'Minecraft' Better Together Update Released: Cross-Platfrom Play Now Available
"Minecraft" players can now enjoy cross-platform play with the new Better Together update released this week. However, this only applies to Microsoft, Apple, and Google devices which means players outside those ecosystems will have to wait a while.
Microsoft and developer Mojang released the Better Together update on mobile devices virtual reality headsets, Windows 10, and the Xbox One. On these platforms, where the game runs on Mojang's Bedrock Engine, the game is now known simply as "Minecraft," dropping the "Edition" tag.
In Mojang's FAQ for the Better Together update, the developer said that as a general rule of thumb, if players can play together with the others, it's called "Minecraft." As for versions in other devices, such as the Java-based Mac/PC release and its Wii U version, they still retain their "Edition" subtitles.
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That also includes "Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition." The Better Together is also coming to the little console that could although not at the same time as its Microsoft, Apple, and Google brethren.
Switch users don't have to wait for too long though as Mojang has said that they are hoping to release the game on Switch sometime this winter. There are currently no plans to bring the Better Together update to the New Nintendo 3DS version of the game, however.
"We're working really hard with our partners at Nintendo to accomplish cross-device connectivity that is yet unprecedented in the history of gaming," Mojang said of the Switch version in the FAQ. "This is very exciting work, but introduces lots of complexities to the development process."
Sony seems to be the sole company not on board with cross-platform play, something that wasn't appreciated by others in the industry. Xbox head Phil Spencer even took shots as Sony after it suggested that Microsoft might not be able to protect young players. In a recent interview with Mashable, however, Matt Booty, corporate vice president of Microsoft Studios said that they are currently working with Sony on a solution.
