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Feedback Loop: 'Minecraft,' home security, iPhones and more!
Happy Sunday, and welcome to another edition of Feedback Loop! By now, you're probably sick of hearing about the Apple Watch. Thankfully, though, our community members have some great discussions for you this week. To kick things off, we're talking about the implications Microsoft's potential purchase of developer Mojang could have on the indie community favorite Minecraft. Once you're done kvetching over Microsoft's latest pursuit, let us know which apps help keep your busy life on task and whether or not you're happy with the current selection of smart lock solutions.
Report: Microsoft to announce Mojang acquisition on Monday
Fans of alliteration, try this tongue-twister on for size: "Minecraft maker Mojang to merge with Microsoft." Better hurry though, because according to reports from Reuters, the rumored acquisition will be announced Monday, September 15, giving you just a couple days to practice the M-heavy news. Reuters also suggests that Microsoft acquiring Mojang is less about the company's presence in the PC and console markets, and more about helping boost its struggling mobile sector - Windows Phone and Surface tablets. Considering that almost 40 percent of Minecraft's 54 million copies sold were for the game's Pocket Edition, it would make sense that Microsoft would want a piece of that pixelated pie. Still, with no official word from Microsoft or Mojang, we'll have to wait and see what happens come Monday. [Image: Mojang]
Bloomberg: Mojang's Notch 'unlikely' to stay on after MS buyout
If Microsoft's reported attempt to buy Mojang is successful, a Bloomberg source says founder and owner Markus "Notch" Persson is "unlikely" to stay on at the Swedish studio afterwards. According to the source, which Bloomberg notes as a person "familiar with Microsoft," the two companies are finalizing details after agreeing a framework and approximate price, which The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg believe to be in excess of $2 billion. Bloomberg's insider adds Persson will remain to help during a transition period, but will probably leave the company afterwards. Yesterday The Wall Street Journal claimed Microsoft is in talks to buy Minecraft studio Mojang, and "three people with knowledge of the talks" back that up for Bloomberg. Both Microsoft and Mojang declined to comment to Bloomberg, while a Microsoft spokesperson told Joystiq, "We don't comment on rumors or speculation." According to the reports, the deal could be finalized this week.
Report: Microsoft may buy Minecraft studio Mojang
Microsoft is in serious discussions to buy Mojang, the independent Swedish studio responsible for Minecraft, in a deal estimated at more than $2 billion, The Wall Street Journal reports. An agreement could be signed this week, the site says.
Build that city in Minecraft PS4, launching today
The ever-growing, seemingly insatiable Minecraft family welcomes PlayStation 4 today, with a stateside PSN launch locked in for "before 12PM PT" (3PM ET.) Mojang's blocky world of creativity and creepers is already out on PS4 in Europe, as of late last night. As we reported yesterday, the Xbox One launch is confirmed for tomorrow, September 5. Both the PS4 and Xbox One ports are features-wise on par with PS3/Xbox 360 editions, but the new hardware allows for worlds up to 36 times larger and greater draw distances.
