After announcing it several weeks ago, Microsoft is finally adding Minecraft to its Xbox Game Pass service. As a juggernaut in gaming, Minecraft has more than proven itself within the industry, as it is currently sitting as the second best-selling video game ever released. It's certainly a phenomenon that's been able to capture the attention of gamers from all walks of life, and that momentum has yet to come to an end as updates are constantly rolled out for Minecraft.

One such update actually removed mentions of Minecraft's original creator, Markus 'Notch' Persson, from the game. While that's a weird situation for a number of reasons, one of the better updates on Minecraft has arrived via Xbox. Microsoft has confirmed when players can jump into Minecraft as part of the company's Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As it turns out, gamers will be given access pretty soon.

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How soon? Well, right now. In a cheeky video, Xbox pulled back the curtain on Minecraft's addition to Xbox Games Pass by having characters in the game flip a literal switch. The game will also feature cross-play with PC, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch players, allowing those that choose to download the title to play with their friends on other consoles. Of course, PlayStation is excluded from this list of cross-play compatible games, but Microsoft appears keen to change that in the future – or at least attempt to.

Xbox is building its services into a very fleshed out platform, with rumors circulating that Xbox Games Pass may even come to Nintendo Switch at some point in 2019. This seems to be backed by the imminent arrival of Cuphead on Nintendo Switch, which will receive an update to add an Xbox Live login option at a later date. Further rumors regarding this newfound partnership even point to Minecraft's Steve being a DLC fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

These are all just vague reports that have yet to bear any fruit, but it's fun speculation to get caught up in. At the end of the day, Minecraft joining Xbox Games Pass is a great move towards making the title more accessible, which then only drives consumer engagement and builds the community surrounding the game. With a new Minecraft spin-off—titled Minecraft: Dungeons—on the way, it's never been a better time to build excitement for the series.

More: Minecraft Film Moving Forward With Writer-Director Peter Sollett

Source: Xbox