Minecraft, the iconic sandbox game that has entertained players worldwide for years, may soon launch a native version for the Xbox Series X/S. Recent classification details from Germany’s USK rating board suggest that Microsoft could be gearing up for this exciting release.
- Minecraft has been recently classified for Xbox Series consoles in Germany.
- Currently, the game is playable on Xbox Series X/S via the Xbox One version’s backward compatibility.
- Microsoft teased ray tracing for the Xbox Series X/S before the console’s 2020 launch. Last year, Mojang had inadvertently included a prototype code for ray tracing support in a preview build, hinting at future capabilities.
- The USK.de website details the game’s age rating and reasons, with notes on in-game functions.
Ray tracing could be a prominent feature of this new optimized version, given Microsoft’s previous teases and Mojang’s inclusion of prototype code in the past. Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates how light interacts with objects to create realistic reflections, refractions, and shadows. Given Minecraft’s blocky and vibrant world, ray tracing could elevate its visual experience to a whole new level.
Minecraft received approval for players aged six and above based on criteria like “Comic Violence,” “Pressure to Act,” and “Moments of Shock.” Comic-like elements, including exaggerated effects and unrealistic weapons, mark the game’s combat. Players may also experience a sense of urgency in various in-game situations, such as countdowns or intense boss fights. Furthermore, the game’s eerie atmospheres, frightening effects, and psychologically stressful settings contribute to its “scary moments” categorization.
While no official announcement has been made, the classification strongly hints at a native Minecraft version coming to Xbox Series X/S soon. With potential ray tracing support and other optimizations, the future looks bright for the Minecraft community on next-gen consoles.
