Minecraftdeveloper Mojang has recently decided to shift its model of large annual updates to smaller, more frequent ones. Though it’s not clear yet what this change means for the consistency of new content added toMinecraft, this new update schedule could greatly benefit old biomes if utilized properly.
The hit game’s next update will happen sometime this holiday season. This winter drop will officially add the game’snewest Overworld biome, Pale Garden, and its very own new and creepy mob, the Creaking. These features have been previewed to players through Minecraft Preview 1.21.50.25. While these additions are welcome and will add even more scares to the Overworld, Mojang Studios should also take the time to update some ofMinecraft’s older features in upcoming updates.
Updates and refreshes of old content are not a new concept forMinecraft. Previous updates have altered features of the game that players have been used to for years. Notable examplesinclude the Texture Update, released in Java Edition 1.14, Bedrock Edition, 1.10.0, and PlayStation 4 Edition 1.90 in March 2019. Fans had mixed reactions to this update, though mods like shaders can alter the game’s texture and the original textures are available in a pack.
2024 has already seen several updates, with more still on the way.MinecraftBedrock Edition entered 1.21.0 in Juneand will work its way to 1.21.5 supposedly by the end of the year. That’s quite a few updates in a relatively short amount of time. Mojang has used these updates to add small batches of new features rather than adding large chunks of content.Minecrafthas also moved away from its tradition of highly themed annual packs, opting for these smaller updates in their place.
Mojang Can Look to EA and Maxis for Inspiration
This trend of smaller updates could be utilized by Mojang Studios as a way to update older biomes. Other games have similar models to refresh their older content. For example,The Sims 4has a feature called the Sims Delivery Express (SDX). These SDX dropstypically add new content toThe Sims 4’s base game, which is distinct considering the game’s model of using DLC as the game’s new content rather than patch updates. If Mojang Studios decides to participate in this trend,Minecraftcould see quite a revitalization. The best place for this new