Nintendo’s secret game playtest has begun and it looks like a Minecraft mash-up

A few weeks ago, Nintendo stirred excitement among its community by announcing a mysterious playtest exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. The intrigue surrounding this event was palpable, leading to an overwhelming response that saw all 10,000 available spots claimed within mere seconds.

Nintendo’s playtest game features blocky building like Minecraft…
With social interactions and user-generated content like RobloxCredit: Roblox

As preloads for the playtest commence, an accompanying FAQ has unveiled some intriguing details about the game. Players will find themselves in a “massive, expansive planet” where collaboration is key to building and creating. The game promises exploration of new lands, encounters with various enemies, and the gathering of essential resources for the journey ahead.

Central to gameplay are special items known as beacons, which players can place to establish their own building zones. Within a Beacon Zone, only the player who placed the beacon can construct and modify structures, while outside these zones, the environment is open for all to interact and create freely.

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Additionally, players will have access to a social hub called the “Dev Core,” designed for interaction and community engagement, where players can also ‘level up’. The game will feature two types of currency: Dev Points, earned through building and crafting, and Connex Points, which players can accumulate through social interactions.

Visuals shared in the FAQ suggest a blend of aesthetics reminiscent of both Minecraft and Roblox, yet the potential pitfalls of user-generated content loom large. Roblox, for instance, has faced scrutiny over player interactions, prompting Nintendo to implement measures aimed at fostering respectful communication. Participants will be required to complete a test to demonstrate their understanding of these communication standards, and Nintendo’s reputation for effective moderation adds a layer of reassurance.

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While the game appears to be a fresh intellectual property for Nintendo, it diverges significantly from their traditional offerings. As of now, no gameplay footage has been released, leaving the community buzzing with speculation and anticipation. Although players were instructed to keep details of the playtest confidential, the sheer number of participants makes complete discretion a challenging endeavor.

Nintendo’s take on FortMineBlox

In light of the growing popularity of user-generated content in gaming, as seen in titles like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox, Nintendo’s venture into this space seems timely. However, the challenge of moderating player interactions remains a concern, especially given the issues faced by platforms like Roblox. Nintendo’s established reputation for robust moderation suggests that player communications will be carefully monitored.

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While it may be premature to form a definitive opinion without actual gameplay footage, this development certainly warrants attention. For those eager to stay updated on Nintendo’s latest offerings, further insights into new games on Nintendo Switch Online are readily available.

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Nintendo’s secret game playtest has begun and it looks like a Minecraft mash-up