Minecraft is Finally Coming to Nintendo Wii U

Mojang developer Jeb Bergensten releases a video confirming that Minecraft will finally be coming to Nintendo Wii U, and just in time for the holiday season.

Mojang has now confirmed that the popular block-based builder will finally arrive on the Nintendo Wii U this December. The announcement was made by Mojang in an official video, where lead developer Jeb Bergensten closed out a faux interview with the surprise announcement.

Minecraft will be releasing for the Wii U on December 17th, just in time for the holiday season. The company only confirmed that it would arrive as a purchasable title on the eShop, so those looking to buy it as a Christmas gift needn’t worry about wrapping paper.

Gamers looking to play Minecraft on the Wii U will have to shell out more cash compared to other console gamers, as the Nintendo edition will retail for a relatively hefty $29.99, whilst the Xbox One and PS4 versions sell for less at $19.99. Granted, the Wii U version will come with 6 add-on DLC skin bundles already included, but considering skins have always been free for PC players, that’s not much of an incentive to purchase the game at a higher price.

Fans can take a look at Jeb’s announcement video below, where they take a moment to talk about upcoming features in the PC release before getting down to the reveal:

Mojang also confirmed that more Minecraft content packs would be arriving to the Wii U in the near future, so those looking to purchase things like Nintendo-centric character skins will probably be able to do so sooner rather than later. Gamers from other consoles routinely get brand-specific downloadable content, and considering how easy it is for companies to make, it would be a baffling decision for Nintendo not to offer gamers the ability to mine dressed as Mario or Luigi.

As expected, the game will feature off-TV play, so gamers can continue playing on the GamePad while other family members take over the television. The studio also promised to keep supporting the core game with free updates, much like they do with the other console versions. PC Gamers still get access to the most updated version of the game ahead of time, and that won’t change, but it’s great to see that the popular building game will be available across all consoles.

Markus ‘Notch’ Persson, the creator of the game, recently commented that he thought it would be neat to see Steve as a Smash Bros character, so perhaps this announcement is the big catalyst in such a development. Only time will tell if Nintendo and Mojang evolve a larger partnership beyond launching the game on their console, but either way, everyone wins.

What do you think about Mojang finally bringing Minecraft to a Nintendo platform?

Minecraft is now officially available for iOS, Android, PC, Linux, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Vita, and Nintendo Wii U.

Movie theaters host youth league for Minecraft gamers

(Photo : Super League Gaming | Tech Times)

Movie theaters are hosting a Youth League for Minecraft gamers, allowing them to play competitively and get the chance to win a $5,000 scholarship.

A company called Super League Gaming is behind this exciting move, aiming to create e-sports playgrounds for kids. Movie theaters are a great choice because they have a large capacity and can fit tens or hundreds of young gamers and their parents.

During recent promotional activities, sold-out movie theaters have been packed with kids who brought their laptops to play Minecraft competitively, turning venues for movies into e-sports arenas.

Most Minecraft gamers in the Youth League are aged between seven and 14. Movie theaters host youth league events and while gamers do their thing on the Minecraft virtual playground, parents or other spectators can watch a third-person perspective on the big theater screen.

Super League Gaming has already hosted a number of preview Youth League events and is now gearing up to open its inaugural fall season in October. The season will last for six weeks and will have events in more than 30 cities, including Philadelphia, Chicago and Miami.

This is not just about fun, however, as kids get the chance to win a major prize. The top winner of the season will get a $5,000 scholarship, which can be a great incentive for kids and parents alike.

Super League Gaming has teamed up with several theaters for this Minecraft youth league, allowing gamers to play at AMC, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark and iPic theater chains.

The league chose Minecraft because it's not only widely popular, but it also encourages kids to work together and be creative. At the same time, Minecraft is also open-source, which means that Super League Gaming can tinker with the game whenever they see it as necessary. The Minecraft Youth League also allows gamers to socialize with more kids, which is something new generations could use more of.

photo provided by Super League Gaming shows gamers attending the first in-theater video game league for multi-players of all ages to compete in the Super League Gaming event held at Cinemark Playa Vista and XD Theater in Los Angeles. (Super League Gaming via AP)

Gamers play in teams of four to seven members and if they don't have their own team, Super League Gaming will place them in one with other kids. Interested gamers can now register for the six-week fall season, but it's not free. Early registration costs $80 for the six weeks, if purchased by Sept. 30. After that date, the price goes up to $100. Check out Super League's FaQ for more information.

