Hello!

We have exciting news to share! A whole new version of Minecraft is on its way. This time, it’s for Windows 10 – Microsoft’s new swanky operating system that’s due for release on July 29th.

We’re calling it Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta.

Just like the first release of Minecraft all those years ago, this version will develop and evolve over time with the help of your feedback. That’s why it has “Beta” in the title – because it’s not quite finished, and will become even more fun over time. Just like the other versions of Minecraft, all future updates will be free. We spoil you. We really do.

If you’re one of the 20 million(!) players who have the PC edition of Minecraft (referred to by techy people as the Java version) you’ll be able to download Windows 10 Edition Beta from the Windows 10 store for free. Other players can get it for the paltry price of $10 during the beta period (the length of which is still being decided).

Minecraft is available on Windows, Mac, Windows Phone, iOS, Android, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4 and PS Vita, and now, Windows 10. Not every version of Minecraft is exactly the same, but they all feature two distinct game modes – Creative and Survival – that cater to different types of players. All versions of Minecraft support multiplayer.

In Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta, you’ll recognize some Pocket Edition features, along with potpourri of cool extras. Here are some highlights:

● Craft, create, and explore online with up to seven friends playing Windows 10 Edition Beta, through local multiplayer or with your Xbox Live friends online.

● Play online and local multiplayer with other Pocket Edition players thanks to a free update, due to arrive soon after launch.

● Support for multiple inputs – switch between controller, touch, and keyboard controls with little to no effort

● Record and share gameplay highlights with built-in GameDVR.

● Help shape the future of Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta with built-in player feedback mechanisms

● Chickens, zombies, pigs, boats, armed skeletons, potatoes, zombies, baby squids, enchantment tables, villagers, naked sheep, iron golems, potions, ghasts, pickaxes, carrots, and all the weird and wonderful goodness you’ve come to expect from Minecraft

We hope you’re as excited as us for Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta. It’s gonna be cool! Thanks for reading!

Owen

*Oh, and while we’re here, don’t forget to read the easy-to-understand legalese down there…

The “Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition” beta will be available for download in the Windows 10 Store beginning July 29. Players who already have the PC edition of “Minecraft” will be able to download the Windows 10 beta version free. Others can download “Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition” at a discounted price of $10 throughout the beta period. Players who download “Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition” during the beta phase will still have the game when it comes out of beta, and receive all future updates to the game at no additional cost.