Gaming News

Treasure hunters, rejoice! Update 1.11, aka the Exploration Update, has now made the treacherous journey from snapshot to full release. Our intrepid developers have scaled mighty crags of code, ventured into untamed pre-release territory and battled bugs to bring you wondrous gaming goodies!Some of these goodies may help you on your own journeys, too. 1.11 introduces the Cartographer, a new type of Villager who will exchange your spare emeralds for a map, marking the spot of certain treasure caches. But these locations won’t give up their bounty so easily! Some maps may point you to mysterious Ocean Monuments, patrolled by spiny Guardians, others to Woodland Mansions - a new location, inhabited by the Villagers’ creepy cousins: the...

There comes a time in every Minecraft edition’s life when they evolve from being a mere percentage into a fully fledged number. For Pocket Edition and Windows 10 that time is almost here. 1.0 - The Ender Update is coming!We didn’t pick that number for the lols. Our next update is packed with features but most significant is probably The End and its iconic inhabitant - The Ender Dragon. Though you can carry on playing after defeating the misunderstood beast, for many, taking it down is the ultimate goal in Minecraft. Something to aim for and achieve after hours of play. A tangible end-game for Survival players.Of course, we’ll continue to update Pocket Edition and the Windows 10 Edition beta after this update. There’s plenty more to...

We have reached a point for Minecraft 1.11 where we feel ready to level up our snapshots to pre-release status! The observer, llamas, and exploration maps will soon hit all vanilla servers across the world, and here’s your last chance to give it a test run before it does so.Unless we encounter unexpected issues of grandiose seriousness, the target release date is November 14!Notable changes:Included one frowny oneBugs fixed in 1.11-pre1:[Bug MC-67665] - Mouse click position always lags a few frames behind the crosshair [Bug MC-101457] - JSON signs with the “score” tag don’t work. [Bug MC-103399] - /debug command create empty files [Bug MC-107581] - Animation of totem is affected by “fixed” display setting rotation (and is...

Hey!Exciting news ahead!We’ve teamed up with a bunch of our developer buddies to create games and raise money for charity. The games will be available to download from Humble Bundle’s snazzy website in exchange for a donation of your choosing. It starts at 3pm today and ends at 12pm CET on Thursday.The Blockjam will include a few groups of Mojang developers, a chap from Microsoft based in Seattle, Grapefrukt, Ludosity and the wonderboys from Oxeye Game Studio. We’re even putting on an official Mojang livestream that’ll be hosted by three of the greatest Minecraft youTubers of all time - cat-shaped man with the insane chuckle, Stampy; cheery lover of dog art, StacyPlays; and the infectiously enthusiastic and difficult to spell...

Hello everybody!We’ve rolled out an update called 0.16.1 for all you Pocket and Win 10 players of Minecraft. Please go to your favourite app store to download the update. It fixes quite some bugs and will make your gaming experience smoother.Changelog below!Tweaks:Fixed spacing so there’s now enough room for some longer localized text. Performance improvements.Bug fixes:Fixed a crash caused by some splash potions generated through slash commands. You can now delete a world & save a resource pack if the path has UTF-8 characters. Fixed updating player inventory slots. Fixed Realm crash when placing an item frame. Fixed game crash when renaming a map. Creepers explode when attacked by snow golems now. Fixed inventory slots...

Surprise! If you’re a Realms subscriber on the PC edition of Minecraft, you’ve got some new content today. Releasing a bunch of Halloween experiences last week caused some build-up in the launch tubes, and so we already have four snazzy, new maps for you to dig into.Let’s get started!A Giant Quest by Team WoolooWhen a dragon shows up to extort your village for gold, there’s only one thing you can do: get huge and wreck everything! A Giant Quest is a short single-player adventure that plays with your sense of scale in some surprising ways, then afterward, allows you to create your own village in that same world.Bear Buds by Mithey and BluelovingContinuing Mithey’s trend of animal-related maps, we’ve got Bear Buds! You’re a...

