Minecraft

Minecraft is one of the biggest games in the world and will likely go down as one of the most influential games in history. One thing that is not often discussed when people talk about the Minecraft phenomenon is that there are two different versions of the game – Java and Bedrock. These two versions each have different features that can greatly alter you and your kids’ experience with the game. At the end of the day, they are the same game (Minecraft is Minecraft after all),  but there are a few key differences between the two versions that range from how multiplayer works to the availability of user-generated content like adventure maps

Multiplayer in Minecraft Bedrock vs Java

One of the most common ways that kids play Minecraft is with their friends. It has become just as much of a social gathering space as school playgrounds. This makes the version you are playing very important. 

It’s important because you can only play with people on the same version. This means that Java players can only play with other Java players and Bedrock players can only play with other Bedrock players. There isn’t any way around this limitation.

Hardware Availability for Minecraft Bedrock vs Java

Below is a list of the hardware that can play each version of Minecraft

Minecraft Java Edition

• PC
• Mac
• Linux

Note: You can only buy the Minecraft Java edition from the official Minecraft website. 

Minecraft Bedrock Edition

• Windows 10 and 11
• Xbox One*
• Xbox Series S and X*
• PlayStation 4 and 5
• Nintendo Switch
• Amazon Fire OS/TV
• Android
• iOS 
• Windows Mobile
• Samsung Gear VR.

Note: Minecraft Bedrock edition is available on Xbox Game Pass.

Servers in Minecraft Bedrock vs Java

Another difference between the two versions is how one plays on multiplayer servers, online playspaces with special minigames and other things to play with others. Connecting to a server is very different between the two platforms. On the Java edition, you have to go into the multiplayer menu and connect to a server , by entering the server address, which will look like a link to a website. ON Bedrock, however, there is a separate tab when one is entering a world, by moving over to the servers tab, you can connect to a list of servers that are approved by Microsoft, and are moderated to be accessible and fun for all ages. 

User-Generated Content in Minecraft Bedrock vs Java

User-generated content is accessed differently in each version of Minecraft. This includes content like adventure maps, player skins, and texture packs. 

On Java edition most of those are free, and all you have to do is download them from the web, and put them into the game files. (this is hard to figure out unless you have a guide). 

It is easier to gain access to UGC on Bedrock edition. You simply buy them from the in-game marketplace using real-world currency. They are also guaranteed to be appropriate for children, because in order to be published on the marketplace they have to go through an approval process to check for things like inappropriate content, and to make sure they work as advertised. 

Mods in Minecraft Bedrock vs Java

Mods are a big deal for some players. This is especially true if they have spent a lot of time watching Minecraft on YouTube. Mods are pieces of code that can be added to the game files that change the way Minecraft functions. They can add items, change the appearance of the game, or make other significant changes to game mechanics and systems. (Warning: Some mods aren’t even for kids. See our report on the Minecraft Jenny Mod.)

Mods are only available on the Java edition. They require much more effort to get working but can make HUGE changes to the base game including things like adding new items to make the gameplay like Pokemon Legends Arceus. 

Bedrock players on PC have a similar feature called Resource Packs that are downloaded and added into the game through a simple menu. Resource packs are very limited in what they can do though. 

Minor Variations Between Java and Bedrock

The Minecraft Java Edition

Java edition can run shaders, and advanced texture packs, that change the graphics to look like a super high-end video game. Whereas the Bedrock edition cannot. The Bedrock version has to run on too many platforms to be able to support advanced graphics options. 

There is a difference in the way the two games are coded, whereas the Bedrock edition is less resource-intensive and less susceptible to crashing. whereas Java crashes more, and uses more resources, but can do more impressive things, with things like Redstone.

To Put It Simply

The simplest way to explain the differences is that the Java edition is more customizable, at the cost of having a limited number of people to play with.  The Bedrock edition is more controlled, but with the advantage of being able to play people on consoles and mobile devices more easily.

Which Version is Better?

There is no definitive answer to that question. It will just be a matter of opinion, personal experience, and priorities. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Minecraft is a popular and influential game that comes in two versions – Java and Bedrock. While the two versions are essentially the same game, there are some key differences between them that can greatly impact your experience with the game. These differences include how multiplayer works, the availability of user-generated content, and the ability to use mods. Java players can only play with other Java players and Bedrock players can only play with other Bedrock players. Additionally, the Java edition can run shaders and advanced texture packs, whereas the Bedrock edition cannot. Ultimately, the choice between the two versions will depend on your personal preferences and the devices you have available.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

The EFG Essentials

• Video Games for kids on Xbox One
• Video Games for kids on PS4
• Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
• Board Games for kids

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Minecraft is primarily either available via Bedrock (a safer, more secure version of the game available on all major gaming platforms) or Java (more customizable with more mods and modes available). There is a new (old, really) version of Minecraft that kids are starting to use more and more: Eaglercraft. 

