Heads up, Minecraft fans: a major update is coming soon.
At E3, the Minecraft team announced the Better Together Update, which will bring the console, mobile, and Windows 10 versions of the game together under a single edition, meaning you can play with those on other platforms for the first time. Minecraft is also getting in-game multiplayer servers and new graphics.
"We've wanted to integrate cross-platform for ages, essentially making a version of Minecraft that's consistent no matter what device you're choosing to play on," Tom Stone, creative communications assistant at Minecraft developer Mojang AB, wrote in a blog post.
Going forward, the Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, mobile, and VR versions of the game will all be known as simply Minecraft. That version is separate from the original PC game, Minecraft Java Edition, which the team will continue to support, Stone wrote.
"When you buy 'Minecraft', you're buying a game that can you can play with friends across devices," he added. "Anyone playing the game on Windows 10, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and VR devices will be able to play online together." Plus, any DLC you purchase will be accessible across devices at no extra charge.
Support for cross-platform play is slated to roll out this summer as a free update to the mobile and VR versions of Minecraft. If you own Minecraft for Xbox One or Nintendo Switch, you'll get a new version for free — and rest assured that your existing world and DLC will be available there.
Meanwhile, all platforms receiving the Better Together Update will get a browser in the start menu that lets you search a list of multiplayer servers you can join. The feature will initially launch with four servers — Lifeboat, Mineplex, InPVP, and CubeCraft, but Stone said more will follow. There will be parental controls so mom and dad can decide what their kid can access.
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Finally, a free update slated to drop this fall will elevate the game's graphics.
"Minecraft will get 4K HDR graphics which include improved lighting, shadows, water effects... basically, it'll be like giving your eyes a luxury massage," Stone explained. These new and improved graphics will be available on every platform getting the Better Together update.
A separate DLC, called the Super Duper Graphics Pack, will take things even further, offering "dynamic shadows, lighting that streams through fog, movement in leaves and grass, new textures for mobs and villagers, directional lighting, edge highlighting and more!" Stone wrote. He added that these improved graphics are totally optional — if you like the original look of the game, you can keep it.