Microsoft demos first gameplay of augmented reality mobile game Minecraft Earth Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Microsoft demos first gameplay of augmented reality mobile game Minecraft Earth Ahead of this summer's closed beta. News by Matt Wales Reporter Updated on 4 Jun 2019 22 comments Microsoft has offered a first look at its augmented reality mobile game, Minecraft Earth, ahead of its planned iOS and Android beta launch this summer. Minecraft Earth, which was formally unveiled with a fancy CGI trailer last month, is an intriguing mix of Pokemon-Go-like collecting (although, in this case, you're searching out building resources rather than critters on your local map) and augmented reality construction, very much like Microsoft's old Minecraft HoloLens tech demo. It's this second element - which enables multiple players to build virtual Minecraft structures together in the same real-world space - that Microsoft has now revealed. UPDATE: It looks like Apple has been on a YouTube copyright-striking adventure since I wrote this story, so you'll probably need to watch Microsoft's Minecraft Earth gameplay reveal via Apple's official WWDC 2019 keynote stream for the time being. Unfortunately, it's non-embeddable so you'll want to go here and skip to the 2:01:00 mark. The four-minute-long demonstration took place during yesterday's Apple WWDC keynote, with Mojang employees initially working on a small-scale Minecraft build set on a table. This sequence was nifty enough, with presenters demoing Minecraft's familiar construction elements, and a number of other features, all while moving around the structure in real-time. Things get just a little bit magical, however, when the build is scaled up to a much larger space - in this case, the whole stage. With the model now pretty much at a life-size scale, presenters were able to walk around the structure, super-imposed as if part of the scene (an iOS-exclusive feature, apparently) for those observing through their screens. It's gimmicky, sure, but there's undoubtedly huge appeal for builders in seeing their carefully designed creations coming to full-sized, explorable, interactive life. Minecraft Earth is scheduled to launch in closed beta on iOS and Android later this summer, and those hoping to get in early can register their interest on the Minecraft site right now. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 5 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Sennheiser's legendary HD 599 open-back headphones are just £70 at Amazon in the Prime Early Access Sale Comfortable with neutral sound and a wide sound stage. Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. 1 Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store