Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Minecraft 'Adventure' update on XBLA 'still weeks away']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/minecraft-adventure-update-on-xbla-still-weeks-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/minecraft-adventure-update-on-xbla-still-weeks-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/minecraft-adventure-update-on-xbla-still-weeks-away/#comments Look, we really want the next big update for Minecraft's XBLA incarnation - the big "Adventure" update, which adds NPCs, villages, strongholds, abandoned mineshafts - but it won't be here this week, it seems.

Minecraft XBLA developer 4J Studios says it's "still weeks away." Taking to Twitter, the studio's official account says, "We're still working on 1.8.2 [the Adventure update]. A few things left to add, more work on the Creative Mode interface, then lots of test." Was that an invitation to test it? Because that's totally what it sounded like on this side. Just slide that code on over, 4J.

Beyond the aforementioned updates in 1.8.2, the Adventure update adds Creative mode, allowing for unlimited building (without having to mine), limited only by the constraints of the Xbox 360's RAM. We'll see what that means in ... um, some weeks from now. Soon-ish. Better than "eventually," eh?

JoystiqMinecraft 'Adventure' update on XBLA 'still weeks away' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.8.24j-studiosadventure-updatecreative-modemicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationsupdateupdate-1.8.2xboxWed, 05 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tour Mojang's pop-up museum: view the beautiful lawsuit docs for Scrolls, the insides of a Creeper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/02/tour-mojangs-pop-up-museum-view-the-beautiful-lawsuit-docs-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/02/tour-mojangs-pop-up-museum-view-the-beautiful-lawsuit-docs-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/02/tour-mojangs-pop-up-museum-view-the-beautiful-lawsuit-docs-for/#comments Tour Mojang's popup museum view the beautiful lawsuit docs for Scrolls, the insides of a CreeperMojang's more than just the studio that birthed Minecraft - it's also the studio that birthed the amazing fan art you see above. Beyond said art, Mojang erected a faux museum in honor of its short life on the PAX Prime 2012 show floor.

In it, we witnessed the actual legal documents served to Mojang head Marcus "Notch" Persson over Scrolls, the inner workings of a Creeper (its heart is dynamite!), and a very impressive set of Legos. Take the tour with us in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mojang Museum (PAX Prime 2012)

JoystiqTour Mojang's pop-up museum: view the beautiful lawsuit docs for Scrolls, the insides of a Creeper originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Minecraftmojangmojang-museummojang-specificationspaxpax-2012pax-primepax-prime-2012Sun, 02 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft for XBLA reaches 3.6 million units sold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/minecraft-for-xbla-reaches-3-6-million-units-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/minecraft-for-xbla-reaches-3-6-million-units-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/minecraft-for-xbla-reaches-3-6-million-units-sold/#comments Developer Mojang continues to dominate the Xbox Live Arcade charts, announcing today that Minecraft for the Xbox 360 has sold 3.6 million copies. Mojang's business developer Daniel Kaplan revealed the latest numbers on the game on Twitter earlier today, saying he was "really surprised" to learn of Minecraft's latest milestone.

Minecraft on XBLA broke sales records when it launched, becoming profitable within an hour of its release. In July, Mojang founder (and Minecraft mastermind) Markus "Notch" Persson revealed the game had surpassed the three million unit sales mark.

On PC, the tree-punching simulator has surpassed seven million units sold. That's a lot of punching.

JoystiqMinecraft for XBLA reaches 3.6 million units sold originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftMinecraftMojangMojang-SpecificationsXBLAxboxXbox-Live-ArcadeMon, 27 Aug 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft XBLA update brings the thunderclaps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/minecraft-xbla-update-brings-the-thunderclaps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/minecraft-xbla-update-brings-the-thunderclaps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/minecraft-xbla-update-brings-the-thunderclaps/#comments Minecraft updates brings the thunderclapsMinecraft's Xbox 360 iteration just got a mess of fixes in its latest update ("Title Update 4"), including pistons at the world's edge causing crashes and thunder "not being audible." Why, that's no thunder at all, then!

Remedies are also given for the newly released skin packs and and several other minor glitches/bugs. And no, there are no content additions this time around, mostly just fixes for the last big update. But that Adventure Update is totally still coming!

Continue reading Minecraft XBLA update brings the thunderclaps

JoystiqMinecraft XBLA update brings the thunderclaps originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosmicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationspistonstitle-updatetitle-update-4updateupdate-1.7update-1.7.3xblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeTue, 07 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Minecraft's 1.3.1 update goes live, go get your trade on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/psa-minecrafts-1-3-1-update-goes-live-go-get-your-trade-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/psa-minecrafts-1-3-1-update-goes-live-go-get-your-trade-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/psa-minecrafts-1-3-1-update-goes-live-go-get-your-trade-on/#comments Ready to get your virtual trade on with virtual people in virtual villages? Minecraft's latest update for PC is here to enable that - the "1.3.1" patch - and it's got more than just value-less trading. It also has ... uh ... the Ender Chest? And writeable books?

Oh, right, it also combines single-player and multiplayer modes into one, unified mode. Well then! For a full list of patch notes, head past the break.

Continue reading PSA: Minecraft's 1.3.1 update goes live, go get your trade on

JoystiqPSA: Minecraft's 1.3.1 update goes live, go get your trade on originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.3-updateMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationspatchpcpsapublic-service-announcementtradingupdateupdate-1.3Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft XBLA sells 3 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/minecraft-xbla-crafts-3-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/minecraft-xbla-crafts-3-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/minecraft-xbla-crafts-3-million-sales/#comments ImageMinecraft for Xbox Live Arcade has now surpassed 3 million units sold. The announcement comes via Twitter from Mojang's lord of the blocks, Markus "Notch" Persson, who wrote this morning: "I got told Minecraft for XBLA passed three million sales today!"

