Microsoft's upcoming augmented reality (AR) spin on its best-selling blockbuster, Minecraft, has garnered notable attention, merging its creative sandbox with the real world. After opening up its Minecraft Earth beta to compatible iOS devices last month, it will soon be available on Android. The software maker is accepting sign-ups for the Android version.
The upcoming change will provide a chance of playing to those registered via the Minecraft Earth website. As with prior Minecraft Earth tests, developer Mojang has committed to five cities: Seattle, London, Stockholm, Tokyo, and Mexico City. While the final launch sets sights worldwide, early beta testing locks the experience down to a pool of hotspots with no plans to increase. As a result, Android tests will see similar restrictions, fixated on the same five regions.
You will need an augmented reality (AR-capable) handset running Android 7 or above. Naturally, the more modern and powerful your phone is, the better this AR game will run.
Microsoft has spent months building the new game with its Mojang development studio. Players will be able to collect materials and build giant Minecraft structures with friends. Microsoft’s goal is to cover the world in Minecraft blocks.
Microsoft is just testing out the basics right now before the game expands. There’s no date just yet as to when Minecraft Earth will debut on Android, but now that the game is listed in the Play Store probably means it should be available on devices next week. If you’re interested in playing on Android, you can sign up over on the Minecraft Earth beta site.