Zis is ze nouveau snapsot !An zis snapsot inclutz…Notable changes:You might observer changes.Bugs fixed in 16w44a:[Bug MC-2334] - Sneaking on shorter than full blocks (chests, enchantment table…) will make you fall nonetheless [Bug MC-36360] - No player sound when “Friendly Creatures” are turned off [Bug MC-73494] - Translation for white wool and white carpet is incorrect (US) [Bug MC-86818] - Lingering and Splash Potions show invalid name in statistics [Bug MC-87364] - Missing error message for failed scoreboard players tag [Bug MC-87989] - Wrong line when casting fishing rod in third person view [Bug MC-89174] - /enchant with any invalid ID displays message “There is no such enchantment with ID 0” [Bug MC-92105] - Splash...

Ghosts and ghoulies, zombies and freaks - Halloween is the night that they shudder from the shadows to work mischief upon the living! Our own Twitch channel was possessed by numerous sinister spooklets for a two-hour long livestream, summoned forth by the utterance of such ancient and terrible names as Marc, Jason, Helen and Mike.After performing the dark and diabolical rites to get the microphone working, they proceeded to play through a special House of Horrors map, haunted by creepy custom mobs - all made using Add-Ons!Watch the team encounter these ghastly and grim creations on our Twitch channel or download the map and Add-Ons for yourself! Get everything you need right here. Just click the import button in-game (next to Create...

Hey!It’s been a long time coming! We announced it, created an Early Access version, and now… Minecraft: Education Edition has officially launched!Oh, and don’t worry if you don’t understand these words because Minecraft: Education Edition is available in 11 languages and a whopping 50 countries!Minecraft: Education Edition includes all kinds of cool features that make it fun and easy for educators to create and teach lessons through Minecraft. There’s even a dedicated Classroom Mode companion app that displays a map view, world management settings and more.Just like all the editions of Minecraft, Education Edition will be updated regularly and improved on by a talented community of creators. Only this time, those creators are...

With Halloween just around the corner, we asked community mapmakers if they were working on anything particularly Halloween-ish, and they replied with a resounding, “Yes!” This is the biggest Realms map release so far, with seven total upcoming experiences. Read on to find out more about each map!Herobrine’s Mansion by Hypixel and XiantisOriginally published three years ago, Herobrine’s Mansion was one of the first adventure maps to make extensive use of command blocks. Players face off against the devious Herobrine, but you can only reach him once you defeat his minions. Now, with some updated mechanics and a fresh coat of paint, this faithful recreation of Herobrine’s Mansion is ready for you and your friends!The Dornenstein...

Snapshot time! Bugs bugs and more bugs, all fixed!And this snapshot includes…Notable changes: Fishing has recieved a major overhaul! Vexes can now follow you between dimensions and move in water Broken tools will remain brokenBugs fixed in 16w43a:[Bug MC-1040] - Tools with unbreaking enchantment break, disappear from slot then reappear [Bug MC-2920] - Wrong Fishing Line Calculation [Bug MC-6579] - Fishing line does not follow rod when Fov is changed [Bug MC-11877] - Fishing bobber floats a block above water [Bug MC-47508] - Ridden entities disappear on relogin [Bug MC-55851] - Leads not rendering when spawned (attached to mob/fencepost) via command block/structure block [Bug MC-79996] - Blocks like crops and...

Yeah, I know: Halloweek isn’t actually a word. But hopefully this horrifying misuse of language is unsettling enough to get you in the mood for a week of creepy fun!We’re kicking things off with the launch of the Spooky Bundle for Console Edition today: no tricks here, just three seasonal treats all rolled into one - the Halloween Mash-up, the Halloween Battle Map and the Campfire Tales Skin Pack. Check out the chilling trailer above and witness a trio of grisly delights, guaranteed to haunt your dreams FOREVER*!*maybeThe Halloween Mash-Up features a custom-built world for you to haunt, replete with a uniquely terrifying texture pack. You can get into the spirit of things by donning one of our Campfire Tales skins: from...