The $20 downloadable title launched on May 7 and sold a million units in five days. It then reached two million sales in early June. Minecraft for XBLA has also enjoyed significant support through updates, the latest (v 1.73) having gone live last week.

JoystiqMinecraft XBLA sells 3 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosmicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationssalesxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeFri, 20 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft XBLA gets pistons, much more in tomorrow's 1.73 update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/minecraft-xbla-gets-pistons-much-more-in-tomorrows-1-73-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/minecraft-xbla-gets-pistons-much-more-in-tomorrows-1-73-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/minecraft-xbla-gets-pistons-much-more-in-tomorrows-1-73-update/#comments Minecraft's Xbox 360 version continues to march forward, with the latest update (1.73) bringing "pistons and sticky pistons," "stackable fences," and a whole mess of other items, functions, and skins to your handcrafted block world. There are even 40 new character skins, some of which can be seen above. The update doesn't include NPCs, villages, or the much desired Adventure Mode, but 4J Studios promises those will come in time.

The patch, which corrects some errors too, goes live tomorrow at 2AM UTC. The full list of changes is right after the break.

Continue reading Minecraft XBLA gets pistons, much more in tomorrow's 1.73 update

JoystiqMinecraft XBLA gets pistons, much more in tomorrow's 1.73 update originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.734j-studioskinectmicrosoftMinecraftminecraft-1.73mojangmojang-specificationspatchpistonsupdatexblaxboxxbox-livexbox-live-arcadeThu, 12 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft 1.3 to merge single and multiplayer, coming August 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/minecraft-1-3-to-merge-single-and-multiplayer-coming-august-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/minecraft-1-3-to-merge-single-and-multiplayer-coming-august-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/minecraft-1-3-to-merge-single-and-multiplayer-coming-august-1/#comments Minecraft version 1.3 is on the way, and this update looks to be a doozy. The most sweeping change will be a merging of single-player and multiplayer modes. More specifically, single-player as everyone knows it will now be a "shell on top of multiplayer."

The reason behind the change, according to Mojang, is to accommodate the upcoming modding API, which otherwise would have required modders to create multiple versions of each mod, one for single-player and one for multiplayer. The downside is that single-player games will now require a little more computing power, though Mojang is hoping to smooth things out a bit in 1.4.

Other additions in 1.3 will include emeralds and emerald ore, the ability to buy items from villagers, the ability to write in books, an optional "bonus chest" that helps new players "get started quicker" and more. Minecraft 1.3 is slated to arrive August 1, with a "release candidate" available a week prior.

JoystiqMinecraft 1.3 to merge single and multiplayer, coming August 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationspcupdate-1.3Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft studio's rolling launch of 'Scrolls' nearing 'closed alpha' release, paid beta to follow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/minecraft-studios-rolling-launch-of-scrolls-nearing-closed-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/minecraft-studios-rolling-launch-of-scrolls-nearing-closed-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/minecraft-studios-rolling-launch-of-scrolls-nearing-closed-a/#comments Minecraft studio's rolling launch of 'Scrolls' nearing 'closed alpha' release, paid beta to follow
Mojang's "paid beta" model wasn't a Minecraft-exclusive, and the Swedish studio is implementing the same structure with its next game - Scrolls. Company co-founder Jakob Porser detailed how that'll play out for Scrolls on the game's fancy new website, where he said, "We are rapidly approaching the closed alpha of Scrolls."

Said closed alpha will "be far from a feature complete version of the game," Porser said, but it does feature "multiplayer matches, single player matches vs AI, and the Deck Builder, where you can build your decks out of the 100+ scrolls that currently exist in the game." As development continues, the closed alpha will enter open beta and thusly be open for purchase. Porser promised "a reduced price ... with some added benefits" for beta buyers, but stopped short of revealing what those benefits are. Golden scrolls? Super thick scrolls?

Of course, that beta won't be feature complete either, and Porser said the game will eventually include a full single-player world for battling (over various scrolls), as well as an auction house, character customization, and questing. And considering how this all worked out last time, it might not be the worst idea to get in on Scrolls early.

Wanna see how the game looks before you buy into anything? Have a look at the new trailer above.

Gallery: Scrolls (6/25/12)

JoystiqMinecraft studio's rolling launch of 'Scrolls' nearing 'closed alpha' release, paid beta to follow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closed-alphagameplayjakob-porsermojangmojang-specificationsopen-betapcscrollstrailerMon, 25 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft edges Black Ops out of second spot on XBLA charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-edges-black-ops-out-of-second-spot-on-xbla-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-edges-black-ops-out-of-second-spot-on-xbla-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-edges-black-ops-out-of-second-spot-on-xbla-charts/#comments

This week, two important things happened to Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition on Xbox 360 - one, the game topped the Xbox Live activity charts once more, this time beating out the longstanding Call of Duty: Black Ops for the number two spot (Modern Warfare 3 remains lodged in the top position). Second, and more importantly, I finally made a nether portal last night. This is important business, folks!

Regardless, it's likely many of you folks have also done so by this point - the game's also topping this week's "Top Arcade Titles" list as well, digging under the hills and valleys of big seller Trials Evolution. How about those crazy ghost things, huh? Straight up madness!

JoystiqMinecraft edges Black Ops out of second spot on XBLA charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j4j-studiosmicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationssalesxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadexbox-live-marketplaceFri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to buy Minecraft on Xbox 360 for $5 less than on your Xbox 360 [update: no more!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/how-to-buy-minecraft-on-xbox-360-for-5-less-than-on-your-xbox-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/how-to-buy-minecraft-on-xbox-360-for-5-less-than-on-your-xbox-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/how-to-buy-minecraft-on-xbox-360-for-5-less-than-on-your-xbox-3/#comments ImageUpdate: Best Buy's price for Minecraft is back at $20, unfortunately. Congrats to those of you who managed to snap up the lower price!

