Not too long ago, Microsoft demoed an AR-based Minecraft game for mobile devices. And on the 10th anniversary of the iconic game, Microsoft is announcing the future for Minecraft: a new game that takes Minecraft to the real world.

The new AR-based game is simply called Minecraft Earth, and it will be available on iPhones and Android devices later this summer, starting with a closed beta. The free-to-play game will allow Minecraft players to bring the Minecraft universe into their own world. Much like Pokemon Go, you will be able to go around your neighbourhood and collect things from the Minecraft world, that includes things like animals, mobs, and more.

You will then be able to use those to create your own worlds using “build plates” that let you create miniature versions of your world, and then expand them into a life-size creation. The best thing about the game, however, is the ability to play with your friends in real-time. That means when you are working on your creation, your friends will be able to join you from their phones, and help you with your creation at the same time, at the same place. It kinds of brings the idea of online gaming face-to-face.

Minecraft Earth could be a huge hit if Pokemon Go is anything to go by. Believe it or not, Minecraft is still popular amongst kids, and by bringing the game to the actual world makes it a lot more promising, especially if you don’t want your kids to be stuck in their rooms playing games on their phone all day.

Here is the trailer for the game:

Microsoft isn’t releasing the game just yet so you will have to wait till late summer for the closed beta. The rollout will likely be slow, and we aren’t quite sure how long the beta period will last.

Tagged with Minecraft, Minecraft Earth