In what is bound to be serious news for Minecraft fans, Microsoft is allegedly scrapping the Minecraft Pocket Edition for Windows smartphones.

Rumors suggest that Microsoft's decision was fueled by the lack of active users on the platform, due to which it could not sustain the game's development.

However, sources have stated that even though the game was being withdrawn from Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile powered smartphones, it would still be available on the Microsoft online store. New players will be able to download the game at least for now.

What Is Minecraft?

Minecraft is a sandbox game initially conceptualized and created by Swedish designer Markus "Notch" Persson and further developed by Mojang. The various provisions for creating and building in the game allows players to build unique establishments made up of three-dimensional cubes in a virtual setting. Other elements of the game include resource gathering, battle, exploration and crafting.

The various types of gameplay modes are survival mode, in which the player must gather resources to create a new world and sustain health. The creative mode has infinite building resources and the player has the ability to fly.

The game also has an adventure mode where you can play on a map created by other players in the game. Finally, the spectator mode, where the player can fly around the maps but cannot create or destroy anything.

Game developer Mojang has not issued any statement related to the Windows Phone version of the blockbuster game. The developer had released an update in December 2016 which introduced many bug fixes and improvements.

Who's In, Who's Out?

Android and iOS have already received the update, titled The Ender Update but Windows Phones have been ignored in the initial list of devices receiving the latest update. An official announcement for the same is being awaited; therefore, these are mere conjectures.

Minecraft's Fate

As Microsoft has announced that the full desktop version of Windows 10 is set to come in ARM handsets, it is clear that Minecraft will focus all its development for these devices. These smartphones will be powered by the Qulacomm Snapdragon 835 chipsets and are touted to be very powerful phones.

Microsoft had recently run a demo of World of Tank Blitz on a phone running on the full version of Windows 10 and having a Snapdragon 820 processor. The results have determined that the Snapdragon 835 would easily support Minecraft. Therefore, the logical way forward for Minecraft is to develop its next update for the ARM handsets.

Even though Minecraft is going to be withdrawn from Windows smartphones, it remains on sale for the PC version. The best-selling game has made quite an impact on the gaming community and the prospects look bright for a relaunch on the ARM handsets soon.

Photo: Sergey Galyonkin | Flickr