The mighty 0.16 update has landed on Pocket and Windows 10 (read all about it here!) bringing with it our first implementation of Add-Ons! They’re a new way for you to customise your Minecraft world, allowing you to poke around in the guts of the game and tweak the way mobs look and behave.Want to create an army of chicken-riding, explosive witches? Who doesn’t? And now you can.But… But how?!Luckily we have smart dudes Jason Major and Jared Greiner on hand to show you the ropes, or, more accurately, the json files. They sat down to play through the Alien Invasion Add-On we teased at E3 earlier this year, to show you some of the cool things you can do by messing about with mobs:And, for those who want to have a crack at making...

Wet sponges - I’ve recently discovered that babies like to suck on them, which is kinda gross to be honest. But let’s not worry about that for now. Minecraft: Pocket Edition and the Windows 10 Edition beta are being updated to 0.16 today, bringing loads of new features, most of which are not in the slightest bit soggy.First: Add-Ons. These are kind of a big deal. Add-Ons allow anyone to change the way a Minecraft world works. You could, for example, change chickens’ behavior so you can ride them or make creepers even more explodey than they already are. You could take all of your memories, program them into a villager, then study its behaviour to help determine what you should do next with your life. Not sure about that actually, but...

Snapshot time! Bug fixes galore!And this snapshot includes…Notable changes: The witches have been grounded Vexes are now a bit more evil At least one crash fix - yay!Bugs fixed in 16w42a:[Bug MC-46345] - Maps stop updating after going through nether portal / Map update packets ignored by client [Bug MC-88089] - Two players going down a ladder at the same time makes them stuck or go up [Bug MC-95735] - (Splash) harming and healing potion still applys effect even if it’s specified not to. [Bug MC-97692] - Boat riding on an entity riding on an entity [Bug MC-99763] - help command not suggesting tab completion when executed from other entity [Bug MC-100260] - Explosion impulse on non-living entities is not attenuated...

Brave Adventurers!This week, we have FOUR new maps for you. They’ll let you soar across ancient ruins, saddle up sturdy panda steeds, clamber through the jungle canopy and ponder brain-bending puzzles. Mildly interested? We can work with that.Our first addition is a great Capture the Flag game where you use elytra wings to fly into your enemy’s base. Let’s get into it!Valley of the Kings by The Broken ButtonsThe Archaeologists have dug to deep and too greedily, awaking a force of Ancient Egyptians from their supernatural slumber! Now these eternal enemies do battle, seeking to steal each other’s flags. You know, for reasons. Join one of the two teams, and make your way across this gorgeous Egyptian-themed canyon to nab your...

It’s time for a new snapshot, and this one includes a lot of bugfixes!And this snapshot includes…Notable changes: A number of Observer block fixes Two+ crash fixes The ascii rabbit was removed from the code, but fortunately added again Damaged items are now more bright Nothing wrong with pistons anymore ever. -GrummBugs fixed in 16w41a:[Bug MC-2912] - Creative Mode Hotbar Glitch when using Number Key to exchange items slots [Bug MC-11416] - Dispenser / Dropper / Piston / Command block placing is not consistent [Bug MC-59303] - When placed next to a cactus, the head of bed remains same [Bug MC-70806] - Blocks with a data value > 0 have missing texture in superflat customization [Bug MC-80692] - WitherBoss...

MediCom Toy Inc have been making supercool BE@RBRICK figurines since 2001 and it’s a great honour to be able to collaborate with them on this limited edition 28cm-tall creeper model. Other featured designs have been by the likes of H R Giger and Vivienne Westwood, so we’re in some very fancy company!You can pre-order yours now right here - but you only have until Oct 10 to do so! The models will then be shipped out in January.That’s all!Cheerio!Marsh - @marshdaviesContinue reading...

