Today’s final update removes microtransactions, adds ‘unreleased’ content, and makes crafting and smelting faster
Not that I was paying much attention to how wellMinecraft Earthwas or was not faring, but the idea of aMinecraftrendition ofPokémon Go‘s winning augmented-reality formula seemed like a no-brainer, and it’s surprising to hear that Microsoft is calling it quits so soon. Then again, 2020 was a brutal year.
In a to-the-point blog post today, Mojang said that itplans to shut downMinecraft Earthon June 23, 2025. Not only will the game no longer be downloadable oniOSorAndroid, it will cease to function.
If you’ve heard aboutMinecraft Earthbut never bothered, now’s the time – today’s update strips out microtransactions, reduces timers and ruby costs, and adds “all completed, unreleased content currently in [Mojang’s] pipeline.” You’ll also earn a Character Creator item set just for logging in.
For existing fans who have invested time and potentially a fair bit of money into the game, you’ll get another currency – Minecoins – which can be used on the still-very-active Minecraft Marketplace. And anyone who’s bought anything inMinecraft Earthwill getMinecraftBedrock Editionas a parting gift.
As for the high-level call to pull the plug, Mojang said that “Minecraft Earthwas designed around free movement and collaborative play – two things that have become near impossible in the current global situation.” The team will now focus on “other areas that provide value to theMinecraftcommunity.”
“This was not an easy decision, and we’re doing everything we can to make sure you get the most out ofMinecraft Earthbefore it sunsets.”
Minecraft Earth coming to an end[Minecraft.net]
