Microsoft’s ambitious Minecraft Earth game closes June 30

Microsoft is closing its Minecraft Earth mobile game in June, due to the ongoing pandemic. The ambitious game was aimed at competing Pokémon Go and cover the world in virtual blocks for players to meet and play together.

“Minecraft Earth was designed around free movement and collaborative play – two things that have become almost impossible in today’s global situation, ”says the Minecraft team. “As a result, we have made the difficult decision to reallocate our resources to other areas that add value to the Minecraft community and end support for Minecraft Earth in June 2021. “

The final version of the game is released today, reducing the time it takes to craft the game and the cost of some materials. It’s designed to make it easier and more secure for players to create and build in their homes in the months to come, before the game goes live on June 30.

Players will no longer be able to download or play Minecraft Earth after June 30, and Microsoft removes player data on July 1.

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft unveiled for the first time Minecraft Earth in May 2019. The idea was to recreate the experience of playing Minecraft in the real world through augmented reality and to allow players to construct virtual buildings from materials. The game focused on social interactions with others and was part of a larger effort within Microsoft to leverage the help of the HoloLens and Azure cloud server teams. Before the game’s release, Apple even invited Microsoft on stage at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) to present the new title.

Players will no longer be able to purchase items from Minecraft Earth, and all paid ruby ​​balances will be converted into Minecoins which you can use to purchase skins, cards, and mini-games in the Minecraft Market.

“We are eternally grateful for the incredible talent of the Minecraft community,” says the Minecraft team. “It was not an easy decision, and we’re doing everything we can to make sure you get the most out of Minecraft Earth before sunset.