With the launch of Minecraft today on Xbox Live Arcade for the lofty price of 1600 MS Points ($20), we searched long and hard to discover a way to buy the game for a full 25 percent off. There was lava and exploding Creepers and this skeleton that kept shooting arrows - pretty harrowing stuff. Anyway, we sussed out this precise formula for snagging the game on the cheap. Follow along below ... if you dare.
  • Step 1: Go to Best Buy's website.
  • Step 2: Purchase Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition for $15 instead of the $20 it costs on Xbox Live Marketplace.
  • Step 3: Laugh and throw money in the air, you baller.

[Thanks KP!]

JoystiqHow to buy Minecraft on Xbox 360 for $5 less than on your Xbox 360 [update: no more!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j4j-studiosbest-buymicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationsxblaxblmxboxxbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-live-marketplaceWed, 09 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch's new game is '0x10c']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/notchs-new-game-is-0x10c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/notchs-new-game-is-0x10c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/notchs-new-game-is-0x10c/#comments ImageWe're not even going to pretend we know how to say the name of Markus "Notch" Persson's next game: 0x10c. According to what info he's placed on the new game's website, it's "a space game" that will launch in a manner similar to MineCraft -- releasing in an early state so players can help shape the final end product.

The story revolves around a fictional parallel universe where the space race never ended, and corporations and wealthy individuals ventured out into the unknown. After an error occurred in the computers governing human sleep cycles while ships ventured out into uncharted space, humans woke up in the year 281,474,976,712,644 AD, finding little-to-no civilization remained.

Each ship runs on a fixed wattage CPU, so any action will drain the ship's systems. Balancing wattage will be a core component of the game. "The computer in the game is a fully functioning emulated 16 bit CPU that can be used to control your entire ship, or just to play games on while waiting for a large mining operation to finish." 0x10c promises space battles, salvaging supplies from derelict ships, an advanced economy system and ... duct tape.

Finally, the site says the game will likely charge a monthly fee for joining the Multiverse, since Notch and crew will "emulate all computers and physics even when players aren't logged in."

JoystiqNotch's new game is '0x10c' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cMarkus-PerssonmojangMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcTue, 03 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Bundle Mojam makes nearly $500K for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/humble-bundle-mojam-makes-nearly-500k-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/humble-bundle-mojam-makes-nearly-500k-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/humble-bundle-mojam-makes-nearly-500k-for-charity/#comments Mojang is everyone's favorite studio to blindly throw money at these days, so it comes as little surprise that the Sweden-based Minecraft creators raised nearly $500K ($458,215.95) this past weekend during a live "game jam." The conceit was that Mojang would arrange a game jam (a "Mojam," if you will) and stream it live across 60 hours, with the resulting product being added to the most recent Humble Indie Bundle, as well as two games developed under similar constraints from Oxeye Game Studio and Wolfire Games.

What games did the three studios end up making? Mojang created an Egyptian/Steampunk-themed RTS slash shoot 'em up called "Catacomb Snatch," which we'll refrain from making lurid jokes about, while Oxeye made a game named "Fists of Resistance" and Wolfire made "The Broadside Express."

As over 81K bundles were purchased, the three studios collectively raised just under half a million dollars, all of which will be donated to Child's Play, Electronic Frontier Foundation, charity:water, and the American Red Cross. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got some lurid jokes to make in private.

JoystiqHumble Bundle Mojam makes nearly $500K for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-red-crosscharitycharity-waterchilds-playelectronic-frontier-foundationgame-jamhumble-indie-bundlemojammojangmojang-specificationsmojang-studiosoxeye-game-studiospcwolfire-studiosMon, 20 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang's next work-in-progress, Cobalt, now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/mojangs-next-work-in-progress-cobalt-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/mojangs-next-work-in-progress-cobalt-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/mojangs-next-work-in-progress-cobalt-now-available/#comments You already kinda sorta knew about Cobalt, Mojang's first game launch as a publisher, but did you know that it'd be totally out today in Alpha form? Oh, yeah, okay, you already kinda knew that too. Well now it's official and has a price (€9.95/$13), but beyond that, we've also got a whole mess of info about today's launch. For one, the game will only be available on Windows PC initially, with OS X and Linux support arriving in "Beta." Moreover, there is no "single-player" version of Cobalt, only multiplayer and co-op modes -- according to Mojang, "hot seat" multiplayer is available on the PC and it's "theoretically limited by the number of USB controllers you manage to forcefully plug in to your poor computer." We're gonna go ahead and suggest no more than four, just to be safe.

The game's Alpha also comes with a level editor, which Mojang hopes players will use to "create everything from single maps to whole campaigns from scratch." That isn't to say that the dev team at Oxeye Game Studio are sitting on their hands and waiting for the user-generated content to populate their game, however -- the announcement promises that the team "will continue adding their own maps and game modes to the game as well as continue work on the main campaign."

Like with Minecraft before it, purchasing Cobalt in Alpha (or "pre-ordering" the final build, if you will) nets you access to all future builds of the game, barring the possibility of console or mobile ports. While there is no timeframe for the completed game's launch, the devs set a handful of milestones for themselves, such as the main campaign not showing up until after the game goes "Gold" (read: finished). In the meantime, we'll be sure to let you know when people start creating incredible homages to things they love within Cobalt, as with Minecraft before it.