Minecraft on Xbox One this week, PS4 'soon, maybe sooner' [update]
Not satisfied with mere bajillions, Minecraft starts racking up more sales this week when it launches as a downloadable on Xbox One - and perhaps PS4 too. The Xbox One release date is locked in for Friday, September 5, when 360 owners of Mojang's sandbox game will be be able to upgrade for $5/£4 - Microsoft notes the upgrade applies whether you own a disc or download copy. Otherwise, the full price version is $20/£16. While the PS4 date is unknown, Mojang's Daniel Kaplan tweeted that "Sony friends" can expect a "Minecraft surprise soon... or maybe sooner?!" That tease followed a PlayStation France tweet that claimed the PS4 version will release today, though as yet no other Sony channels have confirmed that. As soon as someone digs up a concrete release date for the PS4 version, we'll let you know. Update: The PlayStation 4 version of Minecraft appears to have launched in the EU. There's still no word on when the game will reach North America or other territories. [Image: 4J Studios]
'Minecraft' hits Xbox One this Friday and an upgrade only costs $5 (update: available for PS4 on Thursday)
Let's face facts for a minute: you're probably still playing Minecraft on your Xbox 360 more than anything on the Xbox One that's sitting under your flat-screen. That's perfectly fine! To sway you into spending more time with Microsoft's new console, however, Redmond has a clever plan in mind. When the game releases this Friday, you'll get a hefty 75 percent discount off the $20 purchase price. That's right, Minecraft: Xbox One Edition could cost you as little as $5. You simply need to own and have played the previous version and have it tied to your Xbox Live account, according to Xbox Wire. Pretty rad, yeah? Just when you'd finally recovered from the news that importing saved worlds from the previous hardware was a thing, boom, this hits like a creeper in the night. It's a bit later than earlier promised, sure, but unlike the PlayStation 4 and PS Vita versions, at least there's a firm date in sight. Lady geeks and gentlenerds, ready your pick-axes. Update: Well, Microsoft may have announced it first but Sony fans will get current-gen Minecraft sooner. A post on the PS Blog notes that the game will hit the PlayStation Store this Thursday "before 12 p.m. Pacific," and that PlayStation owners will get the same $5 upgrade deal as those purchasing on Xbox One. Should you be purchasing the game from the EU PlayStation Store, you don't have to wait at all -- it's available to download right now.
No Minecon 2014, Mojang 'shooting' for spring 2015
Minecon will miss its annual appearance this year, Mojang COO Vu Bui announced on the company blog. Instead of crafting a 2014 iteration of its Minecraft-themed convention, the next Minecon will be tentatively be held in 2015. "While we don't have a set date for the next MINECON just yet, I wanted to let everyone know that it won't be until some time in 2015. I'm shooting to have it in the spring in London," Bui wrote before cautioning that even this plan isn't set in stone. "We always announce as soon as we confirm with the venue and have a signed contract, but never before, because we want to make sure we can follow through with the event and we never want people to start planning to attend something that might not happen." Oh well. More time to stock up on those crafting supplies! [Image: Mojang]
Minecraft PS4 fails certification as August creeps to a close
It's looking unlikely Minecraft will meets its August release window on PS4 after it failed Sony's certification tests. So it's back to the fixing board for 4J Studios, and the team will have to re-submit the game for certification before it can be released. 4J's been busy fixing issues and squishing bugs throughout the month, and not just in the PS4 version but in the upcoming Xbox One and Vita releases too. We've reached out to the studio to confirm a delay, and whether that'll affect just the PS4 version or other platforms too. All three ports are currently due for release this month.
Minecraft enters final testing before PlayStation 4 debut
Sharpen your pickaxes and keep an eye out for Creepers as the smash-hit building/exploration sandbox Minecraft is inching ever closer to its PlayStation 4 launch, according to a tweet from developer 4J Studios. "We've handed Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition over to Sony for final test!" reads the brief message issued alongside the image you see above. As we reported a month ago, Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition brings with it a number of unique features including optional support for the DualShock 4 touchpad, save game transfers from both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and "a bunch of Sony-specific DLC coming soon after release." Once Minecraft is available on the PlayStation 4, those who own the game on PS3 will be able to upgrade to the game's new generation iteration for $5. Developer 4J Studios has yet to reveal a release date (or even a vague window) for the game's launch, but barring any catastrophes during testing we expect more information soon. [Image: 4J Studios]
What you need to know about 'Minecraft'
Chances are that if you don't play Minecraft yourself, you've probably at least heard of it or know someone who does. The charming indie game has invaded nearly every facet of pop culture, casting its blocky spell on everything from Legos to feature films and has even been used for tourism. With over 54 million copies sold, Sweden-based developer Mojang made $128 million last year largely thanks to Minecraft and has become one of the most successful game studios in the world. But what actually is Minecraft? We're glad you asked!
