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Minecraft Entering Beta, Increasing In Price

by Phil Kollar on Dec 11, 2010 at 06:00 AM

Minecraft has become such an Internet sensation this year that it's sometimes easy to forget that technically the game has been considered still in alpha by its creator. Admittedly, it's an alpha you can pay for and play in full, which is a little strange, but alpha nonetheless. But now Minecraft is ready to enter the next stage of its development.

On his Tumblr, Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson revealed that Minecraft will enter beta on December 20. Persson says the change to beta will mean a focus on adding a lot of new features to the game: more polish, more content, a narrative, and the ability to create mods.

The price of the game will also go up to 14.95 Euros when it enters beta. However, until then you can still get the game for the alpha price of 9.95 Euros, and buying it now ensures you will continue getting all future updates (including beta and the final release) for no extra charge. However, people buying the beta version will not have the same guarantee. So really, if you think you're going to be interested in Minecraft in the future, now is probably the best time to pick it up.

Persson also promises that gift purchases will be available in time for the holidays. Anyone thinking of putting Minecraft in the stocking of a loved one?