'Minecraft' design overhaul has been axed

Mojang/Microsoft

Minecraft won't stick with its look forever, but it looks like it's going to take some time before it gets an overhaul. Mojang just announced that it won't release the Super Duper Graphics Pack visual redesign. After two years of delays, the developer decided that it was "too technically demanding" to implement. And the company wasn't "happy" with the upgrade's performance across platforms. Instead of providing inconsistent quality across platforms, Mojang decided to just shut down the project.

The promise was to enable 4K on the Xbox One X as well as introduce more sophisticated visuals effects for areas like the atmosphere, highlights, and water. It doesn't mean that Minecraft won't get a redesign, though. Mojang is still "looking into other ways" to give Minecraft a new look. And that it has news on optimizing the constructive games on different platforms "very soon."

Source: Engadget

‘Minecraft’ celebrates 10th-year anniversary with AR game ‘Minecraft Earth’

Minecraft is celebrating its 10th year in existence. To commemorate that, its creators launched its first augmented reality mobile game, Minecraft Earth. This free-to-play game is available on both iOS and Android. With the use of Microsoft technology like Azure Spatial Anchors tracking and PlayFab integration, this brings the Minecraft game to life—at least in an AR space.

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Summer Fun: 6 Xbox Games For Kids

By Sonya Davidson

Summer is here and even with the best laid plans – camps, playdates, excursions and of course plenty of fresh air outdoors – there will be times when we just need some quiet time. Of course, we all want to balance their screen time. Take your pick - movie? video games? favourite TV show? 

We’ve always been interested in understanding what games they were interested in and vetted them before jumping in. I can tell you the most fun for them were games that were traditional challenge games of skill and adventure games. Navigating through mazes, exploring different environments, uncovering hidden treasures earning rewards were always a hit. There are a number of games that are suitable for kids and can be played through the Xbox One console that is perfect for families.

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Nintendo and Microsoft play nice in new ‘Minecraft’ cross-play trailer, leaves Sony out of it

The words “Survive Together” appear alongside the logos of Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo Switch in a new trailer promoting cross-platform play for Minecraft on the two consoles. It seems jarring at first but a rather fitting image of how playing nice works not just for the manufacturers and developers but for the gamers, too. The trailer shows two players using their respective consoles to play Minecraft. And Sony’s refusal to be part of this collaboration is highlighted even more. 

Sony continues to keep everything close to its own chest. According to Polygon, one former Sony executive said the company’s refusal to allow cross-platform gaming comes down to not wanting items bought on other platforms to be used on the PlayStation 4. And if they continue down this path, they run the risk of being left behind by competition. Here’s to hoping they change their minds in the future.