YouTuber CaptainSparklez on Why You Should Let Your Kids Play Minecraft

Take it from YouTuber Jordan Maron (a.k.a. CaptainSparklez). The 23-year-old has almost 8.8 million subscribers on his YouTube channel and a staggering 1.8 billion views, largely through musical parodies of popular songs produced using the Minecraft game.

Maron talked to PEOPLE Now about, among other things, why he thinks kids playing Minecraft is actually a net positive. "I think, with Minecraft especially, there are definitely some educational components to it," he said. "You can have classes now that you take in various schools that are based in Minecraft that can teach you about computer engineering."

Everything Parents Need to Know About Minecraft (as Told by Kids)

It's one of the most popular games out there, but ask any parent of a Minecraft-lover what it's all about and you'll likely get a blank stare. That's OK, your kids know a Steve from the Ender Dragon and you know that the addictive building-blocks game is one of the few that successfully educate and entertain their players. But for parents who want to decipher their kids' conversations, Lego's here to help. In its new "What Parents Need to Know About Minecraft" tutorial, the brick-building company explains Minecraft lingo and characters and provides some important "Dos and Don'ts" for parents when it comes to Minecraft etiquette. Watch and absorb — and feel some satisfaction when you actually understand what your kids are talking about!

There’s someone creating the entire map of GTA 5 in Minecraft

Calling GTA 5’s playable map ‘massive’ would be an understatement. Which is what makes this undertaking glorious.

YouTuber N11cK has been working on creating the entire map of GTA 5 in Minecraft for eight months. He’s been uploading videos everyday starting with the map layout and working around the limitations of Minecraft, to the most recent ones in which entire sections were built.

For illustration, watch the very first video to get an idea of what he’s looking to do.

Now watch one of the more recent ones, that’s number 127, where you’ll really start to see the progress and appreciate all the details he’s keeping tracking of.

If you want to binge watch the whole series, here’s the full playlist.

Minecraft: Story Mode Release date Announced

Minecraft: Story Mode – The Order of the Stone will be Launching October 13 on Xbox One

Telltale Games has just revealed that the first episode of its Minecraft: Story Mode game will release digitally on October 13, 2015 on Xbox One.

As Jesse, you’ll embark on a perilous adventure across the Overworld, through the Nether, to the End, and beyond. Your decisions – what you say and do – drive the story around you, so choose wisely! A five-part episodic series.

Are you excited for this? We sure are….

“Working” iPhone built in Minecraft

How many times have you thought you’re sick of all the Minecraft creations only to see one more that totally blows your mind?

This iPhone built in Minecraft has a working home button, apps, clocks and even a music player. Unlike the real thing, this one will never get a cracked screen unless you want it to.

Minecraft Mobile Update Adds Cross-Platform Multiplayer

Microsoft and Mojang have detailed the latest update for the various mobile editions of Minecraft.

Highlighting the changes in the 0.12.1 update is the ability for "up to five friends to play cross-platform multiplayer on a local network." These players can be spread across Minecraft: Pocket Edition for iOS and Android, as well as Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta.

Furthermore, the Windows 10 Edition Beta version also now allows up to five people to play together over Xbox Live.

The update has been described as the "biggest" to date, also introducing revamped touch controls, controller support, and the controller mapping screen.

"You’ll also be treated to the same enhanced weather effects that Windows 10 Edition Beta players have received, including snow accumulation and directional rain," Microsoft explained.

"In addition to plenty of new goodies to build and potions to brew, you'll now be able to encounter golems and ocelots, and even explore the Nether. Finally, this update brings the ability to sneak and sprint in Pocket Edition."

Anyone who's purchased the PC/Mac version version of Minecraft--which is around 20-plus million people--can get the Windows 10 version for free. To do this they need to log into their account on Mojang's website, click the Redeem button, and sign into a Microsoft account to claim the free copy.

Microsoft purchased Minecraft developer Mojang in 2014. Xbox boss Phil Spencer said he has no immediate plans to push out a sequel. Mojang later also spoke out to stress Minecraft 2 isn't happening anytime soon.

Minecraft : Story Mode gets a release date?

So when we seen the trailer for Minecraft : Story Mode at Minecon we was all pretty excited for the release. A listing on Amazon.com may have revealed that Minecraft: Story Mode is releasing on October 27 2015.

In Minecraft: Story Mode you play as Jesse as you tackle a perilous adventure across the Overworld.

So you might still be asking What is this game? Minecraft: Story Mode is an adventure game set in a Minecraft world. It is a five-part episodic series that will take you to the Nether, the Farlands, the End, and beyond! You will drive how the story flows through the decisions you make: what you say to people (and how you say it), and what you choose to do in moments of thrilling action.

If you have’t seen the trailer have a look here.

Amazingly Accurate Recreation Of The Shire In Minecraft

Minecraft and The Lord of the Rings have always had one thing in common: they have both consumed an ungodly amount of hours of my life. I love both very dearly. So when I saw that Reddit user "Fornad" and his buddies over at ArdaCraft have spent the better part of a year painstakingly recreating The Shire in its entirety, I nearly went cuckoo for Minecraft-puffs! (That's a thing... right?)

The insane amount of detail and attention to accuracy is astounding. Many of my favorite Minecraft builds are those that make the world look more natural and complete. And what better way to show off your terraforming skills than to build the got-damned Shire?! I posted a trailer the team put together below. But if you'd like to jump on and check out this build yourself,ArdaCraft currently run a 150 player server. If you love really cool Minecraft builds, or The Lord of the Rings, you owe it to yourself to check this out!

Play Minecraft: Story Mode at PAX Prime

Are you a fan of Minecraft? Looking forward to playing Minecraft: Story Mode? Join the masses. Unfortunately unless you live in the United States, you won’t be able to join the masses of fans getting their hands on the very first playable beta of Minecraft: Story Mode. As that is what is happening right now at PAX Prime… the lucky sods!

It was announced yesterday however that Minecraft: Story Mode will be the first Telltale game series to feature a player character where YOU choose their appearance. Players will be able to select from several different options for both male and female versions of the hero Jesse.

Check out these new screenshots from the season premiere, where you’ll get a sneak peek at several different versions of Jesse.

Minecraft: Story Mode – A Telltale Games Series is not yet rated by the ESRB. The series will be published digitally by Telltale Games in partnership with Mojang and is due for release this autumn on Xbox One and Xbox 360 along with other platforms.

C418 to be releasing Minecraft: Volume Alpha on Vinyl

I have always found the limitlessness of Minecraft to be intimidating–a world with no boundaries is a place where voxel-based chaos might likely reign. However, as someone who is easily overwhelmed by the least threatening things, I have generally found the game’s emollient, ambient soundtrack a panacea to all stresses within and outside the game. It’s hard to feel anxious when soothing music that channels Brian Eno’s Music For Airports is cradling you into sonic safety.
That’s why I was stoked to hear that the composer behind the dreamy soundtrack would be physically releasing the first volume of his work as Minecraft Volume Alpha this August. Daniel Rosenfeld, a.k.a. C418, is the German composer behind the famous virtual world’s soundscapes, and in anticipation of the forthcoming release, he compiled a four-track sampler of some of his most uplifting tracks. Mixing analog with digital, the beginning of each song recalls low tide, and as the compositions progress you can actively feel the disparate parts of the song gain momentum simultaneously and crest. It is busy yet calming, just like the surface of an ocean a couple day following a storm. Check out the four tracks below and see for yourself.



Minecraft Volume Alpha is out August 21 via Ghostly International and you can preorder the release right here. In addition to the CD and standard vinyl releases, a limited edition collection of transparent green vinyl with a 3-D lenticular jacket is also available. Check out the jacket art and track-lists for CD and vinyl below.

Vinyl Tracklist

1. Subwoofer Lullaby

2. Living Mice

3. Moog City

4. Haggstrom

5. Minecraft

6. Clark

7. Mice On Venus

8. Dry Hands

9. Wet Hands

10. Sweden

11. Cat

12. Danny

CD Tracklist

1. Key

2. Door

3. Subwoofer Lullaby

4. Death

5. Living Mice

6. Moog City

7. Haggstrom

8. Minecraft

9. Oxygene

10. Equinoxe

11. Mice on Venus

12. Dry Hands

13. Wet Hands

14. Clark

15. Chris

16. Thirteen

17. Excuse

18. Sweden

19. Cat

20. Dog

21. Danny

22. Beginning

23. Droopy Likes Ricochet

24. Droopy Likes Your Face

Minecraft most streamed video game in YouTube’s history

Minecraft is YouTube’s most streamed video game, with over 42 MILLION archived videos. YouTube announced Wednesday that content featuring the virtual brick-building video game has been watched more than any other interactive title in the 10 years since YouTube launched. 

“There are over 42 million ‘Minecraft’ videos on YouTube today,” said Ryan Wyatt, YouTube’s global head of gaming content. “It’s crazy because ‘Minecraft’ is also the second most searched term on YouTube. It’s a testament to (publisher) Mojang understanding the marketing capacity and power of our content creators.”

The blocky indie game was originally released by Swedish studio Mojang and creator Markus “Notch” Persson more than five years ago and has gone on to become a cultural phenomenon spawning books, toys and other merchandise. The franchise’s popularity prompted Microsoft to buy “Minecraft” for $2.5 billion in 2014.

“Minecraft” videos on YouTube range from crafters showing off their digital creations to virtual explorers traversing the game’s procedurally generated landscape.


In honor of the streaming video site’s 10th anniversary, YouTube released a list of the top 10 most popular games that have been streamed since the site debuted in 2005.

Rockstar Games’ gangster series “Grand Theft Auto” arrived in second place, followed by Riot Games’ multiplayer arena title “League of Legends” in the third spot, and Activision’s “Call of Duty” military shooter franchise in fourth place. Electronic Arts’ soccer simulator “FIFA” rounded out the top five most streamed games.

“It’s funny that a lot of the titles on the list tie in with the theme of open imagination and entertainment,” said Wyatt.

Other titles on the list included “Garry’s Mod,” ‘’The Sims,” ‘’Five Nights at Freddy’s” and “Puzzles & Dragon.” The complete list from YouTube:

1. “Minecraft”

2. “Grand Theft Auto”

3. “League of Legends”

4. “Call of Duty”

5. “FIFA”

6. “Garry’s Mod”

7. “The Sims”

8. “Five Nights at Freddy’s”

9. “Puzzles & Dragon”

10. “Dota 2”

Minecraft Rapid-Fire Arrow Dispenser

Check out this rapid-fire arrow dispenser!

What you'll need: 2 dispensers (Side by side) 1 Sticky piston 1 redstone block 1 block (any) 2 redstone dust MANY arrows


Place your dispensers like so; The side-by-side setup will allow the triggering setup to work properly. Load the dispensers with as many arrows as you like; this can be done at any time you choose up until firing.


Next, place your sticky piston behind the dispensers, one block to the side (your choice), facing inward. Position is vital, as it's the piston that drives the redstone mechanism.


Next, place any block you wish next to the piston on the far side of the dispenser, like so.


Place your first bit of redstone dust on top of it.


And another just here. What you're going to do from here is place a redstone block where the crosshair is positioned, behind the dispenser closest to the piston. This sends a signal up the redstone dust trail to the piston, pushing the redstone block away, breaking the signal and turning the piston off, causing it to retract and reactivate, switching itself on and off rapidly. It's this that gives the dispensers their rapid fire; each position of the piston fires an arrow. Want to turn it off? Just hit the lower redstone dust to shut off the cycling signal and bring the piston to a stop. You may end up with the redstone block pushed off of the piston, but simply mine and replace the block in the correct position, re-place the redstone dust, and you're firing once again!


If it all goes well, you should be lobbing arrows like nobody's business!


Upgrades, you say? Well, add some hoppers and chests like this and voila, you've got expanded arrow storage! Just place arrows into the chests and they'll auto-load into the dispensers. For those who -really- want to blot out the sun, add one hopper and chest -above- each of the dispensers as well for 4 chests worth of self-loading arrow mayhem.

Big List Of Minecraft Gift Ideas

If you’re looking for gifts for a Minecraft fan (big or small), you're in luck because there's lots of neat stuff out there... you just need to know where to look. And sometimes that can be a bit overwhelming, right?

So to help you out I’ve compiled a bunch of ideas into this one handy list. I've tried to find things that will suit a wide range of ages, interests and budgets so hopefully there'll be something here that's just right for the person you're buying for.

So without further ado, let’s go gift hunting!

MINECRAFT

What better present for a Minecraft fan than the game itself?
Go portable with the Pocket Edition (for iOS or Android)
Upgrade to the full version for the PC and Mac
Playstation - PS3 or PS4
XBox 360
Downloadable content - For Xbox and PS3 you can buy additional skin and texture packs for a few dollars apiece.



MINECRAFT LEGO

It was the coolest thing ever when the Lego and Minecraft worlds collided! Since then they’ve expanded the number of sets available, here are the current ones in increasing order of costly-ness.

The Cave
This is the smallest set, and comes with some cool stuff like a zombie and a cave spider.

The micro world sets - The Forest, The Nether, The End and The Village
These are also small sets, with tiny little minifigs. The Nether is particularly cool because it comes with a portal, ghasts and a zombie pigman.

The Farm and The First Night
Medium sized sets with Steve and animal minifigs.

Crafting Box (pictured above)
Assorted Minecraft-related building pieces to create one of the eight suggested builds, add on to other sets or freestyle your own.

