Microsoft and Code.org celebrate Computer Science Education Week with free ‘Minecraft’-based coding tutorial

Microsoft and Code.org are at it again this year with Minecraft Hour of Code Designer, a coding tutorial for students and educators. The two organizations partnered yet again for this entry for Hour of Code, an annual global campaign held during Computer Science Education Week from December 5 to 11. The web-based tutorial allows beginner coders to create and share their own simple Minecraft game, which at the same time is teaching them the needed critical thinking and problem-solving skills for working in this modern age.

The tutorial is available in 10 languages and is scheduled to be available in 50 languages by December 5. It’s designed for ages 6 and up and features Code.org’s drag-and-drop coding interface to teach computer science concepts like object-oriented programming, event handlers, and repeat loops. There will be a series of 12 challenges for players to overcome and resulting in them being able to create their own simple game that they can share with friends. Microsoft also plans to host hundreds of free workshops in Microsoft Stores around the world. You can secure a spot for these youth coding events through this link or by visiting your local Microsoft Store.

Microsoft releases ‘Minecraft’ for Oculus Rift

Microsoft announced a while back that Minecraft is coming to the Oculus Rift—a Gear VR version has been available since April after all. But now the wait for Oculus Rift owners is over. A free update coming to the game’s Windows 10 beta edition will add support for the virtual reality headset. The Windows 10 version gets a leg up over the Gear VR version and adds things like support for mouse and keyboard as well as graphics settings that make use of the power of the computer the Oculus Rift is connected to. The game has separate settings for inside and outside the VR headset so you can tweak in-VR graphics or movements that won’t affect the experience if you play it on another platform sans VR.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft says no to advertisements in Minecraft

Minecraft, whose sales just topped 100 million is not going to go the same path as some XBox games with in game advertising or sly nods to product or brand placements within environments. Mojang, maker of Minecraft and subsidiary of Microsot, said in a blog post, that advertisers or brands will not be allowed to build or promote their products in the Minecraft environement but users can continue to build whatever they want provided it isn't aimed at promotion.

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‘Minecraft’ gives away its four Birthday Skin Packs for fourth anniversary

It’s Minecraft’s fourth birthday and what better way to celebrate for fans than to be getting the Birthday Skin Pack? What’s extra special this year is not only will Xbox One and Xbox 360 users be getting the 4^th Birthday Skin Pack but also the other three previous skin packs all for free. The giveaway is happening from today until May 16^th.

Source: Mojang