Minecraft studio's rolling launch of 'Scrolls' nearing 'closed alpha' release, paid beta to follow

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST

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)

Minecraft 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.

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2 Player Productions also crafting Scrolls documentary, first part now available

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST

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.

2 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.

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