Ender Dragon set
Really cool! Comes with neat stuff like Endermen, obsidian and weapons.

The Mine
The biggest Minecraft set to date, comes with a minecart track and pretend explosion.


PLUSH TOYS

Who wouldn't want to cuddle a Creeper or snuggle up to an Enderman? Sure the baby Mooshroom is adorable but there's an Ender Dragon, people! Also check out the Bat and this creeper that makes a hissing noise. So much soft and plushy awesome.


ACTION FIGURES

You can find posable characters by themselves (like Diamond Steve) or in an activity set (like the survival pack). The animals pack pictured above is really cute too, but my favorite is the collectible pack with a wolf, Enderman and snow golem.


BATTLE PROPS

Although some would consider them tools of the trade rather than toys, foam swords and pickaxes are really popular and relatively inexpensive (around US$10 each). You can also get them as a twin pack.


BOOKS

Mojang (the makers of Minecraft) have published a series of four official guides which you can buy individually or as a box set. I have these handy-sized books at home, and they’re not only a really great introduction to the game for new players but full of great ideas to inspire the not-so-noobs. Every player should have these!

NEW! They’ve just released a Minecraft encyclopedia, called (naturally)Blockopedia. Plus it’s shaped like a 3D block which is pretty awesome! It’s very comprehensive and covers just about everything you could want to know about the game. Definitely something that all fans would love to have on their bookshelf.

And lastly a book about Notch (the developer of the game) and the history behind Minecraft. I haven’t read this one but it’s popular and sure looks interesting.


CLOTHING

It’s important to stay warm while you're exploring those caves! How about a zip-up Creeper hoodie (freaky but popular), or maybe a beanie for exploring those snowy biomes. And keep those pants up with a pickaxe belt!


STATIONERY & CRAFTS

Papercraft
These sets of foldable paper Minecraft blocks are a little pricey but seem popular. They're basically the game in bendy paper form.

Stickers
You can find Minecraft sticker sets on Amazon, they make great stocking stuffers.

Magnets
These block sheet magnets look great on the fridge (we have two sets on ours).


HOUSEWARES

Posters
Wall decoration is a must-have for the bedroom of any serious Minecraft fan. This creeper window pictured above is particularly cool because it’s something that you can find in the game. Vinyl wall decals are also awesome (and not permanent).

Lamps
Kids might be more tempted to turn off the computer and head to bed if they've got a glowing diamond night light to keep them company, or a Minecraft torch attached to their wall.

Knick-knacks
I know my kid would love a wooden chest to store all their 'items'.

The official Minecraft calendar
Count down the days until the next Minecraft update!




JEWELLERY

There are official Minecraft licensed 'diamond' necklaces and earrings, but this pickaxe keychain is full of bling awesomeness.


ACCESSORIES

Backpack
This creeper bag would be particularly great for younger school kids. Add some personalization with a couple of Minecraft bag charms.

Phone cases & computer accessories
There are tons of different places to find cheap phone cases with Minecraft designs, from grass blocks to Creepers to Endermen. This creeper face one at Amazon is a bargain!

MUSIC

The music played in Minecraft is by C418 and is available to download from iTunes.

That's a lot of stuff, hopefully there's something here that your Minecraft fan will love. Oh and once you’re done hunting, don't forget to wrap all your goodies in some diamond wrapping paper!

Minecraft Summer Wallpaper

Happy Summer! 

Artist : https://twitter.com/artillery84 

Artist : http://instagram.com/artilldawn 

More wallpaper for android (free) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.c4d3r.mcpaper

Mojang changes players Minecraft username

Mojang changes players Minecraft username after they name themselves something against Mojang. A Reddit user by the name jessemoforice posted:

"So a few years ago when I was signing up for Minecraft, I tried logging into an account that already existed, but couldn't get into it. For some reason I got angry at Mojang for this and created a new account called MojangSucksDick, which is what I've been using ever since. Yeah... So anyway I logged on today to discover my new name, look in the bottom right.

I thought this was hilarious and I don't even mind because I actually enjoy Minecraft a lot.
Edit: Since some people want proof, here it is: https://namemc.com/u/NoWeDont
Thanks to users vilder50 and mynameisperl for the link to that site.
Edit2: Woke up to find that my post had blown up, and to see Marc_IRL had commented on it! I honestly thought reddit would be pissed at me for this, so this was an awesome surprise!"

Bone Canyon - A Minecraft Roller Coaster

If you want to ride Bone Garden, you can get it here! http://www.planetminecraft.com/project/bone-canyon---a-minecraft-coaster/