Minecraft Gets A New "unified" PC Launcher For Java, Bedrock, And Dungeons
This not only means those playing on PC through Game Pass get access to cross-play with others "regardless of platform" - there's also a new "unified Minecraft launcher" to help you start both versions of the game from the same place.
"We're introducing a special feature - the unified Minecraft launcher!" Mojang Studios creative writer Cristina Anderca announces in a blog post. "Instead of having separate launchers in Java Edition or Bedrock, you will now be able to launch both Minecraft versions from the same game launcher."
Later, the post reads "Minecraft is so much easier to play on PC. SCREAMYGUY'S BLOG And I'm sure you will enjoy it as much." I've only been switching between both editions so far and marveling at the ease of it all. I'm sorry, but I must find out who invents this idea so I can send them fan mail.
The Minecraft Launcher is a new feature that allows you to launch Minecraft: Java Edition, Minecraft: Minecraft: Java Edition, and even their dungeon crawler spinoff Minecraft Dungeons from the same location. This explanation can be found on Minecraft's help page. It can be found in the Windows store. It allows you to launch Minecraft: Java Edition and even their dungeoncrawler spinoff Minecraft Dungeons from one place. This is a "one-stop portal to the Minecraft universe", as the store's page describes it. It's not necessary to use these games in the future. It's just an option to have them all accessible through one launcher.
Turn up that jukebox and light up the skies in fireworks: Minecraft is now included in Game Pass for PC! You get access to Java and Bedrock with your subscription. Plus, you get a unified launcher for both versions!
Learn how to join the party
- https://t.co/e5IVnE6Xv1 - pic.twitter.com/wyHhGgNRnp
- Minecraft (@Minecraft), November 2, 2020
The launcher is completely free, but you will need to have purchased the games separately or subscribed for Xbox Game Pass for PC (or Game Pass Ultimate), to access them. There was an older launcher called "Minecraft Unified Launcher", which was only for Windows 7 or 8, and launched Minecraft Dungeons and Java Edition. You don't need to uninstall this one to run the new one, but Mojang recommends doing so "to cut down on confusion".
The help center post linked above provides detailed instructions on how to install and run the new launcher. To sign up to Xbox Game Pass for PC, head to that link.