JoystiqMojang's next work-in-progress, Cobalt, now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphacobaltmojangmojang-specificationsoxeyeoxeye-game-studiospcq4-2012release-dateFri, 16 Dec 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang aiming to publish Oxeye's 'Cobalt' on Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/mojang-aiming-to-publish-oxeyes-cobalt-on-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/mojang-aiming-to-publish-oxeyes-cobalt-on-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/mojang-aiming-to-publish-oxeyes-cobalt-on-friday/#comments Usually, we receive a bit of lead time when it comes to release date announcements. "Oh, that game you're looking forward to," it usually goes, "that one won't be out til Q3 2014." We all know that anything past next spring is practically forever away -- fortunately, Mojang has announced that the excellent-looking Cobalt is going to drop this coming Friday, God willing and the creek don't rise.

"We haven't told anyone [about the release date] yet because we're aiming for Friday, but we don't know if we can make it," managing director Carl Manneh told Edge Online in a recent interview, "but I think we can." We do too, Carl. We believe in you.

JoystiqMojang aiming to publish Oxeye's 'Cobalt' on Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobaltmojangmojang-specificationsoxeye-game-studiospcrelease-dateTue, 13 Dec 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang hoping to build official Minecraft LEGOs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/mojang-hoping-to-build-official-minecraft-legos/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/mojang-hoping-to-build-official-minecraft-legos/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/mojang-hoping-to-build-official-minecraft-legos/#comments It will look like this. Mojang has officially begun courting a relationship with LEGO, with the ultimate goal of creating an official Minecraft set of the popular building blocks. The company announced the initiative on Cuusoo, a site devoted to helping amateur (plastic) bricklayers make a connection with the LEGO company.

The concept is simple, builders propose an idea for a LEGO set and, should said idea gain 10,000 supporters, it will be reviewed officially by LEGO. If LEGO decides to produce the set, the project's creator will receive a royalty. Should the Minecraft set reach production, Mojang has promised to donate its royalty to charity. The project is well on its way to an official review, with nearly 1,000 supporters, though Mojang's Daniel Kaplan tweeted that the company is also "working directly with LEGO" to make the project a reality.

Far be it from us to point out the obvious, but wouldn't Minecraft LEGOs just be ... LEGOs?

JoystiqMojang hoping to build official Minecraft LEGOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legomacMinecraftmojangMojang-SpecificationspcMon, 05 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch steps down as lead developer on Minecraft to focus on 'new project']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/notch-steps-down-as-lead-developer-on-minecraft-to-focus-on-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/notch-steps-down-as-lead-developer-on-minecraft-to-focus-on-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/notch-steps-down-as-lead-developer-on-minecraft-to-focus-on-new/#comments You know Notch. He's the behatted Swedish developer that eats, breathes, and sleeps Minecraft, right? Well ... he was. Now Mr. Markus "Notch" Persson is relinquishing lead development duties on the massively successful indie game so he can invest his time as head honcho at his growing development house Mojang.

So who's going to take over that high-profile (don't mess up!) spot while Notch starts "work on some new project"? Meet cat-lover Jens Bergensten (pictured), who's no stranger to Minecraft. "We've been working together on Minecraft for a year now, and I'm amazed at how much in synch we two are when it comes to how to design the game," Notch wrote on his Tumblr. "And when we don't agree, we discuss it and something much better comes out at a result. He's truly a great person to work with, and I feel very confident handing over the leadership of Minecraft to him."

In fact, Notch is so confident he's going to take a break for "rest." With the first MineCon convention over, a 1.0 version of Minecraft released, and some four million plus paying users (!) we think he's earned it. But not you, Bergensten. Back to work!

JoystiqNotch steps down as lead developer on Minecraft to focus on 'new project' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jens-bergentsenmacMarkus-PerssonMinecraftmojangMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcFri, 02 Dec 2011 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Build a place in your day for the MineCon keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/build-a-place-in-your-day-for-the-minecon-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/build-a-place-in-your-day-for-the-minecon-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/build-a-place-in-your-day-for-the-minecon-keynote/#comments
If you weren't fortunate (or fervent!) enough to secure an entry pass to the first-ever MineCon -- that's shorthand for Minecraft Convention, obvs -- you can now watch the full, 39-minute keynote, courtesy of Gamespot. (And catch the new Mega64 video at the 33-minute mark!)

JoystiqBuild a place in your day for the MineCon keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mega64microsoftmineconminecon-2011MinecraftmojangMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcxboxMon, 21 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MineCon's official trailer, featuring baller Steve]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/minecons-official-trailer-featuring-baller-steve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/minecons-official-trailer-featuring-baller-steve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/minecons-official-trailer-featuring-baller-steve/#comments
Conventions don't usually have trailers, but MineCon isn't the average gathering of game fans. The event, taking place November 18-19 at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas, will give Minecraft fans the opportunity to be there when the phenomenon actually, officially launches.

Attendees won't just be there to watch some Swedish dude upload code so he can afford a second platoon of lawyers. Visitors will also receive access to alpha code vouchers for Scrolls and Cobalt. Considering Mojang made it rain money with a game's beta, they should be able to float a couple more projects off the buzz of a few paid alphas.

JoystiqMineCon's official trailer, featuring baller Steve originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftMineconminecon-2011MinecraftmobileMojangMojang-SpecificationspcxboxFri, 11 Nov 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft hits 4 million, growing as fast as ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/minecraft-hits-4-million-growing-as-fast-as-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/minecraft-hits-4-million-growing-as-fast-as-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/minecraft-hits-4-million-growing-as-fast-as-ever/#comments Since we're not writing about Minecraft three or four times a day like we used to, we'd kind of assumed the love affair between Mojang's world builder and the internet was waning. But judging by the fact that the game just broke four million sold, it may not be time to call in Dr. Phil just yet.

