Minecraft

Lifecycle

Aug 16, 2011Early Access on Android
Nov 17, 2011Early Access on iOS
Jul 25, 2015Early Access on PC
Dec 19, 2016Released on iOS · Android
Sep 20, 2017Released on PC · Xbox One
Jun 21, 2018Released on Switch
Dec 9, 2019Released on PS4
Jun 20, 2024Early Access on PS5
Oct 22, 2024Released on PS5
Jun 17, 2025Released on Xbox Series
Oct 27, 2026Released on Switch 2

Summary

Minecraft focuses on allowing the player to explore, interact with, and modify a dynamically-generated map made of one-cubic-meter-sized blocks. In addition to blocks, the environment features plants, mobs, and items. Some activities in the game include mining for ore, fighting hostile mobs, and crafting new blocks and tools by gathering various resources found in the game. The game's open-ended model allows players to create structures, creations, and artwork on various multiplayer servers or their single-player maps. Other features include redstone circuits for logic computations and remote actions, minecarts and tracks, and a mysterious underworld called the Nether. A designated but completely optional goal of the game is to travel to a dimension called the End, and defeat the ender dragon.