On June 30, 2021, Minecraft Earth, the augmented reality version of the popular game Minecraft, was officially shut down. This decision came as a shock to many players who had invested time and money into the game and left them wondering if the game deserved a restart.
Minecraft Earth Shutdown and Reasons
The decision to shut down Minecraft Earth was made due to several reasons, primarily related to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The game was designed around free movement and collaborative play, which became difficult to achieve during the global situation. The limitations on movement and social distancing guidelines made it challenging for players to fully experience the game’s core emphasis.
As a result, Mojang Studios, the developer of Minecraft Earth, decided to reallocate their resources to other areas that provide value to the Minecraft community.
Possibility of a Minecraft Reboot
While Minecraft Earth has been officially shut down, there have been discussions among fans and players about the possibility of a reboot or a second chance for the game. Some argue that Mojang could revitalize Minecraft Earth using existing assets and code, potentially challenging games like Pokémon GO.
This game had garnered attention and interest during its early access period, with popular Minecraft YouTubers promoting the title. However, the game was shut down prematurely due to the pandemic, missing the opportunity to fully develop and thrive.
It is important to note that as of my knowledge cutoff date of May 20, 2024, there have been no official announcements or indications from Mojang Studios regarding a potential restart or revival of this game.
The decision to shut down the game was made due to resource constraints and the challenges posed by the pandemic. Any future for Minecraft Earth would be at the discretion of Mojang Studios.
Why Minecraft Earth Deserves a Restart
Minecraft Earth, an augmented reality mobile game, deserves a reboot for several reasons. Despite its initial discontinuation, there are compelling arguments for revitalizing the game:
- Existing Assets and Code: Mojang could revitalize Minecraft Earth by leveraging existing assets and code, potentially challenging Pokémon GO. Minecraft Earth’s spin-offs have had a mixed history, but there is potential for a second wind in the larger Minecraft franchise.
- Unfulfilled Potential: This game was shut down before it had a chance to fully realize its potential. The game was announced in 2019 and aimed to compete with Pokémon GO by allowing players to harvest resources through real-world exploration. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limitations on outdoor activities, the game’s core mechanics became difficult to enjoy.
- Strong Fan Base: Despite its premature discontinuation, the gane had a dedicated fan base that expressed disappointment over its closure. Many players were eager to experience the game’s unique blend of augmented reality and the Minecraft universe. Rebooting the game could re-engage this passionate community.
- Relevance of Augmented Reality: Augmented reality (AR) gaming continues to be a popular and evolving genre. By rebooting Minecraft Earth, Mojang could tap into the ongoing interest in AR experiences and provide a fresh and immersive gaming experience for players.
- Opportunity for Improvement: The initial release of the game faced challenges and limitations. A reboot would provide an opportunity for Mojang to address these issues and improve upon the game’s mechanics, features, and overall gameplay. By learning from the past and incorporating player feedback, a rebooted version of Minecraft Earth could offer a more refined and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Minecraft Earth was shut down in June 2021 due to the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges in achieving the game’s core emphasis. While there have been discussions about the possibility of a reboot, there have been no official announcements regarding a restart of Minecraft Earth as of my knowledge cutoff date.
This game deserves a reboot due to its untapped potential, strong fan base, and the opportunity to improve upon its initial release. By leveraging existing assets and code, Mojang could revitalize the game and provide players with an engaging augmented reality experience set in the beloved Minecraft universe.
