A third Minecraft spin-off game is apparently in the works, according to an industry insider. The original game itself also continues to grow with regular updates and DLC packs; a notable example is a recent collaboration with documentary series Frozen Planet 2, which adds new Minecraft mobs to the game's Education Edition.
Minecraft is quickly becoming a franchise in its own right, which is a notable feat for a quintessential sandbox game with no set storyline. The game has already sparked two spin-off titles. The first, Minecraft Dungeons, was released back in 2020 to somewhat mixed reviews. After this, the dungeon crawler received several pieces of DLC, adding plenty of new content to the game, followed by the rollout of seasonal adventures to further extend the game’s lifespan. Building on this precedent, a second spin-off titled Minecraft Legends is also currently in development. Due to be released in 2023, a trailer for Minecraft Legends shows massive battles fought in an expansive world.
A respected industry insider has now stated that a third Minecraft spin-off is also in development. As reported by DualShockers, journalist Jez Corden made the surprising claim in the newest episode of The Xbox Two Podcast. Commenting on potential announcements which could come out of this year’s upcoming Minecraft Live, Corden said that “they are also working on another Minecraft game” separate to both Dungeons and Legends. An entirely digital event available freely to fans around the world, Minecraft Live is giving Minecraft players the opportunity to vote on a new mob to be added to the game. A host of other announcements concerning future game updates are also expected to be made. Announced with a hilarious trailer featuring Minecraft's new frog mobs, this year’s Minecraft Live is sure to be an unforgettable event.
Minecraft Spin-Off Likely Long Way From Announcement
Despite the question which prompted his statement, however, Corden has clarified that this new game is most likely not yet ready to be formally announced. Furthermore, aside from its existence, he has no other details to share regarding the mystery title, not even a rough idea of the intended genre. Whatever this rumored project is, it is a complete mystery to all outside Mojang’s walls. However, considering Minecraft’s expansive fanbase, there will likely be many fans eagerly awaiting it nonetheless. Of course, whatever this spin-off is, there is no doubt that Minecraft Legends will be released first. The action strategy title, a sharp departure from its predecessor, evolves Minecraft’s classic sandbox gameplay in a whole new direction.
As with any industry rumor, it would pay for fans to be cautious in their excitement for the time being. As Corden says, if this project does indeed exist, the spin-off game is almost certainly far too early in its development to be officially announced any time soon. Depending on how this development goes, it could even be canceled before its existence is made public, although this seems an unlikely outcome. And, of course, there is always the chance that Corden has received incorrect information; not every rumor pans out, as Zelda fans hoping for a Wind Waker port for the Switch discovered during September’s Nintendo Direct. Only time will tell when and if this newest addition to the Minecraft franchise will debut.
Source: DualShockers, Rand al Thor 19/YouTube