physics system as unrealistic.<ref name="Minecraft In Education">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-in-education-how-video-games-are-teaching-kids/1100-6400549/ |title=Minecraft In Education: How Video Games Are Teaching Kids |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=25 November 2012 |accessdate=15 December 2012 |last=Walton |first=Mark |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010082122/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-in-education-how-video-games-are-teaching-kids/1100-6400549/ |archivedate=10 October 2013 }}</ref> Liquids continuously flow for a limited horizontal distance from source blocks, which can be removed by placing a solid block in its place or by scooping it into a bucket. Complex systems can be built using primitive mechanical devices, electrical circuits, and logic gates built with an in-game material known as redstone.<ref name="RedstoneComputer">{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/104029-Player-Creates-Working-Computer-in-Minecraft |title=Player Creates Working Computer in ''Minecraft'' |magazine=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=Alloy Digital |last=Tito |first=Greg |date=4 October 2010 |accessdate=4 January 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008064435/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/104029-Player-Creates-Working-Computer-in-Minecraft |archivedate=8 October 2010 }}</ref>

''Minecraft'' has two alternative dimensions besides the overworld (the main world): the Nether and the End.<ref name=Eurogamer /> The Nether is a [[hell]]-like dimension accessed via player-built portals; it contains many unique resources and can be used to travel great distances in the overworld.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/previews/a-clearer-look-at-minecrafts-new-hell-dimension/ |title=A clearer look at Minecraft's new hell dimension |first=Tom |last=Francis |date=10 October 2010 |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |accessdate=30 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101113601/http://www.pcgamer.com/previews/a-clearer-look-at-minecrafts-new-hell-dimension/ |archivedate=1 November 2012 }}</ref> The player can build an optional boss mob called the Wither out of materials found in the Nether.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=Jrb4MAAACAAJ&dq=guide+to+nether+and+the+end|title=Minecraft Guide to the Nether and the End|first1=Mojang AB (Firm)|last1=Staff|first2=Stephanie|last2=Milton|date=1 September 2017|publisher=Egmont UK Limited|accessdate=29 December 2017|pages=32–33|via=Google Books|isbn=9781405285995}}</ref> The End is a barren land consisting of many islands. A [[boss (video gaming)|boss]] dragon called the Ender Dragon dwells on the main island.<ref>{{cite web|last=Liebl |first=Matt |title=Minecraft: The End, Ender Dragons, and Goop Portal All Explained |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/2011/10/11/minecraft-the-end-ender-dragons-and-goop-portal-all-explained |website=GameZone |publisher=GameZone Online |accessdate=31 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615001422/http://www.gamezone.com/news/2011/10/11/minecraft-the-end-ender-dragons-and-goop-portal-all-explained |archivedate=15 June 2013 |date=5 May 2012 }}</ref> Killing the dragon cues the game's ending credits and a poem written by Irish novelist [[Julian Gough]].<ref name="Juilan Gough">{{cite web|url=http://boingboing.net/2012/01/09/ending-an-endless-game-an-int.html |title=Ending an endless game: an interview with Julian Gough, author of Minecraft's epic finale |first=Tom |last=Chatfield |date=9 January 2012 |publisher=Boing Boing |accessdate=13 January 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112024241/http://boingboing.net/2012/01/09/ending-an-endless-game-an-int.html |archivedate=12 January 2012 }}</ref> Players are then allowed to teleport back to their original spawn point in the overworld and continue the game indefinitely.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to find the Ender Portal in Minecraft - Geek.com |url=https://www.geek.com/games/how-to-find-the-ender-portal-in-minecraft-1533760/ |website=Geek.com |accessdate=21 September 2017|date=26 December 2012 }}</ref>

The game consists of five game modes: survival, creative, adventure, hardcore, and spectator. It also has a changeable difficulty system of four levels. For example, the peaceful difficulty prevents hostile creatures from spawning, and when playing on the hard difficulty players can starve to death if their hunger bar is depleted.<ref name="Controls and Settings" /><ref name="jeb110906">{{cite web |last1=Bergensten |first1=Jens |title=If the food bar is empty in MC 1.8, it will slowly drop your health to 5 hearts on easy, to 0.5 hearts on normal, and kill you on hard|url=https://twitter.com/jeb_/status/111047534318858240 |website=Twitter |accessdate=17 September 2017 |date=6 September 2011}}</ref>

=== Survival mode ===
[[File:Minecraft Beta 1.0.2 crafting a stone axe - from Commons.png|thumb|The ''Minecraft'' crafting screen, showing the crafting pattern of a stone axe]]

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.<ref name="Beginner's guide" /> Depending on the difficulty, monsters spawn in darker areas outside a certain radius of the character, requiring players to build a shelter at night.<ref name="Beginner's guide" /> The mode also has a [[health (gaming)|health bar]] which is depleted by attacks from monsters, falls, drowning, falling into lava, suffocation, starvation, and other events. Players also have a hunger bar, which must be periodically refilled by eating food in-game, except in peaceful difficulty. If the hunger bar is depleted, automatic healing will stop and eventually health will deplete.<ref name="jeb110906" /> Health replenishes when players have a nearly full hunger bar or continuously on peaceful difficulty.

Players can craft a wide variety of items in ''Minecraft''.<ref name=About.com>{{cite web|last=Marriott |first=Scott |title=Minecraft Review |url=http://compsimgames.about.com/od/citybuildingsims/fr/Minecraft-Review.htm |website=[[About.com]] |publisher=[[IAC (company)|InterActiveCorp]] |accessdate=10 November 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119022112/http://compsimgames.about.com/od/citybuildingsims/fr/Minecraft-Review.htm |archivedate=19 November 2012 }}</ref> Players can craft armor, which can help mitigate damage from attacks, while weapons such as swords can be crafted to kill enemies and other animals more easily. Players acquire resources to craft tools, such as axes, shovels, or pickaxes, used to chop down trees, dig soil, and mine ores, respectively; e.g. tools made of iron perform their tasks more quickly than tools made of stone or wood and can be used more heavily before they break. Players can construct furnaces which can smelt food, process ores and materials, among others.<ref>{{cite web|title=Block of the Week: Furnace|url=https://minecraft.net/en-us/article/block-week-furnace|website=Minecraft.net|accessdate=21 September 2017|date=15 September 2017}}</ref> Players may also trade goods with villager NPCs through a bartering system involving trading [[emeralds]] for different goods, and vice versa.<ref name="Trading update">{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-07/06/minecraft-update |title=Gaming Minecraft update combines single and multiplayer, adds trading and tripwires |magazine=[[Wired UK]] |date=6 July 2012 |accessdate=21 November 2012 |last=Brown |first=Mark |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123141217/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-07/06/minecraft-update |archivedate=23 January 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Update May 2012" />

The game has an inventory system, and players can carry a limited number of items. Upon dying, items in the players' inventories are dropped, and players re-spawn at their [[spawning (video gaming)|spawn point]], which is set by default where players begin the game, and can be reset if players sleep in a [[bed]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/02/18/minecraft-is-getting-ready-for-bed/ |title=Minecraft Is Getting Ready For Bed |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |date=18 February 2011 |accessdate=2 January 2013 |last=Walker |first=John |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109010753/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/02/18/minecraft-is-getting-ready-for-bed/ |archivedate=9 November 2012 }}</ref> Dropped items can be recovered if players can reach them before they despawn, which takes 5 minutes. Players may acquire [[experience point]]s by killing [[Mob (video gaming)|mobs]] and other players, mining, smelting ores, [[animal breeding|breeding animals]], and cooking food. Experience can then be spent on [[incantation|enchanting]] tools, armor and weapons.<ref name="Controls and Settings">{{cite web|url=http://www.supercheats.com/guides/minecraft/controls-and-settings |title=Controls and Settings – Minecraft |website=Super Cheats |publisher=Videogamer Network |accessdate=3 January 2013 |first1=Chris |last1=Boots-Faubert |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511083411/http://www.supercheats.com/guides/minecraft/controls-and-settings |archivedate=11 May 2013 }}</ref> Enchanted items are generally more powerful, last longer, or have other special effects.<ref name="Controls and Settings" />

Hardcore mode is a survival mode variant that is locked to the hardest setting and has [[permadeath]], which permanently deletes the world if the player dies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/09/23/minecraft-hardcore-mode-teased-when-you-die-the-world-dies-with-you/ |title=Minecraft hardcore mode teased. When you die, the world dies with you |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=23 September 2011 |accessdate=25 September 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004093330/http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/09/23/minecraft-hardcore-mode-teased-when-you-die-the-world-dies-with-you/ |archivedate=4 October 2012 }}</ref> If a player dies on a multiplayer server set to hardcore, they are put into spectator mode.<ref>{{cite web|title=Minecraft snapshot 15w37a|url=https://mojang.com/2015/09/minecraft-snapshot-15w37a/|website=mojang.com|accessdate=17 September 2017}}</ref>

=== Creative mode ===
[[File:Minecraft city hall.png|thumb|An example of a creation constructed in ''Minecraft'']]
In creative mode, players have access to all resources and items in the game through the inventory menu, and can place or remove them instantly.<ref name="Creative Mode">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/2012/09/26/creative-mode-coming-to-minecraft-xbox-360-edition |title=Creative Mode coming to Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition |publisher=GameZone Online |website=GameZone |date=26 September 2012 |accessdate=1 December 2012 |last=Steinlage |first=Tate |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519125126/http://www.gamezone.com/news/2012/09/26/creative-mode-coming-to-minecraft-xbox-360-edition |archivedate=19 May 2013 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="Creative Mode 2">{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/09/05/creative-mode-weeks-away-for-minecraft-xbox-360-edition/ |title=Creative Mode 'weeks away' for Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition |website=[[VentureBeat]] |date=5 September 2012 |accessdate=1 December 2012 |last=Haley |first=Sebastian |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118033545/http://venturebeat.com/2012/09/05/creative-mode-weeks-away-for-minecraft-xbox-360-edition/ |archivedate=18 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.totalxbox.com/45572/minecraft-xbox-360-update-creative-mode-still-weeks-away-4j-dresses-cliffy-b-up-as-creeper/ |title=Minecraft Xbox 360 update: Creative Mode still "weeks away", 4J dresses Cliffy B up as Creeper |publisher=[[Future plc]] |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] |date=5 September 2012 |accessdate=1 December 2012 |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430033503/http://www.totalxbox.com/45572/minecraft-xbox-360-update-creative-mode-still-weeks-away-4j-dresses-cliffy-b-up-as-creeper/ |archivedate=30 April 2014 }}</ref> The game mode helps players focus on building and creating projects of any size without disturbance.<ref name="Creative Mode" />

=== Adventure mode ===
Adventure mode was added to ''Minecraft'' in version 1.3; it was designed specifically so that players could experience user-crafted custom maps and adventures.<ref name="Custom maps" /><ref name="RPS – 1.3july">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/07/06/minecraft-1-3-adding-lan-adventure-mode-in-august/ |title=Minecraft 1.3 Adding LAN, Adventure Mode In August |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |first=Nathan |last=Grayson |date=6 July 2012 |accessdate=4 January 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112203224/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/07/06/minecraft-1-3-adding-lan-adventure-mode-in-august/ |archivedate=12 November 2012 }}</ref><ref name="RPS – 1.3aug">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/08/01/minecraft-updates-with-adventure-mode/ |title=Minecraft Updates To 1.3 With Adventure Mode, Trading |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |first=John |last=Walker |date=1 August 2012 |accessdate=4 January 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117043757/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/08/01/minecraft-updates-with-adventure-mode/ |archivedate=17 November 2012 }}</ref> Gameplay is similar to survival mode but introduces various player restrictions, which can be applied to the game world by the creator of the map. This forces players to obtain the required items and experience adventures in the way that the map maker intended.<ref name="RPS – 1.3aug" /> Another addition designed for custom maps is the command block; this block allows map makers to expand interactions with players through scripted server commands.<ref name="Gallegos">{{cite web|last=Gallegos |first=Anthony |title=Minecraft Adding New Block |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/27/minecraft-adding-new-block |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=28 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216094902/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/27/minecraft-adding-new-block |archivedate=16 December 2012 |date=27 July 2012 }}</ref>

=== Spectator mode ===
Spectator mode allows players to fly around through blocks and watch gameplay without directly interacting. In this mode, instead of having an inventory, players have the ability to teleport to other players. It is also possible to view from the perspective of another player or creature.<ref>{{cite book|last=Stay|first=Jesse|last2=Stay|first2=Thomas|last3=Corderio|first3=Thomas|date=29 December 2014|title=Minecraft For Dummies|url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Minecraft_For_Dummies.html?id=wRqy2trX2qwC|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|page=288|isbn=9781118537169}}</ref> This game mode can only be accessed within the Java or PC edition.

=== Multiplayer ===
Multiplayer in ''Minecraft'' is available through direct game-to-game multiplayer, LAN play, local split screen, and servers (player-hosted and business-hosted). It enables multiple players to interact and communicate with each other on a single world.<ref name="Multiplayer servers">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/09/blocks-with-friends-how-to-run-your-own-minecraft-server/ |title=Blocks with friends: How to run your own Minecraft server |website=[[Ars Technica]] |date=10 September 2012 |accessdate=24 November 2012 |last=Hutchinson |first=Lee |pages=1–4 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115100732/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/09/blocks-with-friends-how-to-run-your-own-minecraft-server/ |archivedate=15 November 2012 }}</ref> 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]] support, allowing players to join a world on locally interconnected computers without a server setup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/06/18/modern-minecraft-adds-local-area-network-support/ |title=Modern! ''Minecraft'' Adds 'Local Area Network' Support |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |first=Alec |last=Meer |date=18 June 2012 |accessdate=25 September 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918113739/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/06/18/modern-minecraft-adds-local-area-network-support/ |archivedate=18 September 2012 }}</ref> ''Minecraft'' multiplayer servers are guided by server operators (''op'' for short), 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 address]]es are allowed or disallowed to enter the server.<ref name="Multiplayer servers" /> Multiplayer servers have a wide range of activities, with some servers having their own unique rules and customs. One of the largest and most popular servers is [[Hypixel]], which is visited by over 14 million players.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fogel|first1=Stefanie|title=Creators of Popular 'Minecraft' Server Announce New Game 'Hytale'|url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/hypixel-studios-reveals-hytale-1203089201/|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|accessdate=15 December 2018|date=13 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Riot Games Leads Investment in Hypixel Game Studio|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/riot-games-leads-investment-hypixel-game-studio-1168889|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|accessdate=14 December 2018}}</ref> [[Player versus player]] combat (PvP) can be enabled to allow fighting between players.<ref name="pcgamer minecraft future" /> Many servers have custom plugins that allow actions that are not normally possible. 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/18/4118526/minecraft-realms-hopes-to-make-an-increasingly-complex-game-more |title=Minecraft Realms hopes to make an increasingly complex game more family-friendly |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |accessdate=26 March 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321113627/http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/18/4118526/minecraft-realms-hopes-to-make-an-increasingly-complex-game-more |archivedate=21 March 2013 |date=18 March 2013 }}</ref> 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 3000 people to play on their server, with up to ten players online at one time.<ref name="Minecraft Realms">{{Cite web|url=https://minecraft.net/realms/|title=Minecraft Realms|date=31 July 2017|website=Minecraft.net|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> The ''Minecraft: Java Edition'' Realms servers do not support user-made plugins, but players can play custom ''Minecraft'' maps.<ref>{{cite web|title=Realms is packed with awesome maps|url=https://mojang.com/2014/10/realms-is-packed-with-awesome-maps/|website=mojang.com|accessdate=18 September 2017}}</ref> ''Minecraft'' Realms servers support user-made add-ons, resource packs, behavior packs, and custom ''Minecraft'' maps.<ref name="Minecraft Realms"/> At [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2016]], it was announced that Realms would enable ''Minecraft'' to support [[cross-platform play]] between [[Windows 10]], [[iOS]], and [[Android (system)|Android]] platforms starting in June 2016,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/13/11922908/minecraft-cross-platform-e3-2016 |title=Minecraft gets cross-platform play later this year |first=Allegra |last=Frank |date=13 June 2016 |accessdate=13 June 2016 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616111115/http://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/13/11922908/minecraft-cross-platform-e3-2016 |archivedate=16 June 2016 }}</ref> with [[Xbox One]] and [[Nintendo Switch]] support to come later in 2017,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/minecraft-is-unifying-nearly-all-of-its-versions-across-all-platforms-except-sony-439216.phtml |title=Minecraft is unifying nearly all of its versions across all platforms, except Sony |first=Chris |last=Carter |date=11 June 2017 |accessdate=11 June 2017 |website=[[Destructoid]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617092549/https://www.destructoid.com/minecraft-is-unifying-nearly-all-of-its-versions-across-all-platforms-except-sony-439216.phtml |archivedate=17 June 2017 }}</ref> and support for [[virtual reality]] devices. On 31 July 2017, Mojang released the beta version of the update allowing cross-platform play.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://minecraft.net/en-us/article/beta-test-better-together|title=Beta Test Better Together!|date=31 July 2017|website=Minecraft.net|access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> Nintendo Switch support for Realms was released in July 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/07/minecrafts_aquatic_update_phase_two_gets_wet_and_wild_today_on_switch|title=Minecraft's Aquatic Update Phase Two Gets Wet And Wild Today On Switch|first=Nintendo|last=Life|date=10 July 2018|website=Nintendo Life}}</ref>