It’s time for a charming bug fix snapshot!And this snapshot includes…Notable changes: Fixed bugs introduced in the previous snapshot Added bugs to fix in next snapshotBugs fixed in 16w40a:[Bug MC-3352] - Arrows fired into a repeater / comparator / jukebox / command block / hopper / daylight sensor that is updating will play the arrow hitting a block noise [Bug MC-4132] - Piston placement issue past 16777217 [Bug MC-67665] - Mouse click position always lags a few frames behind the crosshair [Bug MC-89030] - Pistons warp entities too much (Pistons pull entities in/through blocks) [Bug MC-98093] - Distorted Pistons [Bug MC-106706] - Renamed brewing stand does not drop after being placed [Bug MC-106765] - Silverfish not...

Hear ye! Hear ye! Today we’re releasing Exploded Builds: Medieval Fortress - a new book that teaches you how to put together your own medieval kingdom piece by (possibly plague-ridden) piece.If you’re a history nerd like me, it’s an absolute delight, jam-packed with both Minecraft and medieval facts, and full of gorgeous rendered diagrams demonstrating how each bit of your mighty castle plugs together. It has ramparts, dungeons, everything in between and a good deal outside too, from Ye Olde taverns to bustling market squares. It’s not just about antique architectural artistry either: the book includes detailed explanations of redstone engineering, helping you to construct elaborate trap rooms, a switch-activated portcullis...

Hello! The 0.15.10 update for Pocket and Windows 10 Edition slunk out during the dark hours of the night, bringing with it the chilling Campfire Tales skin pack and squishing a fair few bugs.We’ve been having a few issues distributing the special MINECON skins and associated capes. They are meant to be free, but some users have been asked for money while trying to obtain them through the Google Play store. If you do get prompted for a fee, use the code MINECON2016, and it should let you have them for the correct price of zero money.Android users who want the skins should do this as soon as possible - the skins won’t be available for much longer!Anyway, on to the log:New Features:Campfire Tales skin pack!Tweaks:Fixed...

Halloween is almost upon us! The land falls into shadow. The moon is but a sallow, spiteful eye, glowering through black clouds. Ancient things - forgotten things - begin to stir in the lonely places of the earth. A sickly fog rasps through the streets. Lock the doors! Shutter the windows! Huddle round the fire. It’s time to swap stories of the strange, the sinister and the supernatural!Scared out of your skin? Luckily for you, the Campfire Tales skin pack comes with 16 more! It crept from the shadows and onto Pocket / Win 10 Edition during the night.Each skin is exceptionally spooky. If you’ve been following our Twitter feed, you may have spotted some of the twisted tales behind them - the jealous Headless Haunter, the vengeful...

It’s here! Rolling out across consoles today and tomorrow: an update that brings polar bears young and old, customisable banners, beetroots and related restorative soups, new blocks, buildings and more.The update will hit Xbox consoles first today, along with Wii U in the US, and then follow along with other consoles tomorrow.You’ll be able to take shelter from the harsh weather of Arctic Biomes in new igloos, and delve beneath the earth for primordial treasures in the shape of giant fossils made of Bone Blocks.Other new blocks include: End Bricks, Grass Path, Frosted Ice, Magma, Nether Wart Block and Red Nether Brick. And that ain’t all: the update also signals the availability of the sumptuous Chinese Mash Up Pack. It’s...

Seven years and counting, Minecraft is still growing and expanding. We thought it is about time we add something to guide you through the vastness of the endless overworlds. Introducing the Exploration Update!Among your villager friends, you will now find the Cartographer residing in the library. Spend your hard-earned emeralds to obtain maps leading you to adventurous locations such as the Ocean Monument and the new Woodland Mansion.This procedurally generated dungeon is the home of the villager’s outcast cousins, the Illagers. This insidious and spooky crowd will not tolerate any trespassers in their home, so you should expect a fight when you venture there for the mansion’s treasure.The Exploration Update also brings the...

