'Minecraft' Adds an Online Shop For Mobile Add-ons

For many, the biggest limitation of Minecraft's Pocket and Windows 10 Editions has been the lack of community material. What's the point of playing Minecraft on your phone if you can't try out that sweet new texture pack that you saw on your PC? You're about to get that possibility. Microsoft and Mojang have announced an online Marketplace that lets both Pocket and Windows 10 gamers download content from community creators, such as textures, skins and even whole worlds. You don't purchase any paid content directly -- instead, you purchase "Minecraft Coins" which let you purchase the add-ons that you want. Although it helps to mask the real value of what you are purchasing, it is actually used by producers to set "flexible pricing." It's possible that you don't want your children have unlimited access to the internet.

The Marketplace allows creators to register businesses only. It will not allow you to register your project just for entertainment. However, those who join receive a 70 percent share of the profits similar to typical mobile app stores. Although they might not make as much directly, a merchant who is successful can still make lots of money.

Access to the Marketplace will be limited at first. The beta version of the Marketplace will be open to the public by mid-April. There will be no creator content, as it will be waiting until the official launch in spring. Still, this should help to connect your Minecraft experiences on computers and mobile devices.