In fact, the game got from three to four million in three months, which is a full month faster than it got from two to three million. Well-respected researchers (who actually exist) say that if growth continues at this rate, 2012 doomsday prophecies will be fulfilled as every human in existence is buried underneath a digital copy of Minecraft. It will be a grim, blocky landscape and Kristen Schaal will be its sole lord and conqueror. All hail Schall.

JoystiqMinecraft hits 4 million, growing as fast as ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftMinecraftmobileMojang-SpecificationspcsalesxboxMon, 07 Nov 2011 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[2 Player Productions also crafting Scrolls documentary, first part now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/2-player-productions-also-crafting-scrolls-documentary-first-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/2-player-productions-also-crafting-scrolls-documentary-first-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/2-player-productions-also-crafting-scrolls-documentary-first-pa/#comments
When they're not busy producing work for Penny Arcade or working on development house documentaries, the folks from 2 Player Productions are also slicing off choice cuts of tape regarding the legally embattled next game from Mojang Specifications: Scrolls. The documentary group's website recently revealed the first of several pieces that make up the entire Scrolls doc, featuring interviews and footage from inside the studio.

As expected, Mojang co-founder and Minecraft lead Markus "Notch" Persson makes a few appearances, but the focus instead falls on Scrolls lead Jakob Porser, who 2 Player describes as "long-time friend of Markus "Notch" Persson and co-founder of the company." The first clip, seen above, delves into the germination of the project, the team, and eventually the legal battle brought forth by Bethesda regarding the name, Scrolls.

Especially interesting, Porser notes during the clip that "Minecraft isn't just a great game, it's a Cinderella story," when asked whether he thinks Mojang will be able to overcome its first game's success with future projects. "Even if we do the world's best game after Minecraft, it's not gonna be a Cinderella story," he admits. But perhaps a well-publicized legal battle with a monolithic corporation will help, we imagine.

Joystiq2 Player Productions also crafting Scrolls documentary, first part now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-player-productionsdocumentaryjakob-porserminecraftmojangmojang-specificationspcscrollsThu, 20 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang wins interim injunction battle, can keep using 'Scrolls' name for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/mojang-wins-interim-injunction-battle-can-keep-using-scrolls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/mojang-wins-interim-injunction-battle-can-keep-using-scrolls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/mojang-wins-interim-injunction-battle-can-keep-using-scrolls/#comments
As ZeniMax and Mojang begin their back alley knife fight, it seems that Notch and Co. has drawn first blood. The indie studio won the right to continue to use the "Scrolls" name -- which Bethesda claims infringes on its Elder Scrolls copyright -- until the case goes to trial. The decision, as Notch pointed out in his Twitter feed, can still be appealed by Bethesda parent company ZeniMax.

Should that go badly, we've prepared some less contentious names that will still really irritate Bethesda.

JoystiqMojang wins interim injunction battle, can keep using 'Scrolls' name for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrollslegalMojang-Specificationsnotchscrollszenimax-mediaTue, 18 Oct 2011 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Bear witness to Minecraft's blocky dragon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/bear-witness-to-minecrafts-blocky-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/bear-witness-to-minecrafts-blocky-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/bear-witness-to-minecrafts-blocky-dragon/#comments This prototype of a dragon on its way to the world of Minecraft may be ... basic, even by the standards of the blocky world. But when a dragon is headed your way, don't you want as much early warning as possible? Let other outlets wait for final screenshots, we'll cover a Notch-tweeted prototype if it keeps you and your cubical loved ones from getting burninated.

And just so we're clear, it's ... just the one dragon, right? Because if it's an unlimited number ... well, let's just say we'd hate to see you end up with with a double lawsuit.

JoystiqBear witness to Minecraft's blocky dragon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonmacMinecraftMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcFri, 07 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda vs. Mojang: 'Scrolls' case going to court]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/bethesda-vs-mojang-scrolls-case-going-to-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/bethesda-vs-mojang-scrolls-case-going-to-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/bethesda-vs-mojang-scrolls-case-going-to-court/#comments So ... no Quake 3 then?

Despite Notch's offer to engage in deathmatch against a team of Bethesda's choosing over the matter, it seems that the battle for use of the "Scrolls" name will take place in court instead. As the Mojang boss tweeted, "The Scrolls case is going to court! Weee! :D"

If you remember, Bethesda claimed that Mojang's upcoming collectible card game, Scrolls, was too close in (trademarked) title to the publisher's Elder Scrolls series of games. Mojang business developer Daniel Kaplan called the suit "really silly" while speaking with Gamasutra, but said that, in the worst case scenario, Mojang would be forced to change the title.

Since a name change would be the toxic leftovers from this legal wrangling, we'd suggest changing the name to "Fallout." You can thank us later.

JoystiqBethesda vs. Mojang: 'Scrolls' case going to court originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrollslawsuitmacMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcscrollsTue, 27 Sep 2011 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft Pocket Edition coming to those other Android devices September 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/minecraft-pocket-edition-coming-to-those-other-android-devices-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/minecraft-pocket-edition-coming-to-those-other-android-devices-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/minecraft-pocket-edition-coming-to-those-other-android-devices-s/#comments
Mojang Specifications has announced that the pint-sized version of its big ol' indie hit, Minecraft Pocket Edition, will arrive on Android devices September 29. The studio also released a video showing how the title will operate without the handy slide-out joypad of its original platform, the Xperia Play. You can watch said demonstration through the thumbs of the man seen in the video above.

We're not sure if a button-free input scheme is going to give us the kind of creative freedom we'll need to build our miles-wide masterpieces, but it should let us create a few smaller opuses; like the Tiny Washington Monument, or the Tiny Pyramide du Louvre.

[Thanks, Andrew!]

