Minecraft developer Mojang has announced that their indie hit is coming to Android via the medium’s most decidedly gamer-oriented phone, the Xperia Play. While just the news that it’s heading to mobile at all should be pretty exhilarating for fans, especially since it’s already had a mobile outing on the App Store before getting speedily pulled some time ago, exclusives usually make for sad panda Android users, especially with games of this caliber.
Timed Exclusivity and Its Impact
There’s no word on how long the timed exclusivity will last, but hopefully the high-profile IP will drum up some interest in the flagging gaming smartphone. The Xperia Play, often dubbed the “PlayStation Phone,” has struggled to gain a significant foothold in the competitive smartphone market. By securing an exclusive like Minecraft, Sony Ericsson aims to attract more gamers to its platform, leveraging the game’s massive popularity.
The main takeaway is that the game will be released early and updated often, just like the studio’s previous development methodology and will of course be adapted to the Play’s physical controls. This approach has been a hallmark of Mojang’s development strategy, ensuring that players receive a steady stream of new content and improvements. The adaptation to physical controls is particularly noteworthy, as it promises a more tactile and immersive gaming experience compared to touchscreen-only interfaces.
Mobile Gaming Evolution
The move to bring Minecraft to mobile platforms marks a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile gaming. Traditionally, mobile games were seen as casual, bite-sized experiences. However, the success of titles like Minecraft demonstrates that there is a substantial market for more complex and engaging games on mobile devices. This shift has encouraged other developers to explore the potential of mobile gaming, leading to a richer and more diverse gaming ecosystem.
Moreover, the decision to launch on the Xperia Play first highlights the growing importance of hardware in the mobile gaming experience. Devices like the Xperia Play, with its dedicated gaming controls, offer a glimpse into the future of mobile gaming, where the lines between traditional consoles and mobile devices continue to blur.
Look for more mobile Minecraft info at the Mojang Minecraft E3 event. The E3 event is expected to provide further insights into the game’s mobile adaptation, including potential new features and updates that will enhance the gameplay experience. Fans are eagerly anticipating any news that will shed light on how Mojang plans to leverage the unique capabilities of mobile platforms to deliver an exceptional Minecraft experience.
The announcement of Minecraft’s arrival on Android via the Xperia Play is a significant development for both the game and the mobile gaming industry. It underscores the growing demand for high-quality, immersive gaming experiences on mobile devices and highlights the potential for innovative hardware to enhance gameplay. As Mojang continues to update and refine the mobile version of Minecraft, players can look forward to an ever-evolving and engaging gaming experience.
Source Gamasutra
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