== Development ==
{{expand section|date=May 2019}}
[[File:Markus Persson at GDC 2011.jpg|thumb|Markus "Notch" Persson, the creator of ''Minecraft'', at GDC in 2011]]
[[Markus Persson|Markus "Notch" Persson]] began developing the game as a project.<ref name="GSint">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/27719/Interview_Markus_Notch_Persson_Talks_Making_Minecraft.php |title=Interview: Markus 'Notch' Persson Talks Making ''Minecraft'' |last=Handy |first=Alex |publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |date=23 March 2010 |accessdate=26 June 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509113422/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/27719/Interview_Markus_Notch_Persson_Talks_Making_Minecraft.php |archivedate=9 May 2010 }}</ref> He was inspired to create ''Minecraft'' by several other games such as ''[[Dwarf Fortress]]'', ''[[Dungeon Keeper]]'', and later ''[[Infiniminer]]''. At the time, he had visualized an isometric 3D building game that would be a cross between his inspirations and had made some early prototypes.<ref name="GSint" /> ''Infiniminer'' heavily influenced the style of gameplay, including the first-person aspect of the game, the "blocky" visual style and the block-building fundamentals. However, unlike ''Infiniminer'', Persson wanted ''Minecraft'' to have [[Role-playing game|RPG]] elements.<ref name="Blockbuster">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/11/10/the-making-of-minecraft/ |title=Blockbuster – The Making of Minecraft |publisher=[[Future plc]] |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |date=10 November 2012 |accessdate=20 December 2012 |last=Davies |first=Marsh |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215122902/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/11/10/the-making-of-minecraft/ |archivedate=15 December 2012 }}</ref>

''Minecraft'' was first released to the public on 17 May 2009, as a developmental release on ''TIGSource'' forums,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/02/06/the-first-moments-of-minecraft/ |title=The First Moments of Minecraft |publisher=[[Future plc]] |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |date=6 February 2012 |accessdate=1 January 2013 |last=Smith |first=Graham |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227001022/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/02/06/the-first-moments-of-minecraft/ |archivedate=27 December 2012 }}</ref> later becoming known as the ''Classic'' version. Further milestones dubbed as ''Survival Test'', ''Indev'' and ''Infdev'' were released between September 2009 and February 2010, although the game saw updates in-between. The first major update, dubbed [[Video game alpha release|alpha]] version, was released on 28 June 2010. 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.<ref name="PCGAMERinterview">{{cite web|last=McDougal |first=Jaz |title=Community heroes: Notch, for ''Minecraft'' |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/community-heroes-notch-for-minecraft/ |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |accessdate=3 August 2010 |date=29 July 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012151922/http://www.pcgamer.com/community-heroes-notch-for-minecraft/ |archivedate=12 October 2014 }}</ref> 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).<ref name="PCGAMERinterview" />

To back the development of ''Minecraft'', Persson set up a video game company, [[Mojang]], with the money earned from the game.<ref name="Cult and merchandise" /><ref name="LackOfUpdates">{{cite web|last=Persson |first=Markus |authorlink=Markus Persson |publisher=Mojang |title=I'm sorry about the lack of updates |url=http://notch.tumblr.com/post/1205447916/im-sorry-about-the-lack-of-updates |accessdate=18 October 2010 |date=28 September 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004184609/http://notch.tumblr.com/post/1205447916/im-sorry-about-the-lack-of-updates |archivedate=4 October 2010 }}</ref><ref name="MCcompany">{{cite web|last=Persson |first=Markus |authorlink=Markus Persson |publisher=Mojang |title=Hiring some people, getting an office, and all that! |url=http://notch.tumblr.com/post/1075326804/hiring-some-people-getting-an-office-and-all-that |accessdate=6 September 2010 |date=6 September 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100908235613/http://notch.tumblr.com/post/1075326804/hiring-some-people-getting-an-office-and-all-that |archivedate=8 September 2010 }}</ref> On 11 December 2010, Persson announced that ''Minecraft'' was entering its beta testing phase on 20 December 2010. He further stated that bug fixes and all updates leading up to and including the release would still be free.<ref name="BetaDate">{{cite web|url=http://notch.tumblr.com/post/2175441966/minecraft-beta-december-20-2010 |title=''Minecraft'' Beta: December 20, 2010 |last=Persson |first=Markus |authorlink=Markus Persson |publisher=Mojang |date=11 December 2010 |accessdate=21 December 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214061702/http://notch.tumblr.com/post/2175441966/minecraft-beta-december-20-2010 |archivedate=14 December 2010 }}</ref> Over the course of the development, Mojang hired several new employees to work on the project.<ref name="MCMannehMollstam">{{cite web|last=Persson |first=Markus |authorlink=Markus Persson |publisher=Mojang |title=2011, here we go! |url=http://notch.tumblr.com/post/2582321901/2011-here-we-go |accessdate=3 January 2011 |date=3 January 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106050104/http://notch.tumblr.com/post/2582321901/2011-here-we-go |archivedate=6 January 2011 }}</ref>

Mojang moved the game out of beta and released the full version on 18 November 2011.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/251231/20111117/minecraft-version-available-minecon-live-streaming.htm | title=Minecraft Full Version Available; MineCon Live Streaming | website=[[International Business Times]]| date=17 November 2012 | accessdate= 17 October 2012 | last=Fernandez | first=Carlo}}</ref> The game has been continuously updated since the release, with changes ranging from new game content to new server hosts.<ref name="notchMigr">{{cite web|title=The web server is struggling, we're migrating |url=http://notch.tumblr.com/post/2812089385/the-web-server-is-struggling-were-migrating |first=Markus |last=Persson |publisher=Mojang |date=18 January 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121031049/http://notch.tumblr.com/post/2812089385/the-web-server-is-struggling-were-migrating |archivedate=21 January 2011 }}</ref> On 1 December 2011, [[Jens "Jeb" Bergensten]] took full creative control over ''Minecraft'', replacing Persson as lead designer.<ref name="bergleaddev">{{cite web|url=http://notch.tumblr.com/post/13633493969/och-med-dom-orden-sa-passar-jag-micken |title=Och med dom orden så passar jag micken |last=Persson |first=Markus |website=[[The Word of Notch]] |publisher=Mojang |date=2 December 2011 |accessdate=2 December 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227053605/http://notch.tumblr.com/post/13633493969/och-med-dom-orden-sa-passar-jag-micken |archivedate=27 December 2011 }}</ref> On 28 February 2012, Mojang announced that they had hired the developers of the popular server platform "CraftBukkit"<ref name="pcgamer minecraft future" /> to improve ''Minecraft''{{'}}s support of [[Minecraft mods|server modifications]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mojang.com/2012/02/minecraft-team-strengthened/ |title=Minecraft Team Strengthened! |publisher=Mojang |date=28 February 2012 |accessdate=22 September 2013 |last=Bergensten |first=Jens |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927162025/https://mojang.com/2012/02/minecraft-team-strengthened/ |archivedate=27 September 2013 }}</ref> This acquisition also included Mojang apparently taking full ownership of the CraftBukkit modification,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/08/21/minecraft-bukkit-team-lead-tries-to-end-development-but-mojang-steps-in/ |title=Minecraft Bukkit team lead tries to end development, but Mojang steps in |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |date=21 August 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824103031/http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/08/21/minecraft-bukkit-team-lead-tries-to-end-development-but-mojang-steps-in/ |archivedate=24 August 2014 }}</ref> although the validity of this claim was questioned due to its status as an [[open-source software|open-source]] project with many contributors, licensed under the [[GNU General Public License]] and [[Lesser General Public License]].<ref name=gon-craftbukkitdmca>{{cite news|title=Minecraft's CraftBukkit mod taken down by DMCA claim |url=http://games.on.net/2014/09/minecrafts-craftbukkit-mod-taken-down-by-dmca-claim/ |accessdate=29 May 2017 |website=games.on.net |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123142709/http://games.on.net/2014/09/minecrafts-craftbukkit-mod-taken-down-by-dmca-claim/ |archivedate=23 November 2015 }}</ref> On 15 September 2014, [[Microsoft]] announced a $2.5 billion deal to buy Mojang, along with the ownership of the ''Minecraft'' [[intellectual property]]. 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 "trying to do the right thing".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Persson|first1=Markus|title=Anyone want to buy my share of Mojang so I can move on with my life? Getting hate for trying to do the right thing is not my gig.|url=https://twitter.com/notch/status/478766808841732096|website=Twitter|accessdate=17 September 2017|date=17 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Bogart |first1=Nicole |title=Updated: September 15, 2014 8:35 pm Microsoft acquires 'Minecraft' maker for $2.5 billion |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/1563546/microsoft-acquires-minecraft-maker-for-2-5-billion/ |agency=[[Global News]] |publisher=[[Shaw Media]] |accessdate=2 May 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518082220/http://globalnews.ca/news/1563546/microsoft-acquires-minecraft-maker-for-2-5-billion/ |archivedate=18 May 2015 |date=15 September 2014 }}</ref> It was arbitrated on 6 November 2014, and led to Persson becoming one of ''[[Forbes]]''{{'}} "World's Billionaires".<ref name="MicrosoftMinecraft1">{{cite web|last1=Peckham |first1=Matt |title=Minecraft Is Now Part of Microsoft, and It Only Cost $2.5 Billion |url=http://time.com/3377886/microsoft-buys-mojang/ |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |accessdate=15 September 2014 |date=15 September 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915180920/http://time.com/3377886/microsoft-buys-mojang/ |archivedate=15 September 2014 }}</ref><ref name="MicrosoftMinecraft2">{{cite web|last1=Bass |first1=Dina |title=Microsoft to Buy Minecraft Maker Mojang for $2.5 Billion |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-15/microsoft-to-buy-minecraft-maker-mojang-for-2-5-billion.html |website=[[Bloomberg Business]] |accessdate=16 September 2014 |date=15 September 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916060156/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-15/microsoft-to-buy-minecraft-maker-mojang-for-2-5-billion.html |archivedate=16 September 2014 }}</ref><ref name="MicrosoftMinecraft3">{{cite web|first=Samit |last=Sarkar |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/6/7167349/microsoft-owns-minecraft-mojang-acquisition-closes |title=Microsoft officially owns Minecraft and developer Mojang now |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=6 November 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130141926/http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/6/7167349/microsoft-owns-minecraft-mojang-acquisition-closes |archivedate=30 November 2014 }}</ref><ref name="MicrosoftMinecraft4">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2015/03/03/minecraft-markus-persson-life-after-microsoft-sale/ |title=Inside The Post-Minecraft Life Of Billionaire Gamer God Markus Persson |first=Ryan |last=Mac |website=[[Forbes]] |date=3 March 2015 |accessdate=25 March 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320155201/http://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2015/03/03/minecraft-markus-persson-life-after-microsoft-sale/ |archivedate=20 March 2015 }}</ref> The orginal 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''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Java_Edition|title=Java Edition|website=Minecraft Wiki|language=en|access-date=2019-07-23}}</ref>

=== Soundtrack ===
[[File:Daniel Rosenfeld.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[C418]] composed ''Minecraft''{{'}}s soundtrack]]
{{Main|Minecraft (soundtrack)}}
''Minecraft''{{'}}s music and sound effects were produced by German musician Daniel Rosenfeld, better known as [[C418]].<ref name="credits">{{cite web|url=https://minecraft.net/game/credits |title=Minecraft.net Credits |website=Mojang |accessdate=1 January 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226231247/http://minecraft.net/game/credits |archivedate=26 December 2012 }}</ref> The [[background music]] in ''Minecraft'' is instrumental [[ambient music]]. On 4 March 2011, Rosenfeld released a [[Video game music|soundtrack]], titled ''[[Minecraft – Volume Alpha]]''; it includes most of the tracks featured in ''Minecraft'', as well as other music not featured in the game.<ref name="Bandcamp">{{cite web|url=http://c418.bandcamp.com/album/minecraft-volume-alpha |title=''Minecraft'' Volume Alpha on Bandcamp |date=4 March 2011 |accessdate=25 September 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919182020/http://c418.bandcamp.com/album/minecraft-volume-alpha |archivedate=19 September 2012 }}</ref> The video game blog [[Kotaku]] chose the music in ''Minecraft'' as one of the best video game soundtracks of 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hamilton |first=Kirk |title=All of the Best Video Game Music of 2011 |url=http://kotaku.com/gamemusic2011 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |accessdate=14 November 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120215837/http://kotaku.com/gamemusic2011 |archivedate=20 November 2012 }}</ref> On 9 November 2013, Rosenfeld released the second official soundtrack, titled ''[[Minecraft – Volume Beta]]'', which includes the music that was added in later versions of the game.<ref name="Bandcamp2">{{cite web|url=http://c418.bandcamp.com/album/minecraft-volume-beta |title=''Minecraft'' Volume Beta on Bandcamp |date=9 November 2013 |accessdate=9 November 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109190435/http://c418.bandcamp.com/album/minecraft-volume-beta |archivedate=9 November 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|first=Keith |last=Stuart |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/07/how-daniel-rosenfeld-wrote-minecraft-music |title=How Daniel Rosenfeld wrote Minecraft's music |newspaper=The Guardian |date=7 November 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106014049/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/07/how-daniel-rosenfeld-wrote-minecraft-music |archivedate=6 January 2017 }}</ref> 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]] on 21 August 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.factmag.com/2015/06/23/a-minecraft-soundtrack-coming-this-summer-on-vinyl/ |title=Minecraft soundtrack to receive vinyl release this summer |website=FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music. |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702034538/http://www.factmag.com/2015/06/23/a-minecraft-soundtrack-coming-this-summer-on-vinyl/ |archivedate=2 July 2015 |date=23 June 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ghostly.com/releases/minecraft-volume-alpha|title=C418 presents Minecraft Volume Alpha|website=[[Ghostly International]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629204833/http://ghostly.com/releases/minecraft-volume-alpha|archivedate=29 June 2015|deadurl=yes|accessdate=30 November 2015}}</ref>

== Release ==
=== Personal computer versions ===
The game can run on multiple operating systems, including [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], and [[Linux]].<ref name="Multiplayer servers" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-franchise-sales-hit-175-million/1100-6401538/ |title=Minecraft franchise sales hit 17.5 million |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=13 December 2012 |accessdate=23 December 2012 |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123055724/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-franchise-sales-hit-175-million/1100-6401538/ |archivedate=23 January 2014 }}</ref> Apart from ''Minecraft: Java Edition'' and ''Minecraft for Windows 10'', there are other versions of ''Minecraft'' for PC, including ''Minecraft'' Classic, ''Minecraft 4K'', and ''Minecraft: Education Edition''.

''Minecraft'' Classic is an older version of ''Minecraft'' that was first available online and can be played through the game's launcher.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slashgear.com/minecraft-classic-can-now-be-played-in-your-web-browser-09576106/ |title=Minecraft Classic can now be played in your web browser |date=9 May 2019 </ref>
Unlike newer versions of ''Minecraft'', the Classic version is free to play, though it is no longer updated. 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. There are no computer creatures in this mode, and environmental hazards such as lava do not damage players. Some blocks function differently since their behavior was later changed during development.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Persson|first1=Markus|title=The server is back up!|url=https://notch.tumblr.com/post/746938105/the-server-is-back-up|website=The Word of Notch|accessdate=17 September 2017|date=28 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Minecraft |url=http://www.minecraft.net/ |website=Minecraft |accessdate=6 October 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702141801/http://www.minecraft.net/ |archivedate=2 July 2010 |date=2 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Play Minecraft Classic |url=https://minecraft.net/classic/play |website=Minecraft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910183326/https://minecraft.net/classic/play |archivedate=10 September 2015 |date=10 September 2015}}</ref>

''Minecraft 4K'' is a simplified version of ''Minecraft'' similar to the Classic version that was developed for the [[Java 4K Game Programming Contest|Java 4K game programming contest]] "in way less than 4 kilobytes".<ref name="m4k">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/notch/status/86061084796125184 |title=Notch: Minecraft in less than 4k |publisher=Twitter |date=29 June 2011 |accessdate=25 September 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107032559/https://twitter.com/notch/status/86061084796125184 |archivedate=7 November 2013 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Donlan |first=Chris |title=The Friday Game: Minecraft 4k |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/friday-game-minecraft-4k/ |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |accessdate=2 October 2012 |date=25 November 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404031224/http://www.edge-online.com/features/friday-game-minecraft-4k/ |archivedate=4 April 2013 }}</ref>

''Minecraft: Education Edition'' is a version of ''Minecraft'' created specifically for educational institutions and was launched 1 November 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/01/minecraft-education-edition-officially-launches/ |title=Minecraft: Education Edition officially launches |publisher=TechCrunch |date=1 November 2016 |accessdate=8 March 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122234307/https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/01/minecraft-education-edition-officially-launches/ |archivedate=22 November 2016 }}</ref> It includes a Chemistry Resource Pack,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thejournal.com/articles/2018/02/21/minecraft-chemistry-update-goes-live.aspx |title=Minecraft Chemistry Update Goes Live |publisher=The Journal |date=21 February 2018 |accessdate=8 March 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226150714/https://thejournal.com/articles/2018/02/21/minecraft-chemistry-update-goes-live.aspx |archivedate=26 February 2018 }}</ref> free lesson plans on the ''Minecraft: Education Edition'' website, and two free companion applications: Code Connection and Classroom Mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/games/2017/05/minecraft-education-edition-code-builder-learn-to-code-student-engagement-free-trial-price-subjects-age-range/ |title=Minecraft: Education Edition: Five Fast Facts You Need to Know |date=2 May 2017 |accessdate=8 March 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502195005/https://heavy.com/games/2017/05/minecraft-education-edition-code-builder-learn-to-code-student-engagement-free-trial-price-subjects-age-range/ |archivedate=2 May 2017 }}</ref>

''Minecraft for Windows 10'' is currently exclusive to Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system. The [[Video game development#Beta|beta]] for it launched on the [[Windows Store]] on 29 July 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Good |first1=Owen S. |title=Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition announced; beta begins July 29 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/7/4/8892897/minecraft-windows-10-edition-beta-july-29 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |accessdate=10 July 2015 |date=4 July 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133352/http://www.polygon.com/2015/7/4/8892897/minecraft-windows-10-edition-beta-july-29 |archivedate=8 July 2015 }}</ref> 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]] and other touchscreen-enabled devices), [[virtual reality]] support, and to record and take screenshots in-game via the built-in GameDVR.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mojang.com/2015/07/announcing-minecraft-windows-10-edition-beta/ |title=Announcing Minecraft Windows 10 edition beta |date=4 July 2015 |accessdate=30 July 2015 |website=mojang.com |publisher= |last= |first= |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801124616/https://mojang.com/2015/07/announcing-minecraft-windows-10-edition-beta/ |archivedate=1 August 2015 }}</ref>

