Microsoft is setting up the pipeline for a new “Minecraft” Online Store for third-party texture packs, skins and adventure maps. Due to arrive this spring, Minecraft Marketplace is to become the dwelling for the game’s goods. Although mods will not be included, the upcoming in-game store will offer the best assets related to the popular multiplayer.
Original content from 3p developers coming soon
Opening its doors for businesses for the first time, the Marketplace will have nine companies that will offer feature packs within “Minecraft.” This includes new landscapes and in-game activities that range from $1 to $10 per original content.
A press event last week revealed the creators who will join the launch. New packs include:
- Automaton Dreams
- Fairy-tale Adventure Map
- Pastel Skin Pack
- Pirate Map
- Skyfair
- Scorching Sands
- Stone Age Texture Map
In the past, Microsoft only sold its own first-party goods through a dedicated online store. Third-parties offered their products via their own sites, although these were only available to limited platforms. “The real impetus is to let creators connect to players and help them make a living on top of Minecraft,” said John Thornton, Microsoft's executive producer for the game. “For the first time we are going to enable creators to come in and put content into our store alongside the same content that Minecraft makes.”
At launch, the bazaar will hold content from existing partners first.
Third-party companies and independent stores will join later upon the approval of their application. The Marketplace will be linked to players’ Xbox Live accounts, but the currency cannot be earned through in-game activities. According to an official statement made by Microsoft, original content creators will take at least 50 percent share of the income, after retail fees have been extracted.
'Minecraft' goes big
The tech giant has given developers the liberty of setting prices for their own creations. However, Thornton says the company will keep a close eye on each content, which will be up for review first.
For Minecraft and Microsoft, the upcoming update means a boost to the already sizable fortunes of the game.
Released by Markus Persson in 2011, the game achieved popularity as its audience includes both young and older game fanatics. Microsoft acquired the game in 2014 in a staggering $2.5 billion contract.
The Minecraft Marketplace is going to be available on mobile devices, Windows, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift, Amazon Kindle Fire and the Apple TV.
