Mojang is looking to make content distribution easier for Minecraft: Pocket Edition and Windows 10 Edition players before the Discovery Update opens up a whole world of new possibilities to each community. The studio also hopes a new digital storefront will make it easier for Minecraft creators to share (and profit from) their work.
According to Mojang, public beta testing for the Minecraft Marketplace will begin on Android devices later this month with a full launch on iOS, Android and Windows 10 expected later this spring. The storefront will include work from established Pocket and Windows 10 Edition creators like BlockWorks, Imagiverse, Noxcrew and Polymap. Mojang is also accepting new submissions via the Minecraft Partner Program and the studio says it hopes the Marketplace will make it easier for more of Minecraft ’s most passionate community members to be rewarded for their hard work.
“The idea is to give Minecraft creators another way to make a living from the game,” Mojang says. “Allowing them to support themselves in the creation of ever-greater projects, while giving Pocket and Windows 10 players access to a growing catalogue of fun stuff - curated and supplied by us, safely and simply.”
The studio says players will still be able to download free community creations they find on the internet. Mojang hasn’t revealed a specific breakdown of its profit-sharing model; however, the studio says Pocket and Windows 10 Edition content creators will “get the majority” of what’s left after the 30 percent cut claimed by app store owners. Polygon says creators will receive at least 50 percent of the post-fee income, citing a Microsoft spokesperson.
Minecraft Marketplace transactions will be conducted using an in-app currency (Coins), with the usual “bonus” credits for buying in bulk. Mojang will also plans to use the Minecraft Marketplace to distribute official Pocket and Windows 10 Edition content, like new skin and mash-up packs.
For more on the Marketplace, read Mojang’s complete breakdown on the Minecraft website.
Minecraft is currently available on PC, consoles and a variety of smart devices.
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