What is Eaglecraft?

Eaglercraft is an instance of Minecraft 1.5.2 that players can access on any modern web browser. It supports both single-player and multiplayer gameplay. By putting Minecraft in a web browser, as opposed to a standalone application like with Java or Bedrock, effectively changes how the game will be moderated in work or school settings. 

We’ve all experienced some kind of content blocking as we’ve worked and studied in different environments. Chromebooks and computer labs are locked down to within an inch of their digital existences so that students focus on the tasks in front of them. Schools have instituted these rules partly to protect themselves from liability (in case someone accesses something deeply inappropriate) and partly to ensure data protection and privacy. 

Why Kids Use Eaglecraft and Issues Which May Arise

Kids are using Eaglercraft to get around the content blocking. On the one hand: good for the kids. We love the ingenuity to find ways to always be playing Minecraft. On the other hand: playing Minecraft, even in a browser, on one’s Chromebook or school computer is almost always going to be a direct violation of the Code of Conduct that gets signed at the beginning of a student’s time at a given school. 

It’s important to keep the school’s IT Code of Conduct in mind when talking to your kid about some of the ethical challenges around using Eaglercraft on a school-assigned system. If a school finds out that a system has been used for non-school purposes in an egregious manner, much as playing a version of Minecraft to subvert content moderation, they will likely remove the system and potentially seek suspension (or expulsion) depending on the severity of the infraction. 

Eaglercraft is ingenuitive, but maybe not the right choice for a school PC.

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If you’re a parent of a young gamer, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Minecraft. It’s one of the most popular games in the world, and kids love it for its open-ended gameplay and creative possibilities. A lot of people assume that Minecraft is free because it is available on mobile devices and is incredibly popular. 

Is Minecraft Free?

We want to be extra clear on this: There is no way to play the full version of Minecraft for free. Any website that tells you otherwise is doing so with ill intent. Beware of those websites and steer clear. 

Was Minecraft Ever Free?

Minecraft has been around a long time and some people (and outdated websites) will reference a free version that was available. This was when Minecraft was still in a beta state so it was full of bugs, didn’t have a lot of its current features and was still being “finished.” That free version is no longer available and isn’t supported anymore.

Are There Any Versions of Minecraft that ARE free?

There are a few limited ways to have Minecraft experiences at no cost, but none of them are really comparable to the full version of the game. 

Minecraft Classic

There is a version of Minecraft that is available on your browser called Minecraft Classic. The problem with this version is that it is a version of Minecraft from before the game was released. It’s a beta version of Minecraft with only 32 blocks, only the creative mode, and very old graphics. It doesn’t really make a good substitute for modern-day Minecraft. It’s more of a novelty/nostalgia tool for veteran players.

Is there a Minecraft Demo?

Minecraft: Java Edition has a demo available on the Minecraft website for those who want to try it before they buy! It’s limited in two ways – it isn’t multiplayer and you can only spend so much time playing it. However, if this sounds like your thing then head over straightaway because downloads are available! There are demos for the Java edition, and the Bedrock version for Windows 10, Android, and PlayStation 4. 

1. Navigate to the Free Trial page on the Minecraft site. (https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/free-trial)

2. Scroll down to select the version you are looking to demo.

3. If you are looking for the Windows, Android, or PlayStation demo, then click the appropriate black square with the corresponding logo.

4. If you are looking for the Java edition demo, then scroll down the page until you see the Java edition section of the page. Select the correct demo based on your computer’s operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and click the green “Download Now” button.

What about the Minecraft Education Edition?

Minecraft Education Edition is a powerful tool for teaching young children programming, architecture, chemistry, and engineering. The Educational version is available on both mobile and ChromeOS, but you cannot play Minecraft without signing in with a Minecraft Education account from school or somewhere else.

The main benefit of Minecraft Education Edition is that it is set up for teachers and students to use collaboratively in the classroom. It is automatically set up for a server of 30 people to play together in a learning environment without any external server set up. 

There are also a handful of blocks and entities for teachers to use to make it a better learning environment. Two examples are:

• A chalkboard with text boxes to help give instructions and learning goals
• NPC’s to help guide students through collaborative work. 

Another interesting feature of the education edition is the chemistry tools. There is a wide selection of tools and items to help teach chemistry, from learning about the formation of atoms, to what happens when certain elements combine.

