Minecraft’s long-anticipated arrival on the PlayStation 5 has finally been confirmed, with the game set to launch on October 22. This development follows a period of speculation and discussion during the FTC hearings regarding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision, where Xbox head Phil Spencer highlighted Sony’s previous reluctance to provide development kits for the PS5.
Optimized for Next-Gen Performance
The new native version of Minecraft for PS5 promises to leverage the console’s advanced hardware capabilities. According to the official announcement, players can expect enhanced features such as:
- Greater Render Distance: Experience a more expansive view of the Minecraft world.
- 4K Resolution: Enjoy stunning visuals that bring the blocky landscape to life.
- 60 FPS: Smooth gameplay that allows for seamless movement, even when dodging Endermen in the Overworld.
Spencer previously expressed frustration over the disparity in access to development resources, stating, “Sony was reluctant to send us development kits for the PlayStation 5 at the same time they were sending them to other developers, which put us at a disadvantage relative to other developers.” He emphasized that it would have been equally feasible for Sony to provide Microsoft with the necessary tools as they did for other publishers.
However, it appears that the tide has turned. With a growing portfolio of PS5 ports emerging from Xbox, including titles like Sea of Thieves, Grounded, Hi-Fi Rush, and Pentiment, Sony seems to have opened the floodgates for collaboration. Looking ahead, the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is also slated for a PS5 release in 2025, signaling a newfound willingness to share development kits.
As Minecraft gears up for its PS5 debut, the development team is also set to reveal the first features of a revamped update system this month, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the beloved game.