Grand development wizard Jens has unveiled a slew of awesome new things coming in the next update of PC / Mac edition - dubbed “The Exploration Update”. And with good reason, as you shall find out.The update introduces the Illagers - a new bunch of mobs who inhabit Woodland Mansions. They’re a mean lot who attack intruders with deadly magic and summon mischievous flying imps called Vexes.True to the update’s name, you can now buy maps from village Cartographers which will lead you to Ocean Monuments and Woodland Mansions. There be treasure!You will also be able to manage your bloated inventory with Shulker Boxes - special chests that retain their contents even when knocked down.And let’s not forget the fluffiest of 1.11’s...

What a couple of days! There’ve been celebs, surprise reveals, intense tournaments, amazing costumes, talks by clever-clogs, manic panel shows, comedians and more. Best of all, there’s been you: the coolest, smartest and friendliest gaming community on Earth. We love you, and it was great meeting so many of you! The Mojang team are happily exhausted - how about you lot?Here are just a few of the cool things that happened…We announced a novel!Written by mega-author Max Brooks, no less. He’s a big fan of Minecraft, and we’re a big fan of him. What a match! Read more about it here.We launched a site all about Add-Ons!Add-Ons are the first step on our journey towards bringing even greater levels of customisation to all...

There are loads of good things on their way to Console Edition this fall. The Chinese Mythology Mash-Up pack arrives, bringing with it an exquisitely crafted world inspired by the myths of the far East: there are ancient cities to explore, gargantuan sculptures to gawp at and cherry blossom aplenty. Beware, though - there’s a reason they call this the land of dragons! There are also 41 new skins and 13 themed music tracks for you to use in your own worlds. Plus: it comes with a special map for the Battle Mini Game we released in June!It’s completely, ridiculously gorgeous, too. Just look!Also coming to Console Edition as a free update:Polar bears and their adorable offspring are to be found wandering frozen biomes...

Holy moly! Those busy bees at Oxeye Studios have been rebuilding their amazing robot-blastin’ game, Cobalt, improving the engine and redesigning the controls to accommodate mouse-aim and WASD. That would be enough by itself, but they’ve also repurposed Cobalt’s core to create a massive, new, competitive team-based bomb-defusal game using new and improved modding tools - that will be available to all to use. Ooh!The new gametype is a sort of side-scrolling Counter-Strike with somersaulting robots and it’s really, really good. They plan to release the whole lot on Steam in one sumptuous package. PC FTW!“It’s awesome!” is the official quote from Oxeye Studios’ exceptionally handsome Pontus Hammarberg, and he’s not wrong.Whet your...

Not only does the Boss Update for Pocket and Windows 10 bring some much awaited mobs - the Elder Guardian can now be found in the sprawling, mysterious Ocean Monuments, and the Wither appears in revamped fighting form - there are loads of big technical tweaks besides. It’s boss in every sense!The biggest news is that this update will see the first implementation of Add-Ons. You’ll hear even more about Add-Ons tomorrow if you tune into Searge and Jason Major’s talk at 3.30pm PST, but here’s the low-down: Add-Ons are the first step on our journey towards bringing even greater levels of customisation to all editions of Minecraft - starting with Pocket and Windows 10.They let you remix mobs, switching out the models, textures and...

Yes, that’s Max Brooks, the author of amazing future-history zombie yarn World War Z. He’s writing a Minecraft novel, titled “Minecraft: The Island”. I’ve peeked at an early draft and it’s entirely amazing, just as we knew it would be. Think cuboid Robinson Crusoe, but madder: a hero stranded in an unfamiliar land, with unfamiliar rules, learning to survive against tremendous odds.We’re all huge fans of Max’s work in books and comics - The Harlem Hellfighters and The Extinction Parade are personal favourites - and his enthusiasm for Minecraft is truly inspiring.Here are some official quotes from important people!“I’m very excited to be part of this new venture,” said Max Brooks. “Finally I can justify all those hours I’ve spent...