Microsoft and Mojang revealed firm launch plans for Minecraft: Education Edition, a modified build of the popular sandbox game designed specifically for educators to use in universities, schools and afterschool programs around the globe. The Minecraft: Education Edition release date announcement also included limited pricing.
A little over three months after publishing an early access version of Minecraft: Education Edition, and just days before thousands of Minecraft fans descend upon Anaheim, Calif., Microsoft and Mojang have confirmed plans to release MEE Nov. 1. The early access version will remain accessible in the interim, so teachers aren’t left high and dry during the first few months of the school year, but will shutdown when the final build of Minecraft: Education Edition goes live.
In addition to the launch timeline, Mojang confirmed several new features would be ready when Minecraft: Education Edition debuts. First up, a new Classroom Mode that gives teachers access to a plethora of information, via an MEE companion app. They’ll be able to see who’s connected to the server, where each player is currently located, give out resources (as needed) and even chat with students. Mojang says all of the features from the latest Windows 10 Edition update will also be available in Minecraft: Education Edition at launch. And if that’s not enough, Mojang is also asking for input if you’re a teacher hoping to see a specific feature added to MEE down the road.
Given its educational nature, it probably won’t come as much of a shock that Minecraft: Education Edition will be licensed rather than sold. The software will be available at a price of $5 per user, per year when licensing for individual classes or schools. Mojang says a district-wide licensing model is also available; however, pricing information was not listed in the announcement .
Minecraft: Education Edition is in development for Windows 10 and OS X El Capitan. The teaching version of the popular sandbox game debuts Nov. 1.
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