JoystiqMinecraft Pocket Edition coming to those other Android devices September 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidMinecraftminecraft-pocket-editionmobileMojang-Specificationsrelease-dateMon, 26 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massive Minecraft Game Boy plays Tetris (almost)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/massive-minecraft-game-boy-plays-tetris-almost/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/massive-minecraft-game-boy-plays-tetris-almost/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/massive-minecraft-game-boy-plays-tetris-almost/#comments
We've seen our fair share of huge Minecraft constructions in the past, and we figured that by now, our jaded hearts would have lost the ability to feel the kind of awe and amazement imbued by truly impressive builds. Thankfully, Minecraft community MinecraftA2Z is here to show us just how wrong we are, by way of their terrifically huge Game Boy reconstruction.

While the Game Boy doesn't actually function, the team did create entire screens out of blocks for use as a stop-motion animation, which to us seems even more time consuming impressive. Hop past the break for another video detailing the enormous handheld's dimensions and specs.

Continue reading Massive Minecraft Game Boy plays Tetris (almost)

JoystiqMassive Minecraft Game Boy plays Tetris (almost) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-boygameboyMinecraftminecraft-gameboyminecraft-tetrisMojang-SpecificationspctetrisSun, 25 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft update 1.8 is (officially) live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/minecraft-update-1-8-is-officially-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/minecraft-update-1-8-is-officially-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/minecraft-update-1-8-is-officially-live/#comments We know that Minecraft version 1.8 (also referred to as the "Adventure Update") has been available through semi-official means since late last week, after a Mojang developer leaked the update with the studio's blessing. If you don't feel like chasing down the file, however, you can now grab the patch through the Minecraft launcher, where it recently went live for all users.

We realize this doesn't have much impact on our more tech-savvy, file-hunting readers, but if you share our fear of downloading a game update which is secretly an illegal bestiality porno virus, you can now download the update free of that particular worry.

[Thanks, Richard.]

JoystiqMinecraft update 1.8 is (officially) live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-updateindieMinecraftMojang-SpecificationspatchpcupdateWed, 14 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MineCon attendees get alpha codes for Cobalt, Scrolls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/minecon-attendees-get-alpha-codes-for-cobalt-scrolls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/minecon-attendees-get-alpha-codes-for-cobalt-scrolls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/minecon-attendees-get-alpha-codes-for-cobalt-scrolls/#comments Mojang Specifications is making a pretty big assumption about the character of the folks who are attending the first MineCon expo: That they enjoy playing Mojang's games. Frankly, we think this disposition seems a little presumptuous, but nevertheless, the successful indie studio has announced that it will hand out vouchers to download alpha code for Scrolls (its next first-party title) and Cobalt (its first third-party title) to all of the event's attendees.

Now that we think about it, Mojang's missing out on some pretty great contest opportunities by just giving those things away. Why not hide them inside of cuboid trees, and give attendees axes, and just tell them to go crazy? Or bury them far, far below the earth, perching them precariously over a pit of awaiting lava? Or hide them in Notch's hat!

JoystiqMineCon attendees get alpha codes for Cobalt, Scrolls originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobaltmineconminecon-2011minecraftMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcscrollsThu, 08 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch explains why Minecraft has yet to get Steam'd]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/notch-explains-why-minecraft-has-yet-to-get-steamd/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/notch-explains-why-minecraft-has-yet-to-get-steamd/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/notch-explains-why-minecraft-has-yet-to-get-steamd/#commentsMinecraft has been widely available for quite some time in various forms (alpha, beta), but when it fully launches this November, it won't be available on Steam. "Being on Steam limits a lot of what we're allowed to do with the game," Mojang president and founder Markus "Notch" Persson explains in a post on his Tumblr blog.

"We (probably?) wouldn't be able to, say, sell capes or have a map marketplace on minecraft.net that works with Steam customers in a way that keeps Valve happy," he adds. Notch worries that inclusion on Steam would divide the PC/Mac market of Minecraft users, rather than offer more to existing players.

It's not as though there's any animosity though, with Notch kicking off the post by lavishing a paragraph of praise upon "the best digital distribution platform I've ever seen." He also notes that Mojang "are talking to Valve about this" to try and make things work for everyone, but, understandably, "We just don't want to limit what we can do with Minecraft."

[Image credit: Steam forums]

JoystiqNotch explains why Minecraft has yet to get Steam'd originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationsnotchpcsteamvalvevalve-softwareTue, 30 Aug 2011 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft Adventure Update preview: It's a start]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/minecraft-adventure-update-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/minecraft-adventure-update-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/minecraft-adventure-update-preview/#comments As completely and undeniably delightful as Mojang's indie blockbuster Minecraft is, there's a sense of emptiness that pervades its cuboid worlds. It's a void too large to be filled with replica Enterprises and scale models of the Zelda: Link to the Past overworld. It's a cavity left by the absence of adventure. Sure, the game's already got enemies and hidden treasures, but it can only really switch between binary states of peril and exploration. That, friends, does not an adventure make.

Fortunately, Mojang understands its already successful title needs a bit more adventure-meat on the bones. Its first step in breathing more life into its destructible, constructible game is the Adventure Update, which the studio was showing off at PAX. Fitting in with the game's iteratively updated release formula, the addition doesn't tack on all the things the title needs -- but it lays some compelling groundwork for the game's transformation into a fully-fledged RPG affair.

