Minecraft players wanting to play the game and build worlds with other players on other platforms just got what they wanted: today, Microsoft announced that the game just added support for cross-platform play.
That means that multiple players can join each other, regardless of what system or device they play on, whether that be Windows 10, Windows Phone, Xbox Live, iOS or Android.
The cross-platform version of Minecraft, called Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta, does come with a catch, though: only five people can play in a cross-platform environment at any given time.
"For the first time ever, up to five friends can play cross-platform multiplayer on a local network between Minecraft: Pocket Edition and Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta," wrote Microsoft on its blog. "The Windows 10 Edition Beta also now allows up to five friends [to] play together over Xbox Live. And no matter what edition you're playing, you'll be able to buff up your equipment with special effects from enchanting tables."
Microsoft also mentioned other features arriving with Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta. The new edition will include "catch-up features" for Minecraft's mobile players, including new touch controls, support for controllers and a screen for mapping controls. Mobile players will also now get the same weather effects as those playing on other devices. There are also builds and potions, golems and ocelots, as well as new sneak and sprint abilities.
Microsoft bought the rights to Minecraft about a year ago, but this is the first time since then that the company has made any in-game changes.
Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta is available now for $9.99, with the Pocket Edition going for $6.99.
Minecraft: Story Mode, from TellTale Games, releases on October 27: this version of the game allows players to make decisions in the game, with those decisions reaping consequences. That game retails for around $30.
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