The Education Edition also has a group of adventure maps, similar to those featured on the Minecraft Bedrock editions marketplace, focused on education and teaching. It also features a coding course, where students can write code and implement it into the game, this is very useful for tech education teachers teaching younger students.

Where can you get a Minecraft Educational Account?

This tool is mainly used in schools, but parents who are homeschooling their children may also find this tool useful, as gaming is a great way to get children engaged and active in learning. Purchasing the education edition for your homeschool is a little complicated though, as it requires jumping through some hoops.

Step one, is to sign up for a Microsoft 365 admin center account, this is how schools manage emails for students, as a homeschooler you may already have one because other programs use them, so you can use the one you already set up if you do.

After you have the admin center account, you have to register your child in the account, this shouldnt be to hard, pick an email and user name for them, this is how your child will log in to Minecraft Education Edition. 

Then you have to purchase a license for the Education Edition, this will happen through the Minecraft Education Edition website, a license will cost $12 per year.

After you purchase the license you will assign it to your child in the 365 Admin Center. After youve done that, youll be set to use Education Edition, its available on chromeOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Ipad/IPhone

How Much Does Minecraft Cost?

Of course, Minecraft isn’t free, it’s one of the best-selling games of all time. But, Microsoft does a great job of making it accessible to everyone. The game is fairly inexpensive on all platforms, ranging from $5-$10 on mobile devices, and around $25 dollars on consoles and PC.

Is Minecraft on Xbox Game Pass

Minecraft is available on Xbox Game Pass for those with an Xbox or a Windows computer.

• Xbox – Bedrock Edition
• Windows Computer – Bedrock Edition AND Java Edition
  

So, there you have it. Minecraft is not free, but there are ways to get limited access to some of the features in the game. We hope you found this post helpful and that you’ll join our Facebook group for more answers to gaming questions. Thanks for reading!

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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• Video Games for kids on Xbox One
• Video Games for kids on PS4
• Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
• Board Games for kids

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When Will Minecraft Dungeons Be released?

Minecraft Dungeons is going to be released on May 26, 2020.

It will have a simultaneous launch on Xbox One, Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4.

How much will it cost?

Minecraft Dungeons – Standard Edition will be available for $19.99 USD. 

Minecraft Dungeons – Hero Edition will also be available for $29.99 USD. This is a deluxe bundle that will come with a number of cosmetic items that include a Hero Cape, two player skins, and a chicken pet (The chicken pet is probably worth the price increase on its own). The hero edition will also include two DLC packs at no additional charge once they are released. WILL MINECRAFT DUNGEONS BE INCLUDED IN XBOX GAME PASS? 

Minecraft Dungeons – Standard Edition will also be available as part of your families Xbox Game Pass membership. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will have access on both console and Windows PC.

Xbox Game Pass members will also receive a 10% on related Minecraft Dungeons DLC.

So… What is it?

First off: No it isn’t a Minecraft expansion. This is an entirely separate game set in the Minecraft universe that features a different camera perspective and a different combat style.

Minecraft Dungeons is an action-adventure game set in the Minecraft universe inspired by classic dungeon crawlers like Gauntlet and Diablo. Players will battle new-and-nasty mobs across varied levels in either single player or up to four-player co-op in a quest to defeat the evil Arch-Illager.

What about Multiplayer?

Minecraft Dungeons will feature online and local multiplayer for up to four players. The number of players will help influence the difficulty, the loot, and the enemy count to make sure every will be having a fun and rewarding gameplay experience. 

Will it have Crossplay?

You´ll be able to play online multiplayer with players on the same platform at launch. They’ll be adding cross platform multiplayer at a later date with a free update.

How do you play it?

Minecraft Dungeons features a real time battle system that is very reminiscent of games like Gauntlet and Diablo. Gameplay is designed around encouraging players to experiment with different fighting styles, weapons, and enchantments.

There are no character classes in Minecraft Dungeons. Instead, you build your character around the powerful items, artifacts, and weapons that you equip.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

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Microsoft is giving away free Minecraft Education content to help with distance learning for kids that are out of school thanks to Covid-19.

Microsoft, the company that owns Minecraft, announced that they have added a new category to the Minecraft Marketplace that includes content meant to help supplement learning on a variety of subjects. The content includes things like a model of the human eye and a very detailed map of Washington DC.

Educators around the world are doing everything they can to provide digital lessons for the half a billion students who are out of school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is not an easy task and we want to do our part to help keep young minds sharp and stimulated. 

Microsoft

All of this new content is free to download from the Microsoft Marketplace until June 30, 2020.

What do you think? Are you and your kids going to take advantage? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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