Continue reading Minecraft Adventure Update preview: It's a start

JoystiqMinecraft Adventure Update preview: It's a start originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MinecraftMojang-Specificationsnotchpax-prime-2011pcTue, 30 Aug 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[How to hide your treasure in Minecraft: an instructional video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/how-to-hide-your-treasure-in-minecraft-an-instructional-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/how-to-hide-your-treasure-in-minecraft-an-instructional-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/how-to-hide-your-treasure-in-minecraft-an-instructional-video/#comments
Hiding your valuables from looters in Minecraft can be tricky. Thankfully, Minecraft world builder "Zaka" created this instructional video on how to make sure your super secret stones stay super secret. (But is it still a secret at this point?)

[Thanks, Zack.]

JoystiqHow to hide your treasure in Minecraft: an instructional video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationspczakaMon, 29 Aug 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cobalt preview: Chaotic and robotic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/cobalt-preview-chaotic-and-robotic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/cobalt-preview-chaotic-and-robotic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/cobalt-preview-chaotic-and-robotic/#comments There's a lot going on in Cobalt. Like, a lot.

In fact, as much as I detest "it's like this but this," I feel like that's the best place to start. The best way I can describe Cobalt (the first third-party release from Minecraft's Mojang) is as a curious mix of John Woo, Super Meat Boy, Contra and (most prominently) Super Smash Brothers.

Like I said ... a lot going on.

Gallery: Cobalt (Windows, Mac, PC)

Continue reading Cobalt preview: Chaotic and robotic

JoystiqCobalt preview: Chaotic and robotic originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobaltmacMojang-Specificationsoxeye-game-studiospax-prime-2011pcSun, 28 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Notch of Minecraft fame code a game from scratch, live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/watch-notch-of-minecraft-fame-code-a-game-from-scratch-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/watch-notch-of-minecraft-fame-code-a-game-from-scratch-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/watch-notch-of-minecraft-fame-code-a-game-from-scratch-live/#comments
Notch, the mastermind behind Minecraft, claims to be a programmer, but we're pretty convinced that he's actually some sort of alchemist or double-wizard. We've been watching his live-stream, and after careful deliberation, we figure that's the only explanation for what we're seeing.

JoystiqWatch Notch of Minecraft fame code a game from scratch, live originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MinecraftMojangMojang-SpecificationsNotchpcSat, 20 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang unveils first third-party game, Cobalt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/mojang-unveils-first-third-party-game-cobalt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/mojang-unveils-first-third-party-game-cobalt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/mojang-unveils-first-third-party-game-cobalt/#comments Mojang may only be known for Minecraft right now, but the studio's looking to branch out from blocks with its first third-party release: Cobalt, developed by Oxeye Game Studios. ... OK, so one of the pieces of concept art we were sent may just be a giant picture of a block made from many other blocks. But it's neon! Good luck finding that in Minecraft.

Kidding aside, Mojang's flagship seems to bear little resemblance to Cobalt, described as "an action game of running, jumping, rolling, shooting, throwing, dancing, hacking, rolling, flying, sliding, climbing, looting, deflecting, racing, piñata-ing, passing, scoring... and even more rolling."

Speaking of overlong quotes that we wouldn't dare attempting to condense, here's what we know of Cobalt's story:
"It's hard to be a metal face. Agent Cobalt has learned as much after finding the Space Exploration Foundation's lost colonization ship The Seed at planet X9CSEC5.5B-blue, Trunkopia. It was once built by a one million strong development team back on Earth, but disappeared merely 30 minutes after its subspace jump. Whatever happened on board during its misadventure, sanity was not invited."
So ... robots? The future? Your guess is as good as ours. Hopefully, all will be made clear when the game arrives this fall on Windows, followed by Mac and Linux versions.

Gallery: Cobalt (Windows, Mac, PC)

JoystiqMojang unveils first third-party game, Cobalt originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobaltlinuxmacminecraftMojang-Specificationsnotchoxeye-game-studiospcThu, 18 Aug 2011 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch challenges Bethesda to Quake 3 deathmatch for 'Scrolls' trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/notch-challenges-bethesda-to-quake-3-deathmatch-for-scrolls-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/notch-challenges-bethesda-to-quake-3-deathmatch-for-scrolls-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/notch-challenges-bethesda-to-quake-3-deathmatch-for-scrolls-tr/#comments Look, sometimes the traditional justice systems of the world just can't get it done. Some kerfuffles require alternative forms of arbitration -- like, for instance, the recent trademark dispute between Mojang and Bethesda over the former's upcoming game, Scrolls. Notch from Mojang has an interesting suggestion for solving the dispute once and for all: "I challenge Bethesda to a game of Quake 3," he said in his blog earlier today.

"Three of our best warriors against three of your best warriors," Notch added. "We select one level, you select the other, we randomize the order. 20 minute matches, highest total frag count per team across both levels wins." The stakes for this contest would be fairly high, as Notch added, "If we win, you drop the lawsuit. If you win, we will change the name of Scrolls to something you're fine with."

In related news, we've been sitting here for like, an hour, trying to turn this whole scenario into a parody song of Charlie Daniels' "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Our two hang-ups are that we're not comfortable characterizing either party as Satan, and also that we're just not Weird Al-clever.

JoystiqNotch challenges Bethesda to Quake 3 deathmatch for 'Scrolls' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-SoftworkslawsuitMojang-Specificationspcquake-3scrollstrademarkWed, 17 Aug 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Minecraft this weekend, get Minecraft for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/buy-minecraft-this-weekend-get-minecraft-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/buy-minecraft-this-weekend-get-minecraft-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/buy-minecraft-this-weekend-get-minecraft-for-free/#comments Minehander
Notch is getting married this weekend, and he's celebrating the, uh ... celebration of his love by giving free Minecraft to everyone ... who buys a copy of Minecraft!

Wait, let us explain. Everyone that purchases a copy of the game this weekend (not using a gift code), will receive a free gift code to give to whomever they want. Once you purchase a copy, the code will show up in your account on the Minecraft website.

After all, nothing says love like giving someone an insidious addiction.

JoystiqBuy Minecraft this weekend, get Minecraft for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macMinecraftMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcFri, 12 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft studio threatened with suit by Bethesda over 'Scrolls' title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/#comments Not exactly unexpectedly, about four hours ago Markus "Notch" Persson -- creator of Minecraft and head of Mojang Specifications -- received a letter from a Swedish law firm representing Bethesda Softworks. It claimed that his company's trademark of the word "Scrolls" for use with a currently-in-development game was infringing on Bethesda's own trademark, "The Elder Scrolls," and requested "a pile of money up front" before things could proceed. But Notch could've guessed it was coming.

Writing on his Tumblr page, Notch explains that "about half a year ago," his company's legal team suggested registering "Minecraft" as a trademark. In the process, Mojang also filed to register "Scrolls," killing two birds with one stone. Notch writes that "A while later, out of the blue, we got contacted by Bethesda's lawyers. They wanted to know more about the 'Scrolls' trademark we were applying for, and claimed it conflicted with their existing trademark 'The Elder Scrolls.'" At the time, Mojang responded by offering what Notch calls a compromise: "We'd agree to never put any words in front of 'Scrolls,' and instead call sequels and other things something along the lines of 'Scrolls - The Banana Expansion.'" In his piece, he says that he's not sure if Mojang ever heard back.

Fast-forward to this afternoon, and a "15-page letter" from a Swedish law firm, on behalf of Bethesda, arrives for Notch (pictured above). He says it's threatening a lawsuit if Mojang refuses "to stop using the name 'Scrolls,'" and that Bethesda will sue should that be necessary. Regardless of the current situation, Notch notes at the top of his piece, "I love Bethesda. I assume this nonsense is partly just their lawyers being lawyers, and a result of trademark law being the way it is." Here's hoping that compromise works out, and Notch is somehow legally bound to name the first Scrolls DLC "The Banana Expansion."

Update: This piece was originally headlined "Minecraft studio being sued by Bethesda over 'Scrolls' title," and has since been amended to more accurately reflect the situation.

JoystiqMinecraft studio threatened with suit by Bethesda over 'Scrolls' title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworkslawlawsuitlawyerslegalmarkus-perssonmojangmojang-specificationsnotchscrollstrademarkFri, 05 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft hits 3 million, Notch buys us all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-hits-3-million-notch-buys-us-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-hits-3-million-notch-buys-us-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-hits-3-million-notch-buys-us-all/#comments In January, Minecraft passed its first major sales milestone: 1 million downloads. Three months later, in April, it clocked another cool million. And today, just five days into August, the game has surpassed its 3 millionth paid user -- every four months, eh? Smells like a trend!

Those 3,000,961 folks (as of this writing) make up over a full quarter of all accounts at 26.24 percent. At around $22 per purchase, that's quite a bit of dough -- and with no publisher to pay. We imagine Mojang Specifications head Markus "Notch" Persson will be investing a good chunk of that dough in the upcoming MineCon, which kicks off the official launch of Minecraft on November 18.

[Thanks, Matias.]

JoystiqMinecraft hits 3 million, Notch buys us all originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangmojang-specificationsnotchpcsalesxboxFri, 05 Aug 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft's 'MineCon' convention set for November 18 - 19 in Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/minecrafts-first-convention-minecon-set-for-november-18-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/minecrafts-first-convention-minecon-set-for-november-18-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/minecrafts-first-convention-minecon-set-for-november-18-1/#comments Rather than setting its convention in the icy grip of its home country's chilly November, Sweden-based Minecraft studio Mojang Specifications is holding what it dubs "MineCon" in Las Vegas. "For me, MineCon is about celebrating the full release of Minecraft," Mojang head Markus "Notch" Persson told PC Gamer this week. Apparently the delayed title will see its full launch in grand style, with Notch "getting up on stage and pushing the button to upload the final build."

When he first spitballed the idea back in May, voters overwhelmingly responded, "No, definitely not" when asked whether they'd attend such an event. That said, the minority's 42,000 votes were assuredly enough to convince him of demand for such an event.

Speaking of, Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino will host MineCon on November 18 and 19, and the ticket registration site is set to go live next week -- apparently Notch will announce as much on his Twitter account, so keep an eye out. That is, if you can tear yourself away from building that to-scale replica of Hogwarts.

Update: This year marks the second MineCon.

JoystiqMinecraft's 'MineCon' convention set for November 18 - 19 in Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonmicrosoftmineconminecon-2011MinecraftminecraftconmobileMojang-Specificationsnotchpcq4-2011release-datexboxWed, 03 Aug 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Modder builds homebrew version of Minecraft on DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/modder-builds-homebrew-version-of-minecraft-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/modder-builds-homebrew-version-of-minecraft-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/modder-builds-homebrew-version-of-minecraft-on-ds/#comments We've long held the opinion that the only thing standing between our world and its inevitable ruin is the creation of a portable version of Mojang's remarkably addictive Minecraft. We're still waiting on the Xperia Play to bring about said apocalypse, but it seems a Nintendo DS modder by the name of Smelaum has beaten Sony to the punch, releasing a demo of a homebrew application aptly titled Minecraft DS.

The software, which is demonstrated in the video above, is fairly basic: Players can only add or remove blocks, and cannot save their towering megastructures. Smelaum hopes to bolster the homebrew with saving and terrain generation -- hopefully those features will be implemented before Smelaum is incapacitated by Notch's shadowy cabal of trademark lawyers. (We're kidding, of course; those clearly don't exist.)

JoystiqModder builds homebrew version of Minecraft on DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dshomebrewMinecraftminecraft-dsmodMojang-SpecificationsnintendoThu, 14 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST