Minecraft prepares to enter beta

Downloadable PC sensation Minecraft is to officially exit alpha phase and enter beta on December 20th, creator Marcus Persson has confirmed.

In addition, the cult developer has stated that he plans to add some kind of non-intrusive narrative to the game to help drive the game experience early on, and to provide some kind of late game goal” into his title.

Persson promises that the beta phase of the game life will bring with it a larger focus on polish and content, as well as the development of official modding support and more resources being put into testing and stability.

And most importantly for consumers, once the game enters Beta an alteration will be made to the license removing the guarantee that all future versions of the game will be free. Current owners will not be affected by the change. Persson also plans to offer gift codes in the near future.

The next epoch is upon us,” he wrote. The skies are trembling, pigs are growing wings, and the nether is turning awfully cold, as Minecraft slowly crawls out of Alpha.”