'Minecraft' News: 'Minecraft' Is Going VR, First With Samsung Gear VR
The very popular building and exploration open-world game, "Minecraft" is getting on the virtual reality (VR) bandwagon. This was very much expected because Microsoft, since acquiring the franchise in 2014, has been known to push the game to different platforms, from PC, consoles, mobile to even augmented reality. According to a Tech Times report, the first virtual reality version of the game will be first available on the Samsung Gear VR, arriving on the VR headset this spring 2016.
The report cited that Samsung was deemed lucky to be the first to have the VR version of the game. This version has already been tried by several game reviewers and the verdict so far has been mediocre. The reports speculated that the VR port on the Gear VR may have been done to hastily. According to the report, reviewers said that the in-game camera was "wonky," its user interface for inventory and health menu were "unfriendly" and the text was too small.
Another report in Engadget mentioned that the version coming in spring will likely be a new version of game that is similar to that developed for the other VR headset, the Oculus Rift.
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The Engadget report cited an official announcement made by Microsoft during the GDC 2016, confirming that "Minecraft" is indeed arriving on the Gear VR. Samsung Gear VR is the more affordable option among the VR headsets, with the Oculus Rift being the more expensive between the two. Samsung is banking on their device's affordability in order to get as many early adopters as possible.
"Minecraft" for Samsung Gear VR will be playable through Samsung smartphones, which will likely be distributed through the Google Play Store. There is no official word on when it will be available for download. The Samsung Gear VR was released on November 27, 2015.
When the game comes to the Oculus Rift, it will be playable through a more powerful platform – the PC.