=== ''Pocket Edition'' ===
On 16 August 2011, ''Minecraft: Pocket Edition'' was released for the [[Xperia Play]] on the [[Google Play|Android Market]] as an early alpha version. It was then released for several other compatible devices on 8 October 2011.<ref name="MobileGamas">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33130/Official_Minecraft_iPhone_and_iPad_Release_Coming_Later_This_Year.php |title=Official ''Minecraft'' iOS, Android Release Coming Later This Year |first=Mike |last=Rose |website=[[Gamasutra]] |date=21 February 2011 |accessdate=22 February 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223004043/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33130/Official_Minecraft_iPhone_and_iPad_Release_Coming_Later_This_Year.php |archivedate=23 February 2011 }}</ref><ref name="MobileKotaku">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/#!5766336/official-minecraft-coming-to-iphone-ipad-android |title=Official ''Minecraft'' Coming to iPhone, iPad, Android |first=Brian |last=Crecente |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=21 February 2011 |accessdate=22 February 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106085901/http://kotaku.com/ |archivedate=6 November 2010 }}</ref> An iOS version of ''Minecraft'' was released on 17 November 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-11/16/minecraft-ios |title=''Minecraft: Pocket Edition'' arrives on iPhone and iPad |magazine=[[Wired UK]] |date=16 November 2011 |accessdate=18 November 2011 |last=Brown |first=Mark |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118083636/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-11/16/minecraft-ios |archivedate=18 November 2011 }}</ref>

A port was made available for [[Windows Phone]]s shortly after Microsoft acquired Mojang.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minecraft Now Available for Windows Phones, See First Images Here |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-now-available-for-windows-phones-see-fir/1100-6424138/ |accessdate=27 April 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228072451/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-now-available-for-windows-phones-see-fir/1100-6424138/ |archivedate=28 February 2015 |date=10 December 2014 }}</ref> 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 (programming language)|Java]], due to iOS not being able to support Java.<ref name="PE_C++">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/jeb_/statuses/122618933604925440 |title=jeb_: PE is in C++ |publisher=Twitter |date=8 October 2011 |accessdate=25 September 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024133240/https://twitter.com/jeb_/statuses/122618933604925440 |archivedate=24 October 2013 }}</ref> Gradual updates are periodically released to bring the port closer to the PC version.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ferrendelli |first=Charles |title='Minecraft: Pocket Edition' 0.5.0 Adds Zombie Pigmen, Nether Reactor, + More |url=http://mobile.indiegamemag.com/minecraft-pocket-edition-0-5-0-gets-submitted-to-the-app-store/ |publisher=Indie Game Magazine |accessdate=16 November 2012 |date=6 November 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511062716/http://mobile.indiegamemag.com/minecraft-pocket-edition-0-5-0-gets-submitted-to-the-app-store/ |archivedate=11 May 2013 }}</ref> On 10 December 2014, in observance of Mojang's acquisition by Microsoft, a port of ''Pocket Edition'' was released for [[Windows Phone 8.1]].<ref name=engadget-wpmc>{{cite web|title=Finally, you can now play 'Minecraft' on Windows Phone too |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/12/11/finally-you-can-now-play-minecraft-on-windows-phone-too/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |accessdate=11 December 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211145205/http://www.engadget.com/2014/12/11/finally-you-can-now-play-minecraft-on-windows-phone-too/ |archivedate=11 December 2014 }}</ref> On 18 January 2017, Microsoft announced that it would no longer maintain the [[Windows Phone]] versions of ''Pocket Edition''.<ref name="ars-mcw10discontinued">{{cite web|title=Microsoft-owned Minecraft no longer supported on Microsoft-owned Windows Phone/Mobile |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/microsoft-owned-minecraft-no-longer-supported-on-microsoft-owned-windows-phonemobile/ |website=Ars Technica |accessdate=19 January 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118231144/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/microsoft-owned-minecraft-no-longer-supported-on-microsoft-owned-windows-phonemobile/ |archivedate=18 January 2017 |date=18 January 2017 }}</ref> On 19 December 2016, the full version of ''Minecraft: Pocket Edition'' was released on [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[Windows Phone]]. The engine of ''Pocket Edition'' was used to make universal ''Bedrock Edition'' code.

=== Console versions ===
An [[Xbox 360]] version of the game, developed by [[4J Studios]], was released on 9 May 2012.<ref name="xboxpress">{{cite web|url=https://minecraftserver.net/news.php |title=''Minecraft'' will feature cross-functionality between the PC and Xbox 360 versions. |website=Microsoft New Center |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=6 June 2011 |accessdate=13 November 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113180440/https://minecraftserver.net/news.php |archivedate=13 November 2014 }}</ref><ref name="xboxreleasedate">{{cite web|url=http://majornelson.com/2012/03/22/announcing-arcade-next/ |title=Xbox Live's Major Nelson |website=majornelson.com |first=Larry |last=Hryb |authorlink=Larry Hryb |date=22 March 2012 |accessdate=11 January 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119085736/http://majornelson.com/2012/03/22/announcing-arcade-next/ |archivedate=19 January 2013 }}</ref> On 22 March 2012, it was announced that ''Minecraft'' would be the flagship game in a new Xbox Live promotion called ''Arcade NEXT''.<ref name="xboxreleasedate" /> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/minecraft-xbox-360-edition-review/ |title=Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition review at Digital Trends |website=[[Digital Trends]] |date=7 May 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510035555/http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/minecraft-xbox-360-edition-review/ |archivedate=10 May 2012 }}</ref><ref name="GSpot Xbox" /> The worlds in the Xbox 360 version are also not "infinite", and are essentially barricaded by invisible walls.<ref name="GSpot Xbox" /> The Xbox 360 version was originally similar in content to older PC versions, but is being gradually updated to bring it closer to the current PC version.<ref name="xboxpress" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.totalxbox.com/46662/minecraft-xbox-360-update-182-out-today-10am-gmt/ |title=Minecraft Xbox 360 update 1.8.2 out today, 10am GMT |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |first=Edwin |last=Evans-Thirlwell |date=16 October 2012 |accessdate=28 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430023106/http://www.totalxbox.com/46662/minecraft-xbox-360-update-182-out-today-10am-gmt/ |archivedate=30 April 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.totalxbox.com/46307/minecraft-xbox-360-update-182-4j-releases-enormous-final-contents-list/ |title=Minecraft Xbox 360 update 1.8.2 – 4J releases enormous final contents list |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |first=Edwin |last=Evans-Thirlwell |date=2 October 2012 |accessdate=27 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430023804/http://www.totalxbox.com/46307/minecraft-xbox-360-update-182-4j-releases-enormous-final-contents-list/ |archivedate=30 April 2014 }}</ref> An [[Xbox One]] version featuring larger worlds among other enhancements<ref name="Microsoft">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unVcuWYW0GI |title=Minecraft: Xbox One Edition Announce Trailer |publisher=Microsoft |date=10 June 2013 |accessdate=11 June 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617214819/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unVcuWYW0GI |archivedate=17 June 2013 }}</ref> was released on 5 September 2014.<ref name="Microsoft"/>

Versions of the game for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[PlayStation 4]] were released on 17 December 2013 and 4 September 2014 respectively.<ref name="PS4" /> The PlayStation 4 version was announced as a launch title, though it was eventually delayed.<ref name="ps4_launch">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/08/20/gamescom-minecraft-coming-to-ps4 |title=Gamescom: Minecraft Coming to PS4, PS3, Vita – IGN |publisher=Uk.ign.com |date=20 August 2013 |accessdate=9 December 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121072700/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/08/20/gamescom-minecraft-coming-to-ps4 |archivedate=21 November 2014 }}</ref><ref name="gamespot1">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-not-launching-with-playstation-4/1100-6416102/ |title=Minecraft not launching with PS4 |publisher=GameSpot |date=12 November 2013 |accessdate=12 November 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114094958/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-not-launching-with-playstation-4/1100-6416102/ |archivedate=14 November 2013 }}</ref> A version for [[PlayStation Vita]] was also released in October 2014.<ref name="vita_launch">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/10/10/minecraft-ps-vita-edition-release-date-revealed-for-north-america |title=Minecraft: PS Vita Edition Release Date Revealed for North America |website=IGN |first=Evan |last=Campbell |date=10 October 2014 |accessdate=15 February 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106170435/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/10/10/minecraft-ps-vita-edition-release-date-revealed-for-north-america |archivedate=6 November 2015 }}</ref> Like the Xbox versions, the PlayStation versions were developed by 4J Studios.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/PlayStation_3_Edition |title=Minecraft Wiki: PlayStation 3 Edition |date=16 January 2014 |accessdate=16 January 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126162030/http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Playstation_3_Edition |archivedate=26 January 2014 }}</ref>

On 17 December 2015, ''Minecraft: Wii U Edition'' was released. The Wii U version received a physical release on 17 June 2016 in North America,<ref>{{cite web|author=Jenni |title=Super Mario Is Coming To The Minecraft: Wii U Edition This Month |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/05/09/super-mario-coming-minecraft-wii-u-edition-month/ |website=Siliconera |accessdate=13 May 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514043603/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/05/09/super-mario-coming-minecraft-wii-u-edition-month/ |archivedate=14 May 2016 |date=9 May 2016 }}</ref> in Japan on 23 June 2016,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Agent |first1=Lite |title=Minecraft Wii U Edition Also Coming Out At Retail Next Month in Japan |url=http://www.perfectly-nintendo.com/minecraft-wii-u-edition-also-coming-retail-next-month-japan/ |website=Perfectly Nintendo |accessdate=25 May 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525154713/http://www.perfectly-nintendo.com/minecraft-wii-u-edition-also-coming-retail-next-month-japan/ |archivedate=25 May 2016 |date=25 May 2016 }}</ref> and in Europe on 30 June 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Whitehead |first1=Thomas |title=Minecraft: Wii U Edition Gets Its European Retail Release On 30th June |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/minecraft_wii_u_edition_gets_its_european_retail_release_on_30th_june |website=Nintendo Life |accessdate=2 June 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602123234/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/minecraft_wii_u_edition_gets_its_european_retail_release_on_30th_june |archivedate=2 June 2016 |date=June 2016 }}</ref> A [[Nintendo Switch]] version of the game was released on the [[Nintendo eShop]] on 11 May 2017, along with a physical retail version set for a later date.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goldfarb |first1=Andrew |title=Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Version Release Date Announced |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/12/minecraft-nintendo-switch-version-release-date-announced |website=IGN |accessdate=13 April 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413063117/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/12/minecraft-nintendo-switch-version-release-date-announced |archivedate=13 April 2017 |date=12 April 2017 }}</ref> During a [[Nintendo Direct]] presentation on 13 September 2017, Nintendo announced that ''Minecraft: [[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 [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]], 3DS XL, or [[Nintendo 2DS|2DS]] models.<ref name="New3DS" />

On 18 December 2018, the PlaySation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, and the Wii U versions of ''Minecraft'' received their final update.<ref>[https://www.dualshockers.com/minecraft-legacy-hardware-shutdown/ "Minecraft No Longer Receiving Updates on Legacy Hardware"],''Dual Shockers'', 18 December 2018. Retrieved 1 February 2019</ref>

=== Raspberry Pi ===
A version of ''Minecraft'' for the [[Raspberry Pi]] was officially revealed at [[MineCon]] 2012. Mojang stated that the Pi Edition is similar to the ''Pocket Edition'', except that it is downgraded to an older version, and with the added ability of using text commands to edit the game world. Players can open the game code and use programming languages to manipulate things in the game world.<ref>{{cite web|last=Protalinski |first=Emil |title=Minecraft ported to the Raspberry Pi, to be officially released as Minecraft: Pi Edition |url=https://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/11/24/minecraft-ported-to-the-raspberry-pi-to-officially-be-released-as-minecraft-pi-edition/ |publisher=The Next Web |accessdate=28 November 2012 |date=24 November 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128035806/http://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/11/24/minecraft-ported-to-the-raspberry-pi-to-officially-be-released-as-minecraft-pi-edition/ |archivedate=28 November 2012 }}</ref> The game was leaked on 20 December 2012, but was quickly pulled off.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pi.minecraft.net/?p=68 |title=Download Pi Edition now! |publisher=Mojang |date=20 December 2012 |author=Owen |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215014728/http://pi.minecraft.net/?p=68 |archivedate=15 February 2013 }}</ref> It was officially released on 11 February 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mojang.com/2013/02/minecraft-pi-edition-is-available-for-download/ |title=Minecraft: Pi Edition is available for download! |publisher=Mojang |date=11 February 2013 |author=Owen |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214025539/http://www.mojang.com/2013/02/minecraft-pi-edition-is-available-for-download/ |archivedate=14 February 2013 }}</ref>

=== ''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]] and Mojang.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/minecraft-is-finally-coming-to-china-but-it-s-not-the-version-you-know-1321862|title=Minecraft is finally coming to China, but it's not the version you know|last=|first=|date=20 May 2016|website=TechRadar|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mc.163.com/news/2017/08/08/25510_704938.html|title=欢迎回家！《我的世界》中国版PC Java版今日开测|last=|first=|date=|website=mc.163.com|language=Chinese|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mc.163.com/news/2017/09/15/25510_712984.html|title=《我的世界》手游今日App Store独家首发|last=|first=|date=|website=mc.163.com|language=Chinese|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mc.163.com/news/2017/10/12/25510_717885.html|title=《我的世界》中国版全平台公测今日开启|last=|first=|date=|website=mc.163.com|language=Chinese|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref> 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 a total of 150 million registered accounts across all platforms by October 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/minecraft-player-count|title=Minecraft China has boosted player count by 150 million in barely a year|website=PCGamesN|language=en-GB|access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref>

=== Virtual reality ===
Early on, Persson planned to support the [[Oculus Rift]] with a port of ''Minecraft''. However, after [[Facebook]] acquired Oculus in 2013, he abruptly canceled plans noting "Facebook creeps me out."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Webster|first1=Andrew|title='Minecraft' creator cancels Oculus Rift version following Facebook acquisition|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/3/25/5547626/minecraft-oculus-vr-cancelled|website=The Verge|accessdate=14 September 2017|date=25 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Persson|first1=Markus|title=We were in talks about maybe bringing a version of Minecraft to Oculus. I just cancelled that deal. Facebook creeps me out.|url=https://twitter.com/notch/status/448586381565390848|website=Twitter|accessdate=17 September 2017|date=25 March 2014}}</ref> 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 (software development)|fork]] of the ''Minecraft VR'' modification known as ''Vivecraft'' ported the mod to [[OpenVR]], and is oriented towards supporting [[HTC Vive]] hardware.<ref name="ars-minecriftgone">{{cite web|title=Minecraft VR mod shuts down as Microsoft adds official Rift support |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/08/minecraft-vr-mod-shuts-down-as-microsoft-adds-official-rift-support/ |website=Ars Technica |accessdate=16 August 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816002328/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/08/minecraft-vr-mod-shuts-down-as-microsoft-adds-official-rift-support/ |archivedate=16 August 2016 |date=15 August 2016 }}</ref> On 15 August 2016, Microsoft launched official Oculus Rift support for ''Minecraft'' on Windows 10.<ref name="ars-minecriftgone" /> 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.<ref name="ars-minecriftgone" /> Also available is a [[Gear VR]] version, titled ''Minecraft: Gear VR Edition''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/04/27/minecraft-gear-vr-edition/|title='Minecraft' arrives on Samsung's Gear VR headset|publisher=Engadget}}</ref> [[Windows Mixed Reality]] support was added in 2017. The only officially supported VR versions of ''Minecraft'' are ''Minecraft: Gear VR Edition'' and ''Minecraft for Windows 10'' for Oculus Rift and Windows Mixed Reality headsets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://minecraft.net/vr/|title=Virtual Reality|publisher=Mojang}}</ref>

=== Bedrock Edition ===
On 31 July 2017, the ''Pocket Edition'' portion of the name was dropped and the apps were renamed to ''Minecraft''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/walkthroughs/17777-Minecraft-Better-Together-Update-Everything-You-Need-To-Know |title=The Better Together Update Is Coming To Minecraft – Here's Everything It Does |date=13 June 2017 |accessdate=8 March 2018 |website=escapistmagazine.com |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618013301/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/walkthroughs/17777-Minecraft-Better-Together-Update-Everything-You-Need-To-Know |archivedate=18 June 2017 }}</ref> The ''Pocket Edition''{{'s}} Bedrock Engine was ported to non-mobile platforms Windows 10, Xbox One, [[Gear VR]], [[Apple TV]], and [[Fire TV]],<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://mojang.com/2015/07/announcing-minecraft-windows-10-edition-beta/ | title=Announcing: Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www3.oculus.com/en-us/blog/minecraft-now-available-on-oculus-for-gear-vr/ | title=Minecraft Now Available on Oculus for Gear VR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://minecraft.net/en/article/apple-tv-edition-released | title=Apple TV Edition released!| date=19 December 2016}}</ref> and later Nintendo Switch. The various ''Minecraft'' versions that use the Bedrock Engine are commonly referred to as the "Bedrock Edition".

== Downloadable content ==
{{Main|Minecraft mods}}
A wide variety of user-generated [[downloadable content]] for ''Minecraft'', such as modifications, [[texture pack]]s and custom maps, exists and is available on the Internet. Modifications of the ''Minecraft'' code, called ''[[mod (video gaming)|mods]]'', add a variety of gameplay changes, ranging from new blocks, new items, new mobs to entire arrays of mechanisms to craft.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Peckham |first=Matt |title=The 10 Best Minecraft Mods |url=http://techland.time.com/2012/05/08/the-10-best-minecraft-mods/ |accessdate=28 October 2012 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=8 May 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030095454/http://techland.time.com/2012/05/08/the-10-best-minecraft-mods/ |archivedate=30 October 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/02/29/minecraft-mod-api-to-be-developed-by-new-team-at-mojang/ |title=Minecraft mod API to be developed by new team at Mojang |publisher=[[Future plc]] |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |accessdate=28 October 2012 |last=Senior |first=Tom |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203114102/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/02/29/minecraft-mod-api-to-be-developed-by-new-team-at-mojang/ |archivedate=3 February 2013 |date=29 February 2012 }}</ref> The modding community is responsible for a substantial supply of mods from ones that enhance gameplay, such as [[minimap]]s, waypoints, and durability counters, to ones that add to the game elements from ''[[Pokémon]]'', ''[[Portal (video game)|Portal]]'', and ''[[The Hunger Games]]''. To make mods easier to create and install, Mojang announced in November 2012 that it planned to add an official modding [[application programming interface]] (API).<ref name="pcgamer minecraft future ">{{cite web|last=Davies |first=Marsh |title=The Future of Minecraft: what lies ahead for the all-conquering sandbox game? |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/11/11/the-future-of-minecraft/ |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |accessdate=24 November 2012 |date=24 November 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124024439/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/11/11/the-future-of-minecraft/ |archivedate=24 November 2012 }}</ref>

Texture packs that alter the game's textures and [[Head-up display|HUD]] are also available, as created by the community.<ref name="Texture packs">{{cite web|last=Hatfield |first=Tom |title=The 10 best Minecraft skins |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/06/29/the-10-best-minecraft-skins/ |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |accessdate=28 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023142918/http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/06/29/the-10-best-minecraft-skins/ |archivedate=23 October 2012 }}</ref> In July 2013, texture packs were replaced with "resource packs", which have the same role as texture packs, but allow custom audio as well.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dyer |first=Mitch |title=Minecraft 1.6 'Horse Update' Launching in July |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/25/minecraft-16-horse-update-launching-in-july |publisher=IGN |date=4 July 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708124020/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/25/minecraft-16-horse-update-launching-in-july |archivedate=8 July 2013 }}</ref> Players are also create their own maps, which often contain specific rules, challenges, puzzles and quests, and share them for others to play.<ref name="Custom maps">{{cite web|last=Savage |first=Phil |title=The 25 best Minecraft custom maps |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/10/20/the-25-best-minecraft-custom-maps/ |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |accessdate=28 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023211322/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/10/20/the-25-best-minecraft-custom-maps/ |archivedate=23 October 2012 }}</ref> In August 2012, Mojang added adventure mode<ref name="RPS – 1.3july" /> for custom maps and in October 2012, Mojang added command blocks,<ref name="Gallegos" /> which were created specially for custom maps. In February 2016, Mojang added 2 new versions (Repeat, and Chain) of the classic command block, which were also created specifically for custom maps.<ref>{{cite web|title=Minecraft snapshot 15w34a|url=https://mojang.com/2015/08/minecraft-snapshot-15w34a/|website=mojang.com|accessdate=17 September 2017}}</ref>

The ''Xbox 360 Edition'' supports downloadable content, which is available to purchase via the [[Xbox Games Store]]; these content packs usually contain additional character skins.<ref>{{cite web|last=Watts |first=Steve |title=Minecraft XBLA adding DLC costumes |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/74638/minecraft-xbla-adding-dlc-costumes |accessdate=4 November 2012 |website=[[Shacknews]] |publisher=[[GameFly]] |date=3 July 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204212358/http://www.shacknews.com/article/74638/minecraft-xbla-adding-dlc-costumes |archivedate=4 December 2012 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Borthwick |first=Ben |title=Minecraft Xbox 360 Title Update 12 out now |url=http://www.totalxbox.com/60999/minecraft-xbox-360-title-update-12-out-now/ |publisher=[[Official Xbox Magazine (UK)|OXM UK]] |accessdate=8 September 2013 |date=24 August 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824122949/http://www.oxm.co.uk/60999/minecraft-xbox-360-title-update-12-out-now/ |archivedate=24 August 2013 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> 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]]'' franchise.<ref>{{cite web|last=Conditt |first=Jessica |title=Mass Effect texture pack lands on Minecraft Xbox 360 |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/mass-effect-texture-pack-lands-on-minecraft-xbox-360/ |publisher=Joystiq |accessdate=8 September 2013 |date=2 September 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906040913/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/02/mass-effect-texture-pack-lands-on-minecraft-xbox-360 |archivedate=6 September 2013 }}</ref> Unlike the PC version, however, the ''Xbox 360 Edition'' does not support player-made mods or custom maps.<ref name="IGN Xbox" /> A cross-promotional resource pack based on the ''[[Super Mario]]'' franchise by Nintendo was released for the ''Wii U Edition'' worldwide on 17 May 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |title=Super Mario is coming to Minecraft |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/5/9/11604492/super-mario-new-content-minecraft-wii-u-nintendo |website=The Verge |accessdate=9 May 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509123452/http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/9/11604492/super-mario-new-content-minecraft-wii-u-nintendo |archivedate=9 May 2016 |date=9 May 2016 }}</ref> A mash-up pack based on ''Fallout'' was announced for release on the ''Wii U Edition''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Davies |first1=Marsh |title=Fallout Mash-up Pack Incoming! |url=https://minecraft.net/en/article/fallout-mash-pack-incoming |website=Minecraft |accessdate=15 December 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217135954/https://minecraft.net/en/article/fallout-mash-pack-incoming |archivedate=17 December 2016 |date=15 December 2016 }}</ref>

In June 2017, Mojang released an update known as the "Discovery Update".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lazarides|first1=Tasos|title='Minecraft PE' 1.1 Discovery Update Is Out, Adds Minecraft Marketplace, Skyrim Pack, Woodland Mansions, and More|url=http://toucharcade.com/2017/06/01/minecraft-pe-1-1-discovery-update-is-out-adds-minecraft-marketplace-skyrim-pack-woodland-mansions-and-more/|website=TouchArcade|accessdate=16 July 2017|date=June 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Campbell|first1=Colin|title=Minecraft Marketplace offers a new place to buy maps and more|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/4/10/15224014/minecraft-marketplace|website=Polygon|accessdate=17 September 2017|date=10 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=It's time to discover... Marketplace!|url=https://minecraft.net/en-us/article/its-time-discover-marketplace|website=Minecraft.net|accessdate=17 September 2017|date=10 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Minecraft: New marketplace for community creators |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/39553631/minecraft-new-marketplace-for-community-creators |website=newsbeat |publisher=BBC}}</ref>

== Spin-off games ==

=== ''Minecraft: Story Mode'' ===
{{Main|Minecraft: Story Mode}}
''Minecraft: Story Mode'', an episodic spin-off game developed by [[Telltale Games]] in collaboration with Mojang, was announced in December 2014. Consisting of five episodes plus three additional downloadable episodes, the standalone game is a narrative and player choice-driven, and it was released on Microsoft Windows, OS X, iOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via download on 13 October 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ign.com/articles/2014/12/18/telltale-and-mojang-announce-minecraft-story-mode |title=Telltale and Mojang Announce Minecraft: Story Mode |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=18 December 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705065756/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/18/telltale-and-mojang-announce-minecraft-story-mode |archivedate=5 July 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-18-minecraft-story-mode-is-an-episodic-series-from-telltale |title=Minecraft: Story Mode is an episodic series from Telltale |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=18 December 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915181201/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-18-minecraft-story-mode-is-an-episodic-series-from-telltale |archivedate=15 September 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Polygon Story Mode release">{{cite web|last1=Good|first1=Owen S.|title=Telltale's Minecraft game launches Oct. 13, will have a physical release|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/9/16/9336787/telltales-minecraft-game-launches-oct-13-will-have-a-physical-release|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|accessdate=16 September 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916165255/http://www.polygon.com/2015/9/16/9336787/telltales-minecraft-game-launches-oct-13-will-have-a-physical-release|archivedate=16 September 2015|deadurl=no|date=16 September 2015}}</ref> A physical disc that grants access to all episodes was released for the aforementioned four consoles on 27 October.<ref name="Polygon Story Mode release" /> [[Wii U]] <ref name="VergecitesMSMonWiiU" /> and Nintendo Switch version were also later released <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/minecraft-story-mode-the-complete-adventure-switch |title=Minecraft: Story Mode – The Complete Adventure |website=www.nintendo.com |access-date=20 March 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322023311/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/minecraft-story-mode-the-complete-adventure-switch |archivedate=22 March 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/753735/Nintendo-Switch-LAUNCH-TITLES-Full-games-list-March-release-date|title=Nintendo Switch games list in FULL: All launch games and 2017 releases REVEALED|last=Martin|first=Liam|date=15 January 2017|newspaper=[[Daily Express]]|access-date=20 March 2017}}</ref> The first trailer for the game was shown at MineCon on 4 July 2015, revealing some of the game's features. In ''Minecraft: Story Mode'', players control Jesse (voiced by [[Patton Oswalt]] and [[Catherine Taber]]),<ref name="Polygon Story Mode release" /> who sets out on a journey with his or her friends to find The Order of the Stone—four adventurers who slayed an Ender Dragon—in order to save their world. [[Brian Posehn]], [[Ashley Johnson (actress)|Ashley Johnson]], [[Scott Porter]], [[Martha Plimpton]], [[Dave Fennoy]], [[Corey Feldman]], [[Billy West]] and [[Paul Reubens]] portray the rest of the cast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ign.com/articles/2015/07/04/first-minecraft-story-mode-details-revealed-at-minecon |title=First Minecraft: Story Mode Details Revealed at Minecon |last=Albert |first=Brian |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=4 July 2015 |accessdate=4 July 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704210732/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/04/first-minecraft-story-mode-details-revealed-at-minecon |archivedate=4 July 2015 }}</ref>

===''Minecraft Dungeons''===
{{main|Minecraft Dungeons}}
''Minecraft Dungeons'' is an upcoming [[dungeon crawler]] game that was announced as in development at MineCon 2018. Set in the ''Minecraft'' universe, the game can be played alone or in a party of up to 4 people.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://minecraft.net/en-us/article/announcing-minecraft-dungeons | title=Announcing... Minecraft: Dungeons!| date=29 September 2018}}</ref> A video trailer of the gameplay was released on 9 June 2019 by the official Xbox YouTube channel, that revealed that it would be given out in spring 2020 for Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PS4.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-dungeons-trailer-showcases-four-player-co-op-dungeon-running/|title=Minecraft Dungeons E3 trailer showcases four-player co-op dungeon running|last=Chalk|first=Andy|date=2019-06-09|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-09}}</ref>

===''Minecraft Earth''===
{{main|Minecraft Earth}}
''Minecraft Earth'' is an upcoming [[augmented reality]] game that was announced by Microsoft in May 2019. The game will allow players to interact with the world and build Minecraft-style structures and objects that will persist and can be modified by other players. The game will implement the resource-gathering and many of other features of the original game in an augmented-reality setting. The game is planned for beta release in the summer of 2019.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/17/18627341/minecraft-earth-ios-android-free-ar-game-features-pokemon-go | title=Minecraft Earth goes a step beyond Pokémon Go to cover the world in blocks | date=17 May 2019}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Missing information|the individual reception of each version of the game|date=October 2018}}
{{Video game reviews
| MC =(PC) 93/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/minecraft |title=Minecraft for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=1 May 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419114328/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/minecraft/critic-reviews |archivedate=19 April 2012}}</ref><br />(PS4) 89/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/minecraft-playstation-4-edition |title=Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=3 April 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321044636/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/minecraft-playstation-4-edition |archivedate=21 March 2015}}</ref><br />(XONE) 88/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/minecraft-xbox-one-edition |title=Minecraft: Xbox One Edition for Xbox One Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=3 April 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504140422/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/minecraft-xbox-one-edition |archivedate=4 May 2015}}</ref><br />(PS3) 86/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/minecraft-playstation-3-edition |title=Minecraft: PlayStation 3 Edition for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=19 February 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131080310/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/minecraft-playstation-3-edition |archivedate=31 January 2014}}</ref><br />(NS) 86/100<ref name="NS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/minecraft-switch-edition |title=Minecraft: Switch Edition for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=14 September 2017}}</ref><br />(VITA) 84/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/minecraft-playstation-vita-edition |title=Minecraft: PlayStation Vita Edition for PlayStation Vita Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=3 April 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508194752/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/minecraft-playstation-vita-edition |archivedate=8 May 2015}}</ref><br />(X360) 82/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/minecraft-xbox-360-edition |title=Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=1 May 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429092920/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/minecraft-xbox-360-edition |archivedate=29 April 2012}}</ref><br />(WIIU) 77/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/minecraft-wii-u-edition |title=Minecraft: Wii U Edition for Wii U Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=8 December 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709015435/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/minecraft-wii-u-edition |archivedate=9 July 2016}}</ref><br />(3DS) 62/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/minecraft-new-nintendo-3ds-edition |title=Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition for 3DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=8 December 2017}}</ref><br />(iOS) 53/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/minecraft-pocket-edition |title=Minecraft: Pocket Edition for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=8 March 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612064826/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/minecraft-pocket-edition |archivedate=12 June 2013}}</ref>
| 1UP = (PC) A+<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/minecraft-pc |title=Minecraft PC Reviews |website=[[1UP.com]] |accessdate=18 December 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Ed61AJ3R?url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/minecraft-pc |archivedate=22 February 2013 |deadurl=yes }}</ref>
| Edge = (PC) 9/10<ref name="edgereview">{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/minecraft-review/ |title=Minecraft review |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=28 November 2011 |accessdate=7 June 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404021304/http://www.edge-online.com/review/minecraft-review/ |archivedate=4 April 2013 }}</ref>
| EuroG = (PC) 10/10<ref name="Eurogamer">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-18-minecraft-review |title=Minecraft Review • Reviews • |publisher=Eurogamer Network |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=18 November 2011 |accessdate=18 December 2011 |last=Meer |first=Alec |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111218211020/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-18-minecraft-review |archivedate=18 December 2011 }}</ref><br />(X360) 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-05-09-minecraft-xbox-360-edition-review |title=Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition Review |publisher=Eurogamer Network |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=18 November 2011 |accessdate=18 December 2011 |last=Meer |first=Alec |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512033504/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-05-09-minecraft-xbox-360-edition-review |archivedate=12 May 2012 }}</ref>
| GI = (PC) 9.25/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/minecraft_xbox_360_edition/b/pc/archive/2011/11/22/review.aspx |title=More Toy Than Game, But That's Okay − Minecraft − PC |website=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=GameStop |first=Adam |last=Biessener |date=22 November 2011 |accessdate=25 September 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807043745/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/minecraft_xbox_360_edition/b/pc/archive/2011/11/22/review.aspx |archivedate=7 August 2012 }}</ref><br />(X360) 8.75/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/minecraft_xbox_360_edition/b/xbox360/archive/2012/05/09/minecraft-xbox-360-edition-review.aspx |title=Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition |publisher=GameStop |website=[[Game Informer]] |date=9 May 2012 |accessdate=2 January 2013 |last=Cork |first=Jeff |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111052356/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/minecraft_xbox_360_edition/b/xbox360/archive/2012/05/09/minecraft-xbox-360-edition-review.aspx |archivedate=11 January 2013 }}</ref>
| GSpot = (PC) 8.5/10<ref name="GS review" /><br />(X360) 7.0/10<ref name="GSpot Xbox">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/minecraft-xbox-360-edition/ | title=Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition | website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]| date=10 May 2009 | accessdate=18 December 2011 | last=Meunier | first=Nathan | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215052841/http://www.gamespot.com/minecraft-xbox-360-edition/ | archivedate=15 December 2013}}</ref>
| GSpy = (PC) {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/minecraft/1213179p1.html |title=GameSpy: Minecraft Review&nbsp;— Page 1 |website=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=[[Glu Mobile]] |accessdate=18 December 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Ed6BDv8C?url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/minecraft/1213179p1.html |archivedate=22 February 2013 |deadurl=yes }}</ref>
| IGN = (PC) 9.0/10<ref name="IGN review" /><br />(iOS) 7.5/10<ref name="MC Pocket" /><br />(X360) 8.5/10<ref name="IGN Xbox">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/09/minecraft-xbox-360-review |title=Minecraft (Xbox 360 Edition) |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=18 December 2011 |first=Anthony |last=Gallegos |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511194605/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/09/minecraft-xbox-360-review |archivedate=11 May 2012 }}</ref><br />(PS3) 9.5/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/24/minecraft-review-2 |title=Minecraft PlayStation 3 Review – IGN |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=30 January 2014 |first=Brian |last=Albert |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130074516/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/24/minecraft-review-2 |archivedate=30 January 2014 |date=24 January 2014 }}</ref><br />(PS4) 9.7/10<ref name="IGN PS4 XBone">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/06/minecraft-ps4-and-xbox-one-review |title=Minecraft PS4 And Xbox One Review – IGN |website=[[IGN]] |date=5 September 2014 |accessdate=22 September 2014 |first=Brian |last=Albert |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922054507/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/06/minecraft-ps4-and-xbox-one-review |archivedate=22 September 2014 }}</ref><br />(XONE) 9.7/10<ref name="IGN PS4 XBone" /><br />(VITA) 9.5/10<ref name="IGN" />
| PCGUS = (PC) 96/100<ref name=PCReview>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-review/ |title=''Minecraft'' review |first=Jaz |last=McDougall |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future US]] |date=24 December 2011 |accessdate=19 May 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424114602/http://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-review/ |archivedate=24 April 2015 }}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[TouchArcade]]''
| rev1Score = (iOS) {{rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2011/11/18/minecraft-pocket-edition-review/ |title='Minecraft – Pocket Edition' Review – Bigger May Be Better |last=Khaw |first=Cassandra |date=18 November 2011 |website=[[TouchArcade]] |accessdate=20 September 2018}}</ref><br />(Version 0.12) {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2015/10/01/minecraft-pocket-edition-version-0-12-review |title='Minecraft – Pocket Edition Version 0.12' Review – You've Come A Long Way, Stevie |last=Musgrave |first=Shaun |date=1 October 2015 |website=[[TouchArcade]] |accessdate=20 September 2018}}</ref>
}}

''Minecraft'' received critical acclaim, praising the creative freedom it grants players in-game, as well as the ease of enabling [[emergent gameplay]].<ref name="PCGamerUK">{{cite journal |first=Jim |last=Rossignol |authorlink=Jim Rossignol |title=Building-block World |journal=[[PC Gamer UK]] |issue=204}}</ref><ref name="PCPowerPlay">{{cite journal |first=Daniel |last=Hindes |title=Trouble Down Mine |journal=[[PC PowerPlay]] |issue=169}}</ref><ref name="Valve">{{cite web|url=http://www.teamfortress.com/post.php?id=4130&p=1 |title=Is that an Equalizer in your pocket? |last=Reinhart |first=Brandon |publisher=[[Valve Corporation]] |date=28 July 2010 |accessdate=28 July 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705053419/http://www.teamfortress.com/post.php?id=4130&p=1 |archivedate=5 July 2011 }}</ref> Critics have praised ''Minecraft''{{'}}s complex crafting system, commenting that it is an important aspect of the game's open-ended gameplay.<ref name="GS review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/minecraft-review/1900-6346734/ |title=Minecraft Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=10 May 2009 |accessdate=18 December 2011 |last=Meunier |first=Nathan |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015220630/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/minecraft-review/1900-6346734/ |archivedate=15 October 2013 }}</ref> Most publications were impressed by the game's "blocky" graphics, with [[IGN]] describing them as "instantly memorable".<ref name="IGN review" /> Reviewers also liked the game's adventure elements, noting that the game creates a good balance between exploring and building.<ref name="GS review" /> The game's multiplayer feature has been generally received favorably, with IGN commenting that "adventuring is always better with friends".<ref name="IGN review" /> Jaz McDougall of ''[[PC Gamer]]'' commended ''Minecraft'', deeming it "intuitively interesting and contagiously fun, with an unparalleled scope for creativity and memorable experiences".<ref name=PCReview /> It has been regarded as having introduced millions of children to the digital world, insofar as its basic [[game mechanics]] are logically analogous to computer commands.
<ref name="The Minecraft Generation">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/17/magazine/the-minecraft-generation.html?_r=0 |title=The Minecraft Generation How a clunky Swedish computer game is teaching millions of children to master the digital world. |publisher=The New York Times Magazine |date=14 April 2016 |accessdate=14 April 2016 |author=Thompson, Clive |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422050838/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/17/magazine/the-minecraft-generation.html?_r=0 |archivedate=22 April 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times }}</ref>

Reviewers have said the game's lack of in-game tutorials and instructions make it difficult for new players to learn how to play the game. IGN was disappointed about the troublesome steps needed to set up multiplayer servers, calling it a "hassle".<ref name="IGN review" /> Critics also said visual glitches that occur periodically.<ref name="GS review" /> Despite its release out of beta in 2011, [[GameSpot]] said the game had an "unfinished feel", adding that some game elements seem "incomplete or thrown together in haste".<ref name="GS review" />

A review of the alpha version, by Scott Munro of the ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]'', called it "already something special" and urged readers to buy it.<ref name="DRreview">{{cite web |last=Munro|first=Scott|title=''Minecraft'' (Alpha Review)|url=http://blogs.dailyrecord.co.uk/gaming/2010/07/minecraft-alpha-review.html|newspaper=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]] |publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]] |accessdate=3 August 2010|date=27 July 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206150152/http://blogs.dailyrecord.co.uk/gaming/2010/07/minecraft-alpha-review.html|archivedate=6 December 2010|deadurl=yes}}</ref> [[Jim Rossignol]] of [[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] also recommended the alpha of the game, calling it "a kind of generative 8-bit [[Lego]] ''[[S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl|Stalker]]''".<ref name="RPSreview">{{cite web|last=Rossignol |first=Jim |title=Chockablock: ''Minecraft'' Revisited |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/08/10/chockablock-minecraft-revisited/ |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |accessdate=3 September 2010 |authorlink=Jim Rossignol |date=10 August 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914100037/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/08/10/chockablock-minecraft-revisited/ |archivedate=14 September 2010 }}</ref> On 17 September 2010, gaming [[webcomic]] ''Penny Arcade'' began a series of comics and news posts about the addictiveness of the game.<ref name="PennyArcade">{{cite web|last=Holkins |first=Jerry |title=Mine All Mine, Part One |url=http://www.penny-arcade.com/2010/9/17/ |accessdate=17 September 2010 |authorlink=Jerry Holkins |publisher=[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]] |date=17 September 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918055932/http://www.penny-arcade.com/2010/9/17/ |archivedate=18 September 2010 }}</ref>

The Xbox 360 version was generally received positively by critics, but did not receive as much praise as the PC version. Although reviewers were disappointed by the lack of features such as mod support and content from the PC version, they acclaimed the port's addition of a tutorial and in-game tips and crafting recipes, saying that they make the game more user-friendly.<ref name="IGN Xbox" />

''Minecraft: Pocket Edition'' initially received mixed reviews from critics. Although reviewers appreciated the game's intuitive controls, they were disappointed by the lack of content. The inability to collect resources and craft items, as well as the limited types of blocks and lack of hostile mobs, were especially criticised.<ref name="MC Pocket">{{cite web|last=Albert |first=Brian |title=Minecraft: Pocket Edition Review |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/13/minecraft-pocket-edition-review-2 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |accessdate=28 February 2014 |date=13 February 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301203048/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/13/minecraft-pocket-edition-review-2 |archivedate=1 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-11/23/minecraft-pocket-edition-review |title=Minecraft: Pocket Edition review |magazine=[[Wired UK]] |date=23 November 2011 |accessdate=2 January 2013 |last=Geere |first=Duncan |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123141226/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-11/23/minecraft-pocket-edition-review |archivedate=23 January 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/254349/minecraft_pocket_edition_review_build_blocky_masterpieces_on_the_go.html |title=Minecraft Pocket Edition Review: Build Blocky Masterpieces on the Go |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |magazine=[[PC World]] |date=25 April 2012 |accessdate=2 January 2013 |last=Purewal |first=Sarah |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117041436/http://www.pcworld.com/article/254349/minecraft_pocket_edition_review_build_blocky_masterpieces_on_the_go.html |archivedate=17 November 2015 }}</ref> After updates adding more content, Pocket Edition started receiving more positive reviews. Reviewers complimented the controls and the graphics, but still noted a lack of content.<ref name="MC Pocket" />

=== Sales ===
''Minecraft'' surpassed over a million purchases less than a month after entering its beta phase in early 2011.<ref name="usercount12012011">{{cite web |url=http://www.minecraft.net/stats.jsp |last=Persson |first=Markus |authorlink=Markus Persson |publisher=Mojang |title=''Minecraft''&nbsp;– Statistics |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.minecraft.net%2Fstats.jsp&date=2011-01-12 |archivedate=12 January 2011 |accessdate=13 January 2011 |deadurl=yes }}</ref><ref name="usercountblog">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/12/minecraft-sales-pass-one-million |title=Minecraft Sales Pass One Million |first=Jim |last=Reilly |website=[[IGN]] |date=12 January 2011 |accessdate=26 November 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618031021/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/12/minecraft-sales-pass-one-million |archivedate=18 June 2013 }}</ref> At the same time, the game had no [[video game publisher|publisher]] backing and has never been commercially advertised except through [[word of mouth]],<ref name="noads">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5724989/why-minecraft-is-so-damn-popular |title=Why ''Minecraft'' Is So Damn Popular |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |first=Luke |last=Plunkett |date=4 January 2011 |accessdate=12 January 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109012135/http://kotaku.com/5724989/why-minecraft-is-so-damn-popular |archivedate=9 January 2011 }}</ref> and various unpaid references in popular media such as the [[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|''Penny Arcade'']] webcomic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2010/9/17/ |title=Mine All Mine, Part One |date=17 September 2010 |accessdate=25 September 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723105817/http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2010/9/17/ |archivedate=23 July 2012 }}</ref> By April 2011, Persson estimated that ''Minecraft'' had made €23&nbsp;million (US$33&nbsp;million) in revenue, with 800,000 sales of the alpha version of the game, and over 1 million sales of the beta version.<ref name="GSAprilsales">{{cite web|last=Orland |first=Kyle |title=''Minecraft'' Draws Over $33 Million In Revenue From 1.8M Paying Customers |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33961/Minecraft_Draws_Over_33_Million_In_Revenue_From_18M_Paying_Customers.php |website=[[Gamasutra]] |accessdate=6 April 2011 |date=6 April 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408063046/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33961/Minecraft_Draws_Over_33_Million_In_Revenue_From_18M_Paying_Customers.php |archivedate=8 April 2011 }}</ref> In November 2011, prior to the game's full release, ''Minecraft'' beta surpassed 16 million registered users and 4 million purchases.<ref name="sales11092011">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-beta-cracks-4-million/1100-6344310/ |title=Minecraft beta cracks 4 million |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=9 November 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301153546/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-beta-cracks-4-million/1100-6344310/ |archivedate=1 March 2014 |date=7 November 2011 }}</ref> By March 2012, ''Minecraft'' had become the 6th [[List of best-selling PC video games|best-selling PC game]] of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/52470-Top_15_best_selling_PC_games_of_all_time |title=Top 15 best selling PC games of all time |publisher=SK Gaming |date=22 March 2012 |accessdate=16 January 2013 |author=Shields, Duncan |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312064404/http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/52470-Top_15_best_selling_PC_games_of_all_time |archivedate=12 March 2013 }}</ref> {{As of|2014|10|10}}, the game has sold 17 million copies on PC, becoming the best-selling PC game of all time.<ref name="built to last">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/built-to-last-the-minecraft-model-9788669.html |title=Built to last: the Minecraft model |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |date=10 October 2014 |accessdate=13 November 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141123074259/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/built-to-last-the-minecraft-model-9788669.html |archivedate=23 November 2014 }}</ref> {{As of|2014|10|10}}, the game has sold approximately 60 million copies across all platforms, making it one of the [[List of best-selling video games|best-selling video games of all time]].<ref name="built to last" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-26-minecrafts-console-versions-have-now-outsold-minecraft-on-pc-mac |title=Minecraft's console versions have now outsold Minecraft on PC, Mac |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=26 June 2014 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |accessdate=26 June 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628214404/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-26-minecrafts-console-versions-have-now-outsold-minecraft-on-pc-mac |archivedate=28 June 2014 }}</ref> On 25 February 2014, the game reached 100 million registered users.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/26/original-minecraft-reaches-100-million-registered-users |title=Original Minecraft Reaches 100 Million Registered Users |last=Reilly |first=Luke |date=25 February 2014 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |accessdate=26 February 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227055809/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/26/original-minecraft-reaches-100-million-registered-users |archivedate=27 February 2014 }}</ref> {{As of|2019|05}}, over 176 million copies had been sold across all platforms,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/17/minecraft-has-sold-176-million-copies-worldwide/?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly90LmNvLzJFTzdlcUNUVGo_YW1wPTE&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHLqWwUEdG024gI_hDlp8oIxD96_L7iapsFMVAMzjC5V-2fwNKyUSLrWUR0lSC2ZU7ilV0Wl4HL8Hhvdt0UEAYvNPN-rsFFhZjummGnWqMq4DyBMjodPm40Q8iOKtMq_dxYjHh30PstRhtX1WzAI2OdN12qiWtyZIaMkztQOcZLe&guccounter=2|title='Minecraft' has sold 176 million copies worldwide|last=Dent|first=Steve|website=[[Engadget]] |date=17 May 2019 |accessdate=17 May 2019}}</ref> making it the [[List of best-selling video games|best-selling video game]] of all time.

The Xbox 360 version of ''Minecraft'' became profitable within the first day of the game's release in 2012, when the game broke the Xbox Live sales records with 400,000 players online.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/05/10/minecraft-breaks-xbox-live-sales-records.aspx |title=Minecraft Breaks Xbox Live Sales Records |website=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=GameStop |date=10 May 2012 |accessdate=11 May 2012 |last=Reilly |first=Jim |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512040304/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/05/10/minecraft-breaks-xbox-live-sales-records.aspx |archivedate=12 May 2012 }}</ref> Within a week of being on the Xbox Live Marketplace, ''Minecraft'' sold upwards of a million copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/news/minecraft-for-xbox-live-arcade-sells-1-million-copies/4145/ |title=Minecraft for Xbox Live Arcade Sells 1 Million Copies |website=[[Giant Bomb]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=14 May 2012 |accessdate=18 May 2012 |last=Klepek |first=Patrick |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516235205/http://www.giantbomb.com/news/minecraft-for-xbox-live-arcade-sells-1-million-copies/4145/ |archivedate=16 May 2012 }}</ref> GameSpot announced in December 2012 that ''Minecraft'' sold over 4.48 million copies since the game debuted on [[Xbox Live Arcade]] in May 2012.<ref name="GSpot – sales">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/minecraft-franchise-sales-hit-175-million-6401538 |title=Minecraft franchise sales hit 17.5 million |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=13 December 2012 |accessdate=14 December 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217083605/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/minecraft-franchise-sales-hit-175-million-6401538 |archivedate=17 December 2012 }}</ref> In 2012, ''Minecraft'' was the most purchased title on Xbox Live Arcade; it was also the fourth most played title on Xbox Live based on average [[unique user]]s per day.<ref name="xboxlive-2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a453025/black-ops-2-minecraft-top-2012-xbox-live-activity-charts.html |title='Black Ops 2', 'Minecraft' top 2012 Xbox Live activity charts |website=[[Digital Spy]] |first=Scott |last=Nichols |date=23 January 2013 |accessdate=26 January 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123210404/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a453025/black-ops-2-minecraft-top-2012-xbox-live-activity-charts.html |archivedate=23 January 2013 }}</ref> {{As of|2014|04|04}}, the Xbox 360 version has sold 12 million copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-04-04-minecraft-xbox-360-edition-sales-hit-12m |title=Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition sales hit 12m |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=4 April 2014 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |accessdate=4 April 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406130301/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-04-04-minecraft-xbox-360-edition-sales-hit-12m |archivedate=6 April 2014 }}</ref> In addition, ''Minecraft: Pocket Edition'' has reached a figure of 21 million in sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mojang.com/2014/04/watch-our-pocket-edition-dev-stream/ |title=Watch our Pocket Edition stream. Now with footage! |publisher=Mojang |date=14 April 2014 |accessdate=31 July 2014 |last=Hill |first=Owen |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725020154/https://mojang.com/2014/04/watch-our-pocket-edition-dev-stream/ |archivedate=25 July 2014 }}</ref> The PlayStation 3 version sold one million copies in five weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/209293/Minecraft_on_PS3_breaks_1_million_sales_in_five_weeks.php |title=Minecraft on PS3 breaks 1 million sales in five weeks |last=Wawro |first=Alex |date=24 January 2014 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=Think Services |accessdate=25 January 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129202621/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/209293/Minecraft_on_PS3_breaks_1_million_sales_in_five_weeks.php |archivedate=29 January 2014 }}</ref> The release of the game's PlayStation Vita version boosted ''Minecraft'' sales by 79%, outselling both PS3 and PS4 debut releases and becoming the largest ''Minecraft'' launch on a PlayStation console.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-11-17-assassins-creed-unity-launch-beats-black-flags-in-uk-chart |title=Assassin's Creed: Unity launch beats Black Flag's in UK chart |date=17 November 2014 |author=Wesley Yin-Poole |website=Eurogamer |accessdate=7 November 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118025436/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-11-17-assassins-creed-unity-launch-beats-black-flags-in-uk-chart |archivedate=18 November 2014 }}</ref> The PS Vita version sold 100,000 digital copies in Japan within the first two months of release, according to an announcement by SCE Japan Asia.<ref>2014-12-17, [http://www.siliconera.com/2014/12/17/minecraft-on-vita-sells-100000-via-downloads-in-japan/ Minecraft On Vita Sells 100,000 Via Downloads In Japan] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224171052/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/12/17/minecraft-on-vita-sells-100000-via-downloads-in-japan/ |date=24 February 2015 }}, Siliconera</ref> By January 2015, 500,000 digital copies of ''Minecraft'' were sold in Japan across all PlayStation platforms, with a surge in primary school children purchasing the PS Vita version.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201502/25072536.html |title=国内PS版の『マインクラフト』が50万DLを突破、PS Vita版が牽引し小学生のあいだでブームの兆し |trans-title=Domestic PlayStation version of Minecraft tops 500,000 downloads, signs of the PS Vita version booming amongst elementary school students |date=25 February 2015 |website=[[Famitsu]] |language=ja |accessdate=25 February 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225083620/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201502/25072536.html |archivedate=25 February 2015 }}</ref> ''Minecraft'' helped improve Microsoft's total first-party revenue by $63 million for the 2015 second quarter.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Makuch|first1=Eddie|title=Xbox Sales Rising, as Minecraft Continues to Perform Well for Microsoft|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-sales-rising-as-minecraft-continues-to-perfor/1100-6429074/|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|accessdate=22 July 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722222728/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-sales-rising-as-minecraft-continues-to-perfor/1100-6429074/|archivedate=22 July 2015|deadurl=no|date=21 July 2015}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
In July 2010, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' listed ''Minecraft'' as the fourth-best game to play at work.<ref name="PCGamer">{{cite web |last= Rossignol |first=Jim |title= 50 Games to Play at Work |magazine= [[PC Gamer]] |date=5 July 2010 |url= http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/07/05/50-games-to-play-at-work/5/ |authorlink=Jim Rossignol |publisher= [[Future plc]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100709153851/http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/07/05/50-games-to-play-at-work/5 |archivedate= 9 July 2010 }}</ref> In December of that year, [[Good Game (television series)|Good Game]] selected ''Minecraft'' as their choice for Best Downloadable Game of 2010,<ref name="GGaward">{{cite episode |title=GG Awards 2010: Best Downloadable Game |series=[[Good Game (television series)|Good Game]] |credits= [[Stephanie Bendixsen|Bendixsen, Stephanie]]; [[Steven O'Donnell (Australian actor)|O'Donnell, Steven]] |website= [[ABC Television]] |airdate=6 December 2010 |season=5 |number=43 |url= http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s3085956.htm |deadurl=no |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101211083934/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s3085956.htm |archivedate= 11 December 2010 }}</ref> [[Gamasutra]] named it the eighth best game of the year as well as the eighth best indie game of the year,<ref name="GSaward">{{cite web |website=[[Gamasutra]] |title= Gamasutra's Best Of 2010: The Top 10 Games of the Year |url= http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31930/Gamasutras_Best_Of_2010_The_Top_10_Games_Of_The_Year.php |date=23 December 2010 |accessdate= 23 December 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225133934/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31930/Gamasutras_Best_Of_2010_The_Top_10_Games_Of_The_Year.php |archivedate= 25 December 2010 }}</ref><ref name="GSaward2">{{cite web |website=[[Gamasutra]] |title= Gamasutra's Best of 2010: Top 10 Indie Games |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31924/Gamasutras_Best_Of_2010_Top_10_Indie_Games.php |date= 17 December 2010 |accessdate=23 December 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101220105238/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31924/Gamasutras_Best_Of_2010_Top_10_Indie_Games.php |archivedate=20 December 2010 }}</ref> and Rock, Paper, Shotgun named it the "game of the year".<ref name="RPSgoty">{{cite web |title= The Games Of Christmas '10: Day 24 |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/12/24/the-games-of-christmas-%E2%80%9910-day-24/ |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |accessdate= 24 December 2010 |date=25 December 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101226032010/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/12/24/the-games-of-christmas-%E2%80%9910-day-24/ |archivedate=26 December 2010 }}</ref> [[Indie DB]] awarded the game the 2010 Indie of the Year award as chosen by voters, in addition to two out of five Editor's Choice awards for Most Innovative and Best Singleplayer Indie.<ref name="IDBaward">{{cite web |title= Winners&nbsp;– 2010 Indie of the Year Awards&nbsp;– Indie DB |url= http://www.indiedb.com/events/2010-indie-of-the-year-awards/winners/ |publisher=Indie DB |accessdate= 27 December 2010 |date=24 December 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101030104126/http://www.indiedb.com/events/2010-indie-of-the-year-awards/winners |archivedate=30 October 2010 }}</ref> It was also awarded Game of the Year by ''PC Gamer UK''.<ref name="PCGamerUK1">{{cite web |title= ''Minecraft''&nbsp;– PC Gamer UK's Game of the Year |url= http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/12/31/pc-gamer-uks-game-of-the-year/ |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher= [[Future plc]] |accessdate= 31 December 2010 |date=31 December 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110103020509/http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/12/31/pc-gamer-uks-game-of-the-year |archivedate= 3 January 2011 }}</ref> The game was nominated for the Seumas McNally Grand Prize, Technical Excellence, and Excellence in Design awards at the March 2011 [[Independent Games Festival]] and won the Grand Prize and the community-voted Audience Award.<ref name="IGFnoms">{{cite web |title=2011 Independent Games Festival Reveals Main Competition Finalists |url= http://www.indiegames.com/blog/2011/01/2011_independent_games_festiva_10.html |publisher= IndieGames |last=Carless |first= Simon |accessdate=3 January 2011 |date=3 January 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110106020831/http://www.indiegames.com/blog/2011/01/2011_independent_games_festiva_10.html |archivedate= 6 January 2011 }}</ref><ref name="IGFwins">{{cite web |title= ''Minecraft'', Amnesia Top Winners At 13th Annual IGF Awards |url= http://igf.com/2011/03/minecraft_amnesia_top_winners_.html |publisher= IndieGames |accessdate= 3 March 2011 |date= 1 March 2011 |deadurl= yes |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110306073641/http://igf.com/2011/03/minecraft_amnesia_top_winners_.html |archivedate= 6 March 2011 |df= dmy-all }}</ref> At [[Game Developers Choice Awards]] 2011, ''Minecraft'' won awards in the categories for Best Debut Game, Best Downloadable Game and Innovation Award, winning every award for which it was nominated.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://kotaku.com/5849209/game-developers-choice-online-awards-honor-rift-minecraft-and-everquest |title=Game Developers' Choice Online Awards Honor Rift, Minecraft, and Everquest |website= [[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=12 October 2011 |accessdate= 23 April 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320185943/http://kotaku.com/5849209/game-developers-choice-online-awards-honor-rift-minecraft-and-everquest |archivedate= 20 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_11th.html |title= Game Developers Choice Awards |publisher= Gamechoiceawards.com |accessdate= 23 April 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127063748/http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_11th.html |archivedate= 27 January 2013 }}</ref> It also won [[GameCity]]'s video game arts award.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15509330 |title= ''Minecraft'' awarded GameCity videogame arts prize |date=29 October 2011 |accessdate= 25 September 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20121214054940/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15509330 |archivedate= 14 December 2012 |work= BBC News |last1= Kelion |first1= Leo }}</ref> On 5 May 2011, ''Minecraft'' was selected as one of the 80 games that would be displayed at the [[Smithsonian American Art Museum]] as part of [[The Art of Video Games]] exhibit that opened on 16 March 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/#!5799017/the-smithsonian-has-picked-the-games-of-its-art-of-video-games-exhibit |title=The Smithsonian Has Picked the Games of Its Art of Video Games Exhibit |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=5 May 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106085901/http://kotaku.com/ |archivedate=6 November 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/ |title=The Art of Video Games |publisher=[[Smithsonian American Art Museum]] |accessdate=23 November 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110015838/http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/ |archivedate=10 January 2011 }}</ref> At the 2011 [[Spike Video Game Awards]], ''Minecraft'' won the award for Best Independent Game and was nominated in the Best PC Game category.<ref name="spike – independent">{{cite press release|title=Spike Announces VGA Nominees & Honors "Legend Of Zelda" With First Ever Video Game Hall Of Fame Award |publisher=[[Spike TV]] |date=16 November 2011 |url=http://www.spike.com/press/2011/11/16/spike-announces-first-video-game-hall-of-fame-award-and-complete-list-of-vga-nominees/ |accessdate=2 August 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921091444/http://www.spike.com/press/2011/11/16/spike-announces-first-video-game-hall-of-fame-award-and-complete-list-of-vga-nominees/ |archivedate=21 September 2013 }}</ref><ref name="spike – pc">{{cite press release|title=SPIKE TV ANNOUNCES 2011 "VIDEO GAME AWARDS" WINNERS |publisher=[[Spike TV]] |date=10 December 2011 |url=http://www.spike.com/press/2011/12/10/spike-tv-announces-2011-%E2%80%9Cvideo-game-awards%E2%80%9D-winners/ |accessdate=2 August 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927112411/http://www.spike.com/press/2011/12/10/spike-tv-announces-2011-%E2%80%9Cvideo-game-awards%E2%80%9D-winners/ |archivedate=27 September 2013 }}</ref> In 2012, at the [[British Academy Video Games Awards]], ''Minecraft'' was nominated in the GAME Award of 2011 category and Persson received The Special Award.<ref name="bafta">{{cite web |url=http://www.bafta.org/games/awards/nominees-winners-2012,2892,BA.html |title=Video Games Awards Winners & Nominees in 2012 |publisher=[[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] |date=12 February 2012 |accessdate=30 December 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/664GUvZyh?url=http://www.bafta.org/games/awards/nominees-winners-2012,2892,BA.html |archivedate=10 March 2012 }}</ref> In 2012, ''Minecraft'' XBLA was awarded a [[Golden Joystick Award]] in the Best Downloadable Game category,<ref name="CVG Golden Joystick">{{cite web|last=Robinson |first=Andy |title=GJA: Minecraft XBLA awarded Best Downloadable Game |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/374469/gja-minecraft-xbla-awarded-best-downloadable-game/ |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |accessdate=5 November 2012 |date=26 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031142158/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/374469/gja-minecraft-xbla-awarded-best-downloadable-game/ |archivedate=31 October 2012 }}</ref> and a [[The Independent Games Developers Association|TIGA]] Games Industry Award in the Best Arcade Game category.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin |first=Liam |title=TIGA Games Industry Awards 2012 winners revealed, Dear Esther wins big |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a435365/tiga-games-industry-awards-2012-winners-revealed-dear-esther-wins-big.html |website=[[Digital Spy]] |accessdate=5 November 2012 |date=2 November 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509110339/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a435365/tiga-games-industry-awards-2012-winners-revealed-dear-esther-wins-big.html |archivedate=9 May 2013 }}</ref> In 2013 it was nominated as the family game of the year at the [[British Academy Video Games Awards]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2013/feb/12/bafta-video-game-awards-nominations-2013 |title=Bafta Video Game Awards 2013 – nominees announced |newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 February 2013 |accessdate=1 February 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026045239/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2013/feb/12/bafta-video-game-awards-nominations-2013 |archivedate=26 October 2014 |last1=Stuart |first1=Keith }}</ref> Minecraft Console Edition won the award for [[The Independent Games Developers Association|TIGA]] Game Of The Year in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2014/11/07/minecraft-forza-horizon-2-tiga-awards/ |title=Minecraft console takes out TIGA game of the year award |date=7 November 2014 |last=Hillier |first=Brenna |website=VG247 |accessdate=14 February 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226083405/http://www.vg247.com/2014/11/07/minecraft-forza-horizon-2-tiga-awards/ |archivedate=26 February 2015 }}</ref> In 2015, the game placed 6th on ''[[Eurogamer#Subsidiaries|USgamer]]''{{'}}s The 15 Best Games Since 2000 list.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Mike|title=The 15 Best Games Since 2000, Number 6: Minecraft|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-15-best-games-since-2000-number-6-minecraft|website=USgamer|publisher=Gamer Network|accessdate=4 August 2015|date=3 August 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804142519/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-15-best-games-since-2000-number-6-minecraft|archivedate=4 August 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> In 2016, ''Minecraft'' placed 6th on [[Time (magazine)|Time]]'s The 50 Best Video Games of All Time list.<ref>{{cite web|title=The 50 Best Video Games of All Time|url=http://time.com/4458554/best-video-games-all-time/|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.]]|accessdate=19 September 2016|date=23 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826010703/http://time.com/4458554/best-video-games-all-time/|archivedate=26 August 2016|deadurl=no}}</ref>

''Minecraft'' was nominated for the [[2013 Kids' Choice Awards]] for Favorite App, but lost to ''[[Temple Run]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2013/02/13/kids-choice-awards-2013-nominees-full-list-nominations/ |title=2013 Kids' Choice Award Nominees: Kristen Stewart & More — Full List |last=Swift |first=Andy |last2=Swift |first2=Andy |date=13 February 2013 |website=Hollywood Life |accessdate=20 March 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422023608/http://hollywoodlife.com/2013/02/13/kids-choice-awards-2013-nominees-full-list-nominations/ |archivedate=22 April 2016}}</ref> It was nominated for the [[2014 Kids' Choice Awards]] for Favorite Video Game, but lost to ''[[Just Dance 2014]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://popcrush.com/2014-kids-choice-awards-winners/ |title=2014 Kids' Choice Awards Winners |website=PopCrush |accessdate=20 March 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611184844/http://popcrush.com/2014-kids-choice-awards-winners/ |archivedate=11 June 2016}}</ref> The game later won the award for the Most Addicting Game at the [[2015 Kids' Choice Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/kids-choice-awards-2015-complete-list-of-winners-2015283/ |title=Kids' Choice Awards 2015: Complete List of Winners! |last=Webber |first=Stephanie |date=28 March 2015 |magazine=[[Us Weekly]] |accessdate=20 March 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423020810/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/kids-choice-awards-2015-complete-list-of-winners-2015283 |archivedate=23 April 2016 |deadurl=no}}</ref> In addition, the ''Java Edition'' was nominated for "Favorite Video Game" at the [[2018 Kids' Choice Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nickpress.com/press-releases/2018/02/26/nickelodeon-announces-2018-kids-choice-awards-nominations |title=NICKELODEON ANNOUNCES 2018 KIDS' CHOICE AWARDS NOMINATIONS |date=26 February 2018 |website=[[Nick.com]] |publisher=[[Viacom]] |accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etonline.com/2018-kids-choice-awards-the-complete-winners-list-99000|title=2018 Kids' Choice Awards: The Complete Winners List|last=Drysdale|first=Jennifer|date=24 March 2018|website=[[Entertainment Tonight]]|accessdate=25 March 2018}}</ref>

== Cultural impact == <!-- Section is linked from [[List of Minecraft clones]] -->
{{anchor|Popular_culture_and_social_media}}
Social media sites such as [[YouTube]], [[Facebook]], and [[Reddit]] played a significant role in popularising ''Minecraft''.<ref name="Social media">{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2010/10/01/minecraft-social-media/ |title=Minecraft: How Social Media Spawned a Gaming Sensation |website=[[Mashable]] |publisher=Mashable Inc. |date=1 October 2010 |accessdate=28 December 2012 |last=Silverman |first=Matt |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230080505/http://mashable.com/2010/10/01/minecraft-social-media/ |archivedate=30 December 2012 }}</ref> Research conducted by the [[University of Pennsylvania]]'s [[Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania|Annenberg School of Communication]] showed that one-third of ''Minecraft'' players learned about the game via Internet videos.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mining-data-from-minecraft/1100-6331569/ |title=Mining data from Minecraft |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=28 August 2011 |accessdate=28 December 2012 |last=Tong |first=Sophia |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204023302/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mining-data-from-minecraft/1100-6331569/ |archivedate=4 December 2013 }}</ref> In 2010, ''Minecraft''-related videos began to gain influence on YouTube, often made by commentators. The videos usually contain screen-capture footage of the game and voice-overs.<ref name=salon>{{cite web|title=Inside the geeky, revolutionary world of "Minecraft" |url=http://www.salon.com/2011/12/06/inside_the_geeky_revolutionary_world_of_minecraft/singleton/ |website=[[Salon (website)|Salon]] |publisher=Salon Media Group |first=Rob |last=Spillman |date=6 December 2011 |accessdate=23 November 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117145332/http://www.salon.com/2011/12/06/inside_the_geeky_revolutionary_world_of_minecraft/singleton/ |archivedate=17 January 2013 }}</ref> Common coverage in the videos includes creations made by players, [[Strategy guide|walkthroughs]] of various tasks, and parodies of works in popular culture. By May 2012, over 4 million ''Minecraft''-related YouTube videos had been uploaded.<ref name="Merchandise sales" /> Some popular commentators have received employment at [[Machinima.com|Machinima]], a gaming video company that owns a highly watched entertainment channel on YouTube.<ref name=salon /> [[The Yogscast]] is a British company that regularly produces ''Minecraft'' videos; their YouTube channel has attained billions of views, and their panel at MineCon 2011 had the highest attendance.<ref name=salon /><ref name="bbc tycoons">{{cite news|title=The TV tycoons you may have missed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18768443 |accessdate=10 July 2012 |first=Rory |last=Cellan-Jones |date=10 July 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805071240/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18768443 |archivedate=5 August 2012 |work=[[BBC News]] }}</ref> Other well known YouTube personnel include [[Jordan Maron]], who has created many ''Minecraft'' [[parody|parodies]], including "Minecraft Style", a parody of the internationally successful single "[[Gangnam Style]]" by South Korean rapper [[PSY (rapper)|PSY]].<ref name="Minecraft Style">{{cite web | url=http://sys03-public.nbcnews.com/technology/dig-minecraft-style-gangnam-style-parody-1C6601764 | title=Dig this 'Minecraft'-style 'Gangnam Style' parody | website=[[NBC News]] | publisher=[[NBCUniversal]] | date=23 October 2012 | accessdate=9 December 2012 | last=Benedetti | first=Winda | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://archive.is/20140610202513/http://sys03-public.nbcnews.com/technology/dig-minecraft-style-gangnam-style-parody-1C6601764 | archivedate=10 June 2014 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

Herobrine is a major community icon of ''Minecraft'', who first appeared as a single image on [[4chan]]'s /v/ board. According to rumors, Herobrine appears in players' worlds and builds strange constructions.<ref name=ign>{{cite web|last=Dean |first=Paul |title=Hauntings and Hoaxes: Gamings Weirdest Ghost Stories |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/31/hauntings-and-hoaxes-gamings-weirdest-ghost-stories |website=IGN |accessdate=1 July 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930145226/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/31/hauntings-and-hoaxes-gamings-weirdest-ghost-stories |archivedate=30 September 2016 |date=31 October 2011 }}</ref> However, Mojang has confirmed that Herobrine has never existed in ''Minecraft'', and there are no plans to add Herobrine.<ref name="dinnerbone-herobrine">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dinnerbone/status/238278012632707072 |title=Dinnerbone: @Kizzycocoa We have no plans ... |last=Adams |first=Nathan |date=22 August 2012 |publisher=Twitter |accessdate=18 July 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107023431/https://twitter.com/dinnerbone/status/238278012632707072 |archivedate=7 November 2013 }}</ref>

''Minecraft'' has been referenced by other video games, such as ''[[RuneScape]]'',{{Citation needed|date=September 2017}} ''[[Torchlight II]]'', ''[[Borderlands 2]]'', ''[[Choplifter HD]]'', ''[[Super Meat Boy]]'', ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]]'', ''[[The Binding of Isaac (video game)|The Binding of Isaac]]'', ''[[The Stanley Parable]]'', and ''[[FTL: Faster Than Light]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dean |first=Paul |title=Creeping up on you: The best Minecraft references in video games |url=http://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/creeping-you-best-minecraft-references-video-games |website=PCGamesN |publisher=Network N |accessdate=4 November 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101121747/http://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/creeping-you-best-minecraft-references-video-games |archivedate=1 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=How The Stanley Parable goes down the rabbit hole of other games|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/81714/the-stanley-parable-creator-says-walkthrough-would-kill-the-magic|website=Shacknews|accessdate=21 September 2017}}</ref> It was also referenced by electronic music artist [[deadmau5]] in his performances.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kennedy |first=Sam |title=Deadmau5 References Minecraft in New Show |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/11/deadmau5-references-minecraft-in-new-show |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=4 November 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110181644/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/11/deadmau5-references-minecraft-in-new-show |archivedate=10 November 2012 |date=11 August 2011 }}</ref> A simulation of the game was featured in [[Lady Gaga]]'s "[[G.U.Y.]]" music video.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNu_-deVemE |title=Lady Gaga – G.U.Y. – An ARTPOP Film |publisher=YouTube |date=22 March 2014 |accessdate=6 July 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706002852/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNu_-deVemE |archivedate=6 July 2014 }}</ref> The game is also referenced heavily in "[[Informative Murder Porn]]", the second episode of the [[South Park (season 17)|seventeenth season]] of the animated television series ''[[South Park]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schreier |first=Jason |url=http://kotaku.com/this-weeks-south-park-is-all-about-minecraft-1427305010 |title=This Week's South Park Is All About ''Minecraft'' |date=30 September 2013 |accessdate=1 October 2013 |website=Kotaku |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930203114/http://kotaku.com/this-weeks-south-park-is-all-about-minecraft-1427305010 |archivedate=30 September 2013 }}</ref> "[[Luca$]]", the seventeenth episode of the [[The Simpsons (season 25)|25th season]] of the animated sitcom ''[[The Simpsons]]'' was inspired by ''Minecraft''; Persson responded by tweeting "I'm not sure how I feel about it."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Peckham|first1=Matt|title=Simcraft: What If The Simpsons Did Minecraft?|url=http://time.com/51545/simcraft-what-if-the-simpsons-did-minecraft/|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|accessdate=21 September 2017}}</ref>

===Clones===

After the release of ''Minecraft'', some video games were released with various similarities with ''Minecraft'', and some were called "[[Video game clone|clones]]" of the game. Examples include ''[[Ace of Spades (video game)|Ace of Spades]]'', ''[[CastleMiner]]'', ''CraftWorld'', ''[[FortressCraft]]'', ''[[Terraria]]'', and ''Total Miner''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Webster |first=Andrew |title=Living under a blocky shadow: the world of Minecraft clones |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/07/living-under-a-blocky-shadow-the-world-of-minecraft-clones/ |website=[[Ars Technica]] |accessdate=17 October 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203103830/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/07/living-under-a-blocky-shadow-the-world-of-minecraft-clones/ |archivedate=3 December 2012 |date=27 July 2011 }}</ref> David Frampton, designer of ''[[The Blockheads (game)|The Blockheads]]'', reported that one failure of his 2D game was the "low resolution pixel art" that too closely resembled the art in ''Minecraft'' which resulted in "some resistance" from fans.<ref name=FramptonPostMort>{{cite web|author=Frampton, David |title=Postmortem: The Blockheads |date=12 October 2013 |publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/DavidFrampton/20131012/202246/Postmortem_The_Blockheads.php |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402124102/http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/DavidFrampton/20131012/202246/Postmortem_The_Blockheads.php |archivedate=2 April 2015 }}</ref> A [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] adaptation of the alpha version of ''Minecraft'' for the [[Nintendo DS]], titled ''DScraft'', has been released; it has been noted for its similarity to the original game considering the technical limitations of the system.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Brown |first1=Mark |title=Hands-on with Minecraft for DS, with homebrew version DScraft |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/DS/DScraft+(Minecraft+DS)/news.asp?c=32674 |website=Pocket Gamer |accessdate=20 March 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321083113/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/DS/DScraft%20%28Minecraft%20DS%29/news.asp?c=32674 |archivedate=21 March 2017 }}</ref>

In response to Microsoft's acquisition of Mojang and their ''Minecraft'' IP, various developers announced further clone titles developed specifically for Nintendo's consoles, as they were the only major platforms to not officially receive ''Minecraft'' at the time.<ref name="NLcitesMinecraftWiiURumours">{{cite web|first=Damien |last=McFerran |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/12/rumour_minecraft_is_already_in_development_for_wii_u_gamepad_said_to_be_the_focus |title=Rumour: Minecraft Is Already In Development For Wii U, GamePad Said To Be The Focus |publisher=Nintendo Life |date=24 December 2013 |accessdate=14 November 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129014900/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/12/rumour_minecraft_is_already_in_development_for_wii_u_gamepad_said_to_be_the_focus |archivedate=29 November 2014 }}</ref> These clone titles include ''UCraft'' (Nexis Games),<ref name="NLcitesUCraft">{{cite web|first=Thomas |last=Whitehead |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/09/nexis_games_is_developing_u_craft_a_minecraft_clone_for_the_eshop |title=Nexis Games is Developing U Craft, a Minecraft Clone, for the eShop |publisher=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=30 September 2014 |accessdate=14 November 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110150412/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/09/nexis_games_is_developing_u_craft_a_minecraft_clone_for_the_eshop |archivedate=10 November 2014 }}</ref> ''[[Cube Life: Island Survival]]'' ([[Cypronia]]),<ref name="NLcitesCLIS">{{cite web|first=Darren |last=Calvert |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/01/cube_life_island_survival_is_another_minecraft-inspired_title_heading_to_the_wii_u_eshop |title=Cube Life: Island Survival is Another Minecraft-Inspired Title Heading to the Wii U eShop |publisher=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=19 January 2015 |accessdate=19 January 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119235034/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/01/cube_life_island_survival_is_another_minecraft-inspired_title_heading_to_the_wii_u_eshop |archivedate=19 January 2015 }}</ref> ''Discovery'' (Noowanda),<ref name="NLcitesDiscovery">{{cite web|first=Darren |last=Calvert |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/12/prepare_to_get_creative_with_minecraft-inspired_game_discovery_coming_to_wii_u_eshop_soon |title=Prepare to Get Creative With Minecraft-Inspired Game Discovery Coming to Wii U eShop Soon |publisher=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=17 December 2015 |accessdate=9 April 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410025511/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/12/prepare_to_get_creative_with_minecraft-inspired_game_discovery_coming_to_wii_u_eshop_soon |archivedate=10 April 2016 }}</ref> ''Battleminer'' (Wobbly Tooth Games),<ref name="NLcitesBattleminer">{{cite web|first=Thomas |last=Whitehead |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/09/battleminer_screens_show_some_familiar_block_building_on_the_way_to_3ds |title=Battleminer Screens Show Some Familiar Block Building On the Way to 3DS |publisher=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=1 October 2014 |accessdate=14 November 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102094010/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/09/battleminer_screens_show_some_familiar_block_building_on_the_way_to_3ds |archivedate=2 November 2014 }}</ref> ''Cube Creator 3D'' (Big John Games),<ref name="NLcitesCubeCreator3D">{{cite web|first=Darren |last=Calvert |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/10/another_minecraft_clone_cube_creator_3d_coming_to_3ds_eshop |title=Another Minecraft Clone, Cube Creator 3D Coming To 3DS eShop |publisher=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=31 October 2014 |accessdate=14 November 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102141601/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/10/another_minecraft_clone_cube_creator_3d_coming_to_3ds_eshop |archivedate=2 November 2014 }}</ref> and ''Stone Shire'' (Finger Gun Games).<ref name="NLcitesStoneShire">{{cite web|first=Thomas |last=Whitehead |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/10/more_minecraft_mania_looks_set_for_wii_u_with_stone_shire |title=More Minecraft Mania Looks Set for Wii U With Stone Shire |publisher=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=1 October 2014 |accessdate=14 November 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106014641/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/10/more_minecraft_mania_looks_set_for_wii_u_with_stone_shire |archivedate=6 November 2014 }}</ref> Despite this the fears were unfounded with official Minecraft releases on Nintendo consoles eventually resuming.<ref name="MCV-UK_interview">{{cite web|first=Alex |last=Calvin |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/mojang-s-block-party-what-is-next-for-minecraft/ |title=Mojang's block party – what is next for Minecraft? |publisher=MCV UK |date=9 July 2015 |accessdate=11 July 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712044341/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/mojang-s-block-party-what-is-next-for-minecraft/ |archivedate=12 July 2015 }}</ref><ref name="VergecitesMSMonWiiU">{{cite web|first=Andrew |last=Webster |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/26/9207085/minecraft-story-mode-telltale-games-interview |title=Giving Minecraft a story |website=[[The Verge]] |date=26 August 2015 |accessdate=27 August 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827005650/http://www.theverge.com/2015/8/26/9207085/minecraft-story-mode-telltale-games-interview |archivedate=27 August 2015 }}</ref><ref name="WiiU" />

===Documentary===
A documentary about the development of Mojang and ''Minecraft'' was released in December 2012. Titled ''[[Minecraft: The Story of Mojang]]'', the film was produced by [[2 Player Productions]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5970346/minecraft-the-story-of-mojang-the-kotaku-review |title=Minecraft: The Story of Mojang: The Kotaku Review |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=21 December 2012 |accessdate=3 January 2013 |last=Hawkins |first=Matt |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230181901/http://kotaku.com/5970346/minecraft-the-story-of-mojang-the-kotaku-review |archivedate=30 December 2012 }}</ref> In 2014, an attempt to [[crowdfund]] a [[fan film]] through [[Kickstarter]] was shut down after Persson refused to let the filmmakers use the license.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Macy|first1=Seth G|title=MINECRAFT MOVIE 'THE BIRTH OF MAN' NIXED BY NOTCH|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/07/minecraft-movie-the-birth-of-man-nixed-by-notch|website=IGN|accessdate=17 September 2017|date=7 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Makuch|first1=Eddie|title=Minecraft-inspired movie shut down|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-inspired-movie-shut-down/1100-6417633/|website=Gamespot|accessdate=17 September 2017|date=10 February 2014}}</ref>

===Film adaptation===
In 2012, Mojang received offers from Hollywood producers who wanted to produce ''Minecraft''-related TV shows; however, Mojang stated that they would only engage in such projects when "the right idea comes along".<ref name="Merchandise sales" /> By February 2014, Persson revealed that Mojang was in talks with [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] regarding a ''Minecraft'' film<ref>{{cite web|title=Minecraft movie in the works with Warner Bros. |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/211920/Minecraft_movie_in_the_works_with_Warner_Bros.php |accessdate=28 February 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228080450/http://gamasutra.com/view/news/211920/Minecraft_movie_in_the_works_with_Warner_Bros.php |archivedate=28 February 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Busch |first=Anita |title=Video Game Sensation 'Minecraft' Coming To The Big Screen As Warner Bros Acquires Rights; 'Lego's' Roy Lee And Jill Messick Producing |url=http://www.deadline.com/2014/02/minecraft-movie-warner-bros-lego-movie-producer/ |publisher=Deadline |date=27 February 2014 |accessdate=27 February 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228170036/http://www.deadline.com/2014/02/minecraft-movie-warner-bros-lego-movie-producer/ |archivedate=28 February 2014 }}</ref> and, by that October, it was "in its early days of development".<ref>{{cite web|title=Minecraft Movie Is "Large-Budget," Might Not Arrive Until 2018 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-movie-is-large-budget-might-not-arrive-u/1100-6422821/ |publisher=GameSpot |accessdate=8 October 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010053324/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-movie-is-large-budget-might-not-arrive-u/1100-6422821/ |archivedate=10 October 2014 |date=8 October 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Minecraft movie will be 'large-budget' but unlikely to arrive before 2017 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/08/minecraft-movies-youtube-mojang-licensing |magazine=[[The Guardian]] |accessdate=8 October 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008170022/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/08/minecraft-movies-youtube-mojang-licensing |archivedate=8 October 2014 }}</ref> The film was scheduled for release on 24 May 2019, and was going to be directed by [[Shawn Levy]] and written by [[Jason Fuchs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warner-bros-minecraft-movie-gets-906607 |title=Warner Bros.' 'Minecraft' Movie Gets Release Date |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |last=Galuppo |first=Mia |date=27 June 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628141028/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warner-bros-minecraft-movie-gets-906607 |archivedate=28 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=Warner Bros. Taps Shawn Levy for 'Minecraft' Movie |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/warner-bros-taps-shawn-levy-for-minecraft-movie-1201332000/ |accessdate=16 October 2014 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=16 October 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017174929/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/warner-bros-taps-shawn-levy-for-minecraft-movie-1201332000/ |archivedate=17 October 2014 }}</ref> Levy later dropped out and was replaced by [[Rob McElhenney]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/07/minecraft-movie-rob-mcelhenney-its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-1201482930/ |title=Minecraft Movie Gets 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia's Rob McElhenney |publisher=Deadline |last=Fleming, Jr |first=Mike |date=21 July 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722190910/http://deadline.com/2015/07/minecraft-movie-rob-mcelhenney-its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-1201482930/ |archivedate=22 July 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/jason-fuchs-minecraft-movie-writer-1201888253/ |title='Wonder Woman' Scribe Jason Fuchs to Write Latest Draft of 'Minecraft' (EXCLUSIVE) |publisher=Variety |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=13 October 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017174723/http://variety.com/2016/film/news/jason-fuchs-minecraft-movie-writer-1201888253/ |archivedate=17 October 2016 }}</ref> In August 2018, McElhenney left the film and Fuchs was replaced with [[Nee Brothers|Aaron and Adam Nee]] resulting in its release date getting delayed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/minecraft-nee-brothers-rob-mcelhenny-release-date/|title='Minecraft' Movie Delayed: Rob McElhenney Out as Director, Nee Brothers Tapped to Write (Exclusive)|website=The Wrap|last1=Gonzalez|first1=Umberto|last2=Maglio|first2=Tony|date=3 August 2018|accessdate=4 August 2018}}</ref> In 11 January 2019, [[Peter Sollett]] was announced to write and direct the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/peter-sollett-warner-bros-minecraft-1203105640/|title=Peter Sollett to Direct Warner Bros.’ ‘Minecraft’ Movie (EXCLUSIVE)|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=11 January 2019|access-date=13 January 2019}}</ref> The film is now expected to be released to theater on 4 March 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/on-march-4-2022-warner-bros-and-mojang-will-be-relea-1834080290 | title = On March 4, 2022, Warner Bros. and Mojang will be releasing a Minecraft movie. | first = Cecilia | last = D'Anastasio | date = 16 April 2019 | accessdate = 16 April 2019 | work = [[Kotaku]] }}</ref>

=== Merchandise ===
[[File:Minecraft Diamond Sword.jpg|thumb|100px|A physical prop of a diamond sword]]
A Lego set based on ''Minecraft'' called [[Lego Minecraft|Lego ''Minecraft'']] was released on 6 June 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/lego-releases-minecraft-set-ve-waiting-160151420.html |title=Lego releases the Minecraft set you've been waiting for |website=[[Yahoo! News]] |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |first=Mariella |last=Moon |date=6 June 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305092906/http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/lego-releases-minecraft-set-ve-waiting-160151420.html |archivedate=5 March 2016 }}</ref> The set, called "Micro World", centres around the game's default [[player character]] and a creeper.<ref name=LegoMinecraft>{{cite web|last=MacManus |first=Christopher |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57379791-1/lego-minecraft-available-for-preorder/ |title=Lego Minecraft available for preorder |date=16 February 2012 |accessdate=17 February 2012 |website=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217114653/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57379791-1/lego-minecraft-available-for-preorder/ |archivedate=17 February 2012 }}</ref> Mojang submitted the concept of ''Minecraft'' merchandise to Lego in December 2011 for the [[Lego Cuusoo]] program, from which it quickly received 10,000 votes by users, prompting Lego to review the concept.<ref name="LEGO">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5878848/there-will-be-official-minecraft-lego-sets |title=There Will Be Official Minecraft Lego Sets |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |first=Stephen |last=Totilo |date=24 January 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606064402/http://kotaku.com/5878848/there-will-be-official-minecraft-lego-sets |archivedate=6 June 2012 }}</ref> Lego Cuusoo approved the concept in January 2012 and began developing sets based on ''Minecraft''.<ref name="LEGO" /> Two more sets based on the Nether and village areas of the game were released on 1 September 2013. A fourth Micro World set, the End, was released in June 2014. Six more, larger [[Lego minifigure]] scale, sets became available November 2014.<ref>{{cite web|author1=LEGO |title=LEGO Minecraft |url=https://www.facebook.com/LEGOMinecraft/photos/a.299460193452063.72516.250707394994010/778262168905194/?type=1 |website=Facebook.com |publisher=Facebook |accessdate=5 October 2014 |date=2 September 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106171607/https://www.facebook.com/LEGOMinecraft/photos/a.299460193452063.72516.250707394994010/778262168905194/?type=1 |archivedate=6 November 2015 }}</ref>

Mojang collaborates with [[Jinx (clothing)|Jinx]], an online game merchandise store, to sell ''Minecraft'' merchandise, such as clothing, foam pickaxes, and toys of creatures in the game.<ref name="Cult and merchandise">{{cite web|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2012/07/features/changing-the-game?page=all |title=Changing the game: how Notch made Minecraft a cult hit |magazine=[[Wired UK]] |date=6 June 2012 |accessdate=18 October 2012 |last=Cheshire |first=Tom |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124095359/http://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2012/07/features/changing-the-game?page=all |archivedate=24 November 2012 }}</ref> By May 2012, over 1 million dollars were made from ''Minecraft'' merchandise sales. T-shirts and socks were the most popular products.<ref name="Merchandise sales">{{cite web|last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |title=Minecraft hits $80M in sales with over 5M paid downloads |url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/03/24/minecraft-hits-80m-in-sales-with-over-5m-paid-downloads/ |website=[[VG247]] |date=24 March 2012 |accessdate=11 November 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326175441/http://www.vg247.com/2012/03/24/minecraft-hits-80m-in-sales-with-over-5m-paid-downloads/ |archivedate=26 March 2012 }}</ref> In March 2013 Mojang signed a deal with the [[Egmont Group]], a children's book publisher, to create ''Minecraft'' handbooks, [[Annual publication|annuals]], poster books, and magazines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/26/4148622/minecraft-books-for-children-to-be-published-in-uk-this-september |title=Minecraft books for children to be published in UK this September |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |accessdate=26 March 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329141714/http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/26/4148622/minecraft-books-for-children-to-be-published-in-uk-this-september |archivedate=29 March 2013 |date=26 March 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/43618/Minecraft-childrens-books-launching-in-September |title=Minecraft children's books launching in September |magazine=[[Develop (magazine)|Develop]] |date=25 March 2013 |accessdate=28 March 2013 |author=Chapple, Craig |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328105927/http://www.develop-online.net/news/43618/Minecraft-childrens-books-launching-in-September |archivedate=28 March 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-03/27/minecraft-books |title=Gaming Minecraft children's books announced |publisher=[[Wired.com]] |date=27 March 2013 |accessdate=28 March 2013 |author=Warr, Philippa |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329235232/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-03/27/minecraft-books |archivedate=29 March 2013 }}</ref>

