Mojang Studios is combining both versions of Minecraft together. And this new package will be called Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition. When purchased, it will provide access to both the Java Edition and Bedrock edition of the popular sandbox survival game. It will be available for purchase on June 7 when it replaces the current offerings.
But what about if you already own one version of Minecraft? Thankfully, Mojang has that covered. Anyone who owns one of the versions will receive the other version for free. This will be done through an automated process after the new edition is released. Although the blog post does say that this process may take a few days.
Both versions will continue to support cross-play. For Java Edition, that means users on Windows, Linux, and macOS can play together, while Bedrock Edition supports cross-play between PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. This is a nice feature, as it means that you can play with friends who are on console without having to buy two versions of Minecraft.
Life under Microsoft
Mojang clarifies that Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition is two separate games in one deal. Each version has its own pros and cons, and this combination isn’t changing that. It’s simply giving players the opportunity to own both in a more convenient package. Modders will still have Java Edition to tinker with, while console and mobile cross-play is still only supported in the Bedrock Edition. Both games will be accessible through one launcher. Ultimately, this may convince Java players to try Bedrock, or vice versa.
Since 2014, both Minecraft and Mojang Studios have worked under Xbox Game Studios. Microsoft and Mojang have expanded Minecraft‘s brand by creating spin-offs like Story Mode, Dungeons, and Earth. Meanwhile, Mojang worked on other non-Minecraft projects like Caller’s Bane, a collectible card game, and Crown and Council, a turn-based strategy game.
