We had a board meeting today, which felt relatively grown up and mature. We had it at a nice asian restaurant, and there was food, drinks and coffee. Carl held a nice presentation, showing the progress of the company, and we discussed and voted about various details on where to go and what to do. The most relevant parts for Minecraft is that we decided to bring in bug fixing into the development method in a more clear way so that people working customer support can add them as tasks for us, and that we finally set a release date for Minecraft.
It's a bit tricky to really do a release for Minecraft as we keep updating it all the time. For one, the version we deem as the “full version” won't be very different at all from what the game was like a week ago, and we'll keep adding features after the release as well, so it's really more of a milestone when we finally get rid of the Beta label, and some kind of goal for us to work towards. The plan is to be open with this and try to get people to cheer us on as much as possible, but to be open with the fact that the game won't change much at the actual release day. (It's more a progress up until that point)
We picked November 11, with the unofficial tagline “us too”.
It's the same date as a few other games and movies, and the one I'm the most excited about is Skyrim, so that will be a nice reward for me if we actually manage to hit that date!
And, in case you want an update on Minecraft:
We've been working on finishing up Achievements and Statistics for 1.5, I ran into some issues with JSON, got frustrated, and added weather instead. Developing new features like that is what I enjoy doing the most, so I ended up covering a lot of ground.
There's periodic downfall (snow in snowy areas, rain in others, nothing in deserts) that make the sky darker, hides the sun, moon and stars, and makes everything wet. Ice grows back in cold regions, and snowfall covers the ground when it's snowing. During rain/snow, there can be occasional thunderstorms with lightning. I haven't finished the actual lightning bolt yet, but everything else is fairly done.
Once the stats are done and the weather has been tested through, we'll release 1.5. I'm guessing this will be next week. The piston mod might get added, but it will not be in time for 1.5.
woo! release date!
though, Notch Time will likely come into play.
that mod would be a great addition, can't wait to see the gates that are gonna be built with it
They can just use people's mods in their game? I'm confused...
Actually yes they can. They're using the better lighting mod already. It was in the 1.3 update as well as the sand stone mod. They take mods people make, and put them into the game if they think it's worth while.
Well yeah the CAN, but do they ask first? Or credit the modders? I didn't see crediting the better lighting mod, but I may have missed something.
wasn't the new chunking system originally a mod?
They did include credit for the lighting mod if i remember correctly, and they asked the maker of the piston mod if he wants to send it in so they can add it, and he said yes.
He gives credit in the new update info. Like, "Implimented Better lighting mod by so and so." But I do think he asks first.
Probably got permission.
Anyone else feel the game is no where near a "finished" state? The thought of this game being "finished" this year just makes me feel iffy.
Not until they add dragons.
Skyrim is released on 11/11/11, I don't think I will be playing this,or even blinking for multiple days...
Hope to see the finished product though, Good luck ^^
All I can say is... ohhhh yeah... -_- ;)
the point of the whole piston hting is becuaseeeee?
I woulda thought the mo creatures mod would have been the first thing to go in
I have been waiting for atmospheric and weather effects for what seems forever and I'm thrilled to see that feature come to Minecraft for the big win. Some will complain about it, sure, but if that feature is configurable then everyone wins.
I'm not sure about pistons and what that will bring other than the obvious, but how about a Glowstone Dust feature to justify the trouble for acquiring it? Actually, the entire Nether needs more love as there really isn't a reason to go there other than to pursue trouble and do daredevil stunts 500 feet above magma beds.
As for the Ghasts...I'd feel much more compelled to stop and kill a few if they either dropped something of unique value or created a massive world event upon their demise. But...one thing at a time I suppose.
what about the fast travel aspect?
yeah, but thats about it... the nether just isnt dangerous enough, we need a real reason to go there and it should be real dangerous
I hope they start updating a lot then....
Only heard about the piston mod today before this news update, nice to see that it's being added officially to the game already. :)
Nice xDDDD
I wonder if the rain will have any effect on torches I place outside?
Sorry, I wont be playing Minecraft at Skyrim's release date.
(buried)
So, basically, what Notch is saying is:
"Hey guys, I want to brand the game as finished, even though it's nowhere near completion, so I can demand MOAR money for it. I've been working on some petty weather effects and a completely useless achievment system; Oh, and NOW we're going to start cleaning out bugs. Also, I'm stealing this mod, because, clearly, I have forgotten how to create awesome things myself (ie. I can't be bothered)."
Sorry, but this does NOT make me exited.
Yes, that mod is cool, and I'm glad it's being added, but holy **** Notch; What was the point of making Mojang?
The only positive thing about an official release is that you're going to HAVE to finally release the modding tools with it.
meanwhileatmojang.gif
why so mad at notch all he does for you is make a great game and you complain (i mustn't rage)
I agree. you know nothing about what is really happening in Minecraft. hell, it's a finished game RIGHT NOW. and he's adding some things we all want. many want weather and biomes. and achievements are cool.
as for bugs, can't argue.
but stealing mods? the mod creators SUBMITTED the mod TO mojang. they saw it as nice, and decided to add it in.
there is practically NO negatives here. hell, even AFTER release, he's said he will continue updating.
Competing with Skyrim?
This is nothing compared to Skyrim (besides being different genres) ^^ competition would be a horrible move.
Well, as long as there isn't any native Skyrim Linux port, Minecraft has won in my case.
I feel like such a chump for buying beta =(
I'm so afraid for one of these updates it'll finally be
okay you have to pay for the update now =(
I feel so dumb for not buying alpha
I didn't get my paycheck until the day after =/
Love most of what the piston mod will offer, seems a very useful and adaptable addition. However it irks me a bit that it can push stone and harder materials, I would have preferred it if it could only push soft materials (gravel, sand, dirt). From what I have seen the only thing it can't push is obsidian at the moment.
So beta buyers will have to pay for this update? or am I being ignorant.
The only thing a beta-buyer may have to pay for will be updates AFTER the game is considered "out of beta".
So you won't have to pay for 1.5, or any update up until 11/11/11.
Not updates. Expansions and sequels. Updates will always be free.
Is it a coincidence that 11/11/11 is the relasedate of a new Elder Scrolls V ?
did u at least read the news?
That's also my brothers birthday!
Good luck guys, you've done great things so far. Keep it up!
Sweet! I was just thinking today that weather, mainly rain, would be a nice addition and...! Great game, great people...
Piston mod would help with almost anything! maybe built all aroun the house to keep those creepers away!
Pistons?! O.o We want Nether for multiplayer!
Cannot wait for pistons! Should be awesome