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Microsoft has revealed that the closed beta for its upcoming mobile AR game Minecraft Earth is set to go live in the next two weeks, alongside a video that gives us a very clear picture of how it plays.
As you can see from the video – which we've embedded below – you'll use the app on your phone as you walk around the real world in a manner not dissimilar to Niantic's Pokemon Go, with real-world buildings swapped out for Minecraft counterparts. Along the way, you'll be able to tap on 'Tappables' which can be material blocks, mobs (which themselves also come in different variations) and objects which grant you XP and go into your inventory.
Collect enough, and then you can use any flat surface to put down what's known as a 'Build Plate' – a small area specifically for building. You can then use the materials you've gathered to build and create your own creations, and invite friends to help you build on these plates. Once your creation is finished, you can then pop it down in the real world at life size and walk around it.
In addition to all of this, Minecraft.net has more details on the Closed Beta. It starts up in the next two weeks in a limited number of locations on iOS, with Android to follow later. If you're selected – presuming you've first signed up over here – you'll be invited via email, although only a limited number of people for each location will be invited at first to keep the server load light.
Also be aware that servers, and as such your creations and progress, may be periodically wiped during the beta. Most importantly, if accepted, you must play at least once every seven days to maintain your place, due to the limited availabilty of spaces during the beta. Finally, you also have to be over the age of 18 to partcipate.
Minecraft Earth was revealed back in May, as part of the original Minecraft's 10th Birthday celebrations.