=== MineCon ===
{{Main|MineCon}}
MineCon is an official [[Fan convention|convention]] dedicated to ''Minecraft''. The first one was held in November 2011 at the [[Mandalay Bay]] Hotel and Casino in [[Las Vegas]]. All 4,500 tickets for MineCon 2011 were sold out by 31 October.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/10/well-whaddaya-know-minecon-is-sold-out/ |title=Well Whaddaya Know: MineCon Is Sold Out |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |first=Owen |last=Good |date=31 October 2012 |accessdate=11 January 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203113607/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/10/well-whaddaya-know-minecon-is-sold-out/ |archivedate=3 February 2013 }}</ref> The event included the official launch of ''Minecraft''; keynote speeches, including one by Persson; building and costume contests; ''Minecraft''-themed breakout classes; exhibits by leading gaming and ''Minecraft''-related companies; commemorative merchandise; and autograph and picture times with Mojang employees and well-known contributors from the ''Minecraft'' community.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/minecraft/1187399p1.html |title=GameSpy: Tickets for Minecraft Convention, MineCon, Now On Sale&nbsp;— Page 1 |website=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=[[Glu Mobile]] |date=11 August 2011 |accessdate=18 December 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Ed6ETSPG?url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/minecraft/1187399p1.html |archivedate=22 February 2013 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> After MineCon, there was an ''Into The Nether'' after-party with deadmau5.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/22/deadmau5-blows-the-roof-off-of-minecon |title=Into the Nether party with deadmau5 |website=[[IGN]] |date=22 November 2011 |accessdate=25 September 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106094628/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/22/deadmau5-blows-the-roof-off-of-minecon |archivedate=6 November 2012 }}</ref> Free codes were given to every attendee of MineCon that unlocked alpha versions of Mojang's ''[[Scrolls (video game)|Scrolls]]'', as well as an additional non-Mojang game, ''[[Cobalt (video game)|Cobalt]]'', developed by Oxeye Game Studios.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/minecon-attendees-get-alpha-codes-for-cobalt-scrolls/ |title=MineCon attendees get alpha codes for Cobalt, Scrolls |website=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=8 September 2011 |accessdate=23 November 2012 |first=Griffin |last=McElroy |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616022327/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/minecon-attendees-get-alpha-codes-for-cobalt-scrolls/ |archivedate=16 June 2013 }}</ref> Similar events occurred in MineCon 2012, which took place in [[Disneyland Paris]] from in November.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20492574 |title=Minecraft fans gather for Minecon in Paris |publisher=BBC |date=26 November 2012 |accessdate=23 December 2012 |last=Ward |first=Mark |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111022225/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20492574 |archivedate=11 January 2013 |work=[[BBC News]] }}</ref> The tickets for the 2012 event sold out in less than two hours.<ref>{{cite web|last=Corriera |first=Alexa Ray |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |title=Minecon 2012 tickets sell out in two hours, Mojang looking into releasing more |url=http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/14/3332678/minecon-2012-ticket-sell-out |date=14 September 2012 |accessdate=23 December 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328203220/http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/14/3332678/minecon-2012-ticket-sell-out |archivedate=28 March 2013 }}</ref> MineCon 2013 was held in [[Orlando]] in November as well.<ref>{{cite web|last=Winters |first=Lydia |url=https://twitter.com/LydiaWinters/status/320922859411230720 |title=MINECON will be in the US this year. Sorry dear Brits. I'm not coming to scout locations! |publisher=Twitter |date=7 April 2013 |accessdate=20 June 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026014537/https://twitter.com/LydiaWinters/status/320922859411230720 |archivedate=26 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNG_Ayqb-ts |title=Where in the World is MINECON 2013? |publisher=YouTube |date=27 June 2013 |accessdate=27 June 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813032054/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNG_Ayqb-ts |archivedate=13 August 2013 }}</ref> MineCon 2015 was held in [[London]] in July.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mojang.com/2014/08/minecon-2015/ |title=MINECON 2015 |publisher=Mojang AB |date=21 August 2014 |accessdate=6 September 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905030710/https://mojang.com/2014/08/minecon-2015/ |archivedate=5 September 2014 }}</ref> MineCon 2016 was held in [[Anaheim]] in September.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bui |first=Vu |url=https://mojang.com/2016/04/minecon-2016-tickets/ |website=[[Mojang AB]] |title=MINECON 2016 tickets announcement! |date=18 April 2016 |accessdate=13 August 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807112535/https://mojang.com/2016/04/minecon-2016-tickets/ |archivedate=7 August 2016 }}</ref> MineCon 2017 was held as a [[livestream]] instead of being held at a show floor. Titled "MineCon Earth", it was streamed live in November.{{#tag:ref|This reference<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://minecraft.net/en-us/article/everything-announced-minecon-earth|title=Everything Announced at MINECON Earth!|date=18 November 2017|work=Minecraft.net|access-date=2 December 2017}}</ref> is here as a source for the fact that Minecon Earth has already happened. This reference<ref>{{cite web|last1=Good|first1=Owen|title=Minecon goes online as 'Minecon Earth'|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/8/16114706/minecon-2017-minecon-earth-time|website=Polygon|accessdate=29 August 2017|date=8 August 2017}}</ref> covers all of the other details in the two sentences that this citation bundle covers.|group=nb}}

== Applications ==
The possible applications of ''Minecraft'' have been discussed extensively, especially in the fields of [[computer-aided design]] and [[education]]. In a panel at MineCon 2011, a Swedish developer discussed the possibility of using the game to redesign public buildings and parks, stating that rendering using ''Minecraft'' was much more user-friendly for the community, making it easier to envision the functionality of new buildings and parks.<ref name=salon /> In 2012, a member of the [[Human Dynamics]] group at the [[MIT Media Lab]], Cody Sumter, said: "Notch hasn't just built a game. He's tricked 40 million people into learning to use a [[CAD program]]." Various software has been developed to allow virtual designs to be printed using professional [[3D printing|3D printers]] or personal printers such as [[MakerBot]] and [[RepRap]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Cheshire |first=Tom |title=Want to learn computer-aided design (CAD)? Play Minecraft |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2012/11/play/minecrafted |magazine=[[Wired UK]] |accessdate=23 November 2012 |date=22 November 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127171214/http://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2012/11/play/minecrafted |archivedate=27 November 2012 }}</ref>

In September 2012, Mojang began the ''Block By Block'' project in cooperation with [[UN Habitat]] to create real-world environments in ''Minecraft''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eördögh |first=Fruzsina |title=Minecraft Partners With United Nations For Urban Planning |url=http://readwrite.com/2012/09/06/minecraft-partners-with-united-nations-for-urban-planning |website=[[ReadWrite]] |publisher=[[SAY Media]] |accessdate=21 November 2012 |date=6 September 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124095401/http://readwrite.com/2012/09/06/minecraft-partners-with-united-nations-for-urban-planning |archivedate=24 November 2012 }}</ref> The project allows young people who live in those environments to participate in designing the changes they would like to see. Using ''Minecraft'', the community has helped reconstruct the areas of concern, and citizens are invited to enter the ''Minecraft'' servers and modify their own neighborhood. Carl Manneh, Mojang's managing director, called the game "the perfect tool to facilitate this process", adding "The three-year partnership will support UN-Habitat's [[The Sustainable Urban Development Network (SUD-Net)|Sustainable Urban Development Network]] to upgrade 300 public spaces by 2016." Mojang signed ''Minecraft'' building community, ''FyreUK'', to help render the environments into ''Minecraft''. The first pilot project began in [[Kibera]], one of [[Nairobi]]'s informal settlements, and is in the planning phase. The ''Block By Block'' project is based on an earlier initiative started in October 2011, ''Mina Kvarter'' (My Block), which gave young people in Swedish communities a tool to visualize how they wanted to change their part of town. According to Manneh, the project was a helpful way to visualize urban planning ideas without necessarily having a training in architecture. The ideas presented by the citizens were a template for political decisions.<ref name="blockbyblock">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/09/05/minecraft-un-block-by-block-project-to-help-young-people-redesign-their-neighbourhoods/ |title=Minecraft UN Block By Block project to help young people redesign their neighbourhoods |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=5 September 2012 |accessdate=5 September 2012 |first=Tom |last=Senior |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907235734/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/09/05/minecraft-un-block-by-block-project-to-help-young-people-redesign-their-neighbourhoods/ |archivedate=7 September 2012 }}</ref>

In April 2014, the [[Danish Geodata Agency]] generated all of Denmark in fullscale in ''Minecraft'' based on their own geodata.<ref name="DenmarkInMinecraft">{{cite press release|url=http://gst.dk/nyheder/nyhedsarkiv/2014/apr/geodatastyrelsen-giver-de-unge-hele-danmark-i-3d/ |title=Geodatastyrelsen giver de unge hele Danmark i 3D |trans-title=The Geodata Agency gives the youth whole Denmark in 3D |publisher=The Danish Geodata Agency |date=24 April 2014 |accessdate=25 April 2014 |language=Danish |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426235902/http://gst.dk/nyheder/nyhedsarkiv/2014/apr/geodatastyrelsen-giver-de-unge-hele-danmark-i-3d/ |archivedate=26 April 2014 }}</ref> This is possible because Denmark is [[List of elevation extremes by country|one of the flattest countries]] with the highest point at {{convert|171|m|||}} (ranking as the country with the [[List of elevation extremes by country|30th smallest elevation span]]), where the limit in default ''Minecraft'' is around {{convert|192|m|||}} above in-game sea level.

''Minecraft'' has also been used in educational settings.<ref name="Education">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-in-education-how-video-games-are-teaching-kids/1100-6400549/ |title=Minecraft In Education: How Video Games Are Teaching Kids |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=25 November 2012 |accessdate=9 December 2012 |last=Walton |first=Mark |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010082122/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-in-education-how-video-games-are-teaching-kids/1100-6400549/ |archivedate=10 October 2013 }}</ref> In 2011, an educational organization named MinecraftEdu was formed with the goal of introducing ''Minecraft'' into schools. The group works with Mojang to make the game affordable and accessible to schools. In September 2012, MinecraftEdu said that approximately 250,000 students around the world have access to ''Minecraft'' through the company.<ref name="MCEdu" /> A wide variety of educational activities involving the game have been developed to teach students various subjects, including history, language arts and science. For an example, one teacher built a world consisting of various historical landmarks for students to learn and explore.<ref name="MCEdu">{{cite magazine|url=http://techland.time.com/2012/09/21/minecraftedu-teaches-students-through-virtual-world-building/ |title=MinecraftEdu Teaches Students Through Virtual World-Building |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=21 September 2012 |accessdate=9 December 2012 |last=Waxman |first=Olivia |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023101431/http://techland.time.com/2012/09/21/minecraftedu-teaches-students-through-virtual-world-building/ |archivedate=23 October 2012 }}</ref> [[Great Ormond Street Hospital]] has been recreated in Minecraft, and it proposed that patients can use it to virtually explore the hospital before they actually visit.<ref>{{cite news |title=GOSH looks to DRIVE healthcare technology forward |url=https://www.digitalhealth.net/2018/10/gosh-drive-healthcare-technology/ |accessdate=11 October 2018 |publisher=Digital Health |date=11 October 2018}}</ref> Minecraft may also prove as an innovation in [[Computer Aided Design]] (CAD).<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Connell |first1=Kim |title=Minecraft Architecture: What Architects Can Learn From a Video Game |url=https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/minecraft-architecture |website=RedShift |accessdate=24 February 2019}}</ref> Minecraft offers an outlet of collaboration in design and could have an impact on the industry.<ref>{{cite web |last1=French, Stone, Nysetvold, Hepworth, Red |first1=David, Brett, Thomas, Ammon, Edward |title=Collaborative Design Principles From Minecraft With Applications to Multi-User CAD." Volume 1A: Codes and Standards |url=https://proceedings.asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/proceeding.aspx?articleid=2090490 |website=asmedigitalcollection |publisher=American Society of Mechanical Engineers |accessdate=3 March 2019}}</ref>

With the introduction of redstone blocks to represent electrical circuits, users have been able to build functional virtual computers within ''Minecraft''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5650027/man-builds-computer-inside-computer-game |title=Man Builds Computer Inside Computer Game |first=Mike |last=Fahey |date=28 September 2016 |accessdate=6 December 2016 |website=[[Kotaku]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220075116/http://kotaku.com/5650027/man-builds-computer-inside-computer-game |archivedate=20 December 2016 }}</ref> Such virtual creations include a working [[hard drive]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/08/man-builds-working-hard-drive-inside-minecraft/ |title=Man Builds Working Hard Drive Inside Minecraft |first=Klint |last=Finley |date=21 August 2014 |accessdate=6 December 2016 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220084221/https://www.wired.com/2014/08/man-builds-working-hard-drive-inside-minecraft/ |archivedate=20 December 2016 }}</ref> an 8-bit virtual computer,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boingboing.net/2010/11/12/working-8-bit-cpu-in.html |title=Working 8-bit CPU in Minecraft |first=Cory |last=Doctorow |date=12 November 2010 |accessdate=6 December 2016 |website=[[Boing Boing]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220120358/http://boingboing.net/2010/11/12/working-8-bit-cpu-in.html |archivedate=20 December 2016 }}</ref> and [[emulator]]s for the [[Atari 2600]] (including one by YouTube personality [[SethBling]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/youtuber-builds-working-atari-emulator-in-minecraft-1789753663 |title=YouTuber Builds Working Atari Emulator In Minecraft |first=Heather |last=Alexandra |date=6 December 2016 |accessdate=6 December 2016 |website=[[Kotaku]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207175818/http://kotaku.com/youtuber-builds-working-atari-emulator-in-minecraft-1789753663 |archivedate=7 December 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/27/18199571/dragster-world-record-atari-2600-emulator-minecraft-1-fps | title= Atari 2600 emulator in Minecraft helps tie a world record — at 1 frame per second | first = Owen | last = Good | date = 27 January 2019 | accessdate = 27 January 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> and [[Game Boy Advance]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/4/12093306/minecraft-pokemon-fire-red-game-boy-advance |title=Player recreates working Pokémon on virtual Game Boy Advance in Minecraft |first=Julia |last=Alexander |date=4 July 2016 |accessdate=6 December 2016 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220082205/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/4/12093306/minecraft-pokemon-fire-red-game-boy-advance |archivedate=20 December 2016 }}</ref> In at least one instance, a mod has been created to use this feature to teach younger players how to program within a language set by the virtual computer within a ''Minecraft'' world.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/08/learntomod/ |title=New Minecraft Mod Teaches You Code as You Play |first=Klint |last=Finley |date=18 August 2014 |accessdate=3 October 2016 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005104234/https://www.wired.com/2014/08/learntomod/ |archivedate=5 October 2016 }}</ref>

Microsoft and non-profit [[Code.org]] had teamed up to offer ''Minecraft''-based games, puzzles, and tutorials aimed to help teach children how to program; by March 2018, Microsoft and Code.org reported that more than 85 million children have used their tutorials.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/minecraft-hour-of-code | title = Minecraft has taught 85 million young people to code | first = Vic | last = Hood | date = 5 March 2018 | accessdate = 5 March 2018 | work = [[PCGamesN]] }}</ref>

In September 2014, the [[British Museum]] in London announced plans to recreate its building along with all exhibits in ''Minecraft'' in conjunction with members of the public.<ref>{{Cite web|title=British Museum to be digitally recreated in Minecraft |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29281051 |last1=Miller |first1=Joe |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=22 September 2014 |accessdate=22 September 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921232006/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29281051 |archivedate=21 September 2014 }}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|2010s|Microsoft|Sweden|Video games}}
* ''[[Minicraft]]'', a top-down video game also by Markus Persson
{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}
{{notelist}}

== References ==

{{reflist|30em}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book |first=Colin |last= Gallagher | authorlink=Colin Gallagher |date=2014 |title=Minecraft in the Classroom: Ideas, Inspiration, and Student Projects for Teachers |location=Berkeley, CA |publisher=Peachpit Press |isbn= 978-0-13-385801-3}}
* {{cite book |first=Nate |last= Garrelts | authorlink=Nate Garrelts |title=Understanding Minecraft: Essays on Play, Community and Possibilities |date=2014 |publisher=McFarland & Company |location=Jefferson, NC |isbn= 978-0-7864-7974-0}}
* {{cite book |first=Daniel |last= Goldberg | authorlink=Daniel Goldberg (writer) |date=2013 |title=Minecraft: The Unlikely Tale of Markus "Notch" Persson and the Game That Changed Everything |location=New York |publisher=Seven Stories Press |isbn= 978-1-60980-537-1 |issn=|page=|title-link= Minecraft: The Unlikely Tale of Markus "Notch" Persson and the Game That Changed Everything }}

== External links ==
{{sisterlinks|d=Q49740|s=no|n=no|b=no|q=no|species=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|v=no}}
* {{Official website}}
*[https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Minecraft_Wiki Gamepedia wiki]

{{Minecraft|state=expanded}}
{{Mojang}}
{{Xbox Game Studios}}
{{Seumas McNally Grand Prize}}

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