Just breathe, Star Wars: A New Hope in Minecraft is coming
An enterprising Star Wars fan is giving other devotees of Lucas' universe a new hope; a new, low-resolution, super-blocky hope. "Paradise Decay" is recreating Star Wars: Episode IV inside of Minecraft, using only custom textures and art - no special mods. The project, which has been in development for more than three years, is nearing completion. The new "Breath" trailer, seen above, will "probably" be the last preview we get before Paradise Decay releases the full movie in 2015, according to the YouTube description. Even though the fan film will be free to view when it's *Emperor Palpatine voice* complete ... you'll still need a DVD version of the original movie for sound. Then, young Padawan, you will be ready. [Image: Mojang/Paradise Decay]
Minecraft Pocket Edition goes to infinity and beyond on July 10
The 0.9.0 update for Minecraft Pocket Edition is just around the corner, and Mojang says that when it arrives on July 10, it will be the game's biggest update yet. We suppose that's true, as the update adds infinite worlds, and it's impossible to go beyond infinity - unless you're arguing with your 10-year-old cousin and they pull out the dreaded "infinity plus one" comeback. The update also adds new landscape features and mobs, as well as a new interaction button. As the update page reads: "Never accidentally punch a sheep again!" Ah, accidentally punching sheep. Now there's a problem we can all relate to. [Image: Mojang]
Minecraft reaching 54 million sold, console editions pass PC
Popular blocky sandbox game Minecraft is closing in on 54 million copies sold across all platforms, says Mojang's Patrick Geuder, who also added via Twitter that the console (Xbox 360 and PS3) versions of the game have now surpassed sales of the PC and Mac versions. The game will arrive on Xbox One, PS4 and Vita in August, the latter being Cross-Buy compatible, free for those with the PS3 version. Xbox One and PS4 owners that have the game on Xbox 360 or PS3 will be able to download the new-gen versions for $5. Players' first moments with Minecraft came in May 2009 when the alpha version was made available, over two years prior to its full release in November 2011. Mojang and creator Markus "Notch" Persson have celebrated many sales milestones since then, recently noting that 15 million copies of the PC version were sold as of April. In the same month, the Xbox 360 version reached 12 million sold, whereas the Pocket Edition for iOS and Android achieved the 21 million mark. [Image: Mojang]
Super Time Force characters invade Minecraft Xbox 360
Likely due to some paradoxical shenanigans in the time stream, the cast of Super Time Force will appear in the Xbox 360 incarnation of Minecraft with the release of Skin Pack 6. Though Skin Pack 6 has yet to receive an official release date, once it debuts, players will find six Super Time Force characters among a host of other familiar faces from notable games such as Killer Instinct, Mirror's Edge and Trials Fusion. Despite stiff competition, the Super Time Force characters are easily the most creative, if only for the inclusion of Zackasaurus, a dinosaur who eschews the terrifying majesty typical of his species in favor of laid back sunglasses and a Hawaiian shirt. If you'd rather not wait to meet the Super Time Force cast, you can pick up a copy of the 2D shooter on either Xbox 360 or Xbox One right now. Our largely positive review awarded the game 3.5 of 5 stars, while stating that "[f]or some players, erecting a perfect assault on Super Time Force's stages will be an ecstatic pastime." [Image: 4J Studios]
New Minecraft EULA exceptions drafted to clarify monetization
The fact that Minecraft users can run their own servers has always been a bit of a double-edged sword - a blocky, low-res sword yes, but one sharp on both sides nonetheless. Players can do just about anything they want on these servers, which is great, but these players also sometimes end up breaking terms of the game's EULA, which gets developer Mojang in trouble. "Some privately run Minecraft servers do charge for in-game items, for xp boosts, for access to certain game modes. Some of them even charge quite a lot," Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson wrote in a new blog post yesterday. "I don't even know how many emails we've gotten from parents, asking for their hundred dollars back their kid spent on an item pack on a server we have no control over." To help protect from such accusations in the future, Mojang has created new rules regarding monetization. The rules have been detailed on Mojang's site, but what it boils down to is fewer restrictions on creating and selling in-game items and other monetized goods. Just make sure to communicate with your customers that you aren't Mojang, don't sell items that impact gameplay, and don't charge real-world money for in-game money. Oh, and one last thing, a request straight from Persson: "Herobrine is not real please stop asking." [Image: Mojang]
Minecraft on PS4 supports touchpad, will be followed by Sony-specific DLC
Minecraft won't finish a bridge to PS4, Vita and Xbox One until August, but a PlayStation Blog update lends a few more details about what we can expect from the port to Sony's latest home console. We were previously told that world sizes would be "a lot bigger" on newer consoles, but this update offers specifics: you'll have 36 times the space for flagship construction sites on the PS4 than you did on the PS3. You can consider the DualShock 4's touchpad as a new tool in your inventory as well, since 4J Studios is implementing optional support for its use with crafting or menu navigation. The PS4 version will offer eight-player online play, with a single PS4 being capable of hosting up to four players via splitscreen. Minecraft's PS4 debut will also be followed by "a bunch of Sony-specific DLC coming soon after release." As a reminder, saves will be transferable from the PS3 and Xbox 360, so you can keep flexing your creative architectural muscles without worrying about starting over. When the PS4 and Xbox One builds arrive in August, you'll be able to upgrade from digital versions for $4.99. Alternatively, PlayStation users can stick with the PS3 and get access to the Vita version for free. Mojang would like to offer discounts to those spinning disc-based versions of Minecraft as well, but since the post notes that that's "proving a bit trickier to set up," we'll have to wait for more info to see whether that's possible. [Image: Mojang]
Goat Simulator sees Minecraft makeover in 1.1 patch
Among the additions coming to Goat Simulator in its imminent 1.1 patch is a new aesthetic option modeled after the Cubist paradise that is Minecraft. Having noticed our borderline-obsessive fixation on Goat Simulator, designer Armin Ibrisagic sent over the handful of screenshots found in the below gallery. "Now you'll be able to play the world's most popular game inside the world's best game," Ibrisagic said, offering no further explanation. As we mentioned, the 1.1 patch is now slated to hit Goat Simulator on June 3. Alongside this new Minecraft-style aesthetic option, it will bring with it splitscreen multiplayer, goat parkour and a handful of new goats. We still have no idea what the "Shopping Goat" might be, though we expect more information once the patch debuts. [Image: Coffee Stain Studios]
'Minecraft' arrives on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 this August
Look, playing Minecraft on a console is really great. It's basically the same delightful/terrifying experience from PC, albeit in the comfort of your living room. What's not to like? Well, on last-gen consoles, there was at least one unfortunate side effect of the platform: the procedurally generated world of Minecraft was significantly smaller than what could be done on PC. With Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions arriving this August, that changes. As development studio Mojang puts it, "It brings significantly bigger worlds and a greater draw distance than Xbox 360 Edition." Hot dog!
Minecraft hits PS4, Vita, Xbox One in August
The Xbox One, PS4 and Vita versions of Minecraft are due to launch in August for $20, Mojang announced today. On Xbox One and PS4, the game is $5 for those who already own Minecraft on Xbox 360 or PS3. The Vita edition is a Cross-Buy title, meaning if you already own Minecraft on PS3, you get it on Vita for free. All PS3 DLC will work with the Vita version, though not all skins and texture packs will work on PS4 or Xbox One versions, due to licensing deals. Minecraft: Xbox One and PS4 editions include bigger worlds than current-gen versions, and they both allow users to import save data from Xbox 360 and PS3 + Vita games, respectively. However, saves don't transfer from next-gen to current-gen systems. "There are technical reasons for this; we can make worlds bigger without too much stress, but shrinking them causes all kinds of problems," Mojang says. The $5 upgrade program will be live for at least a year after the August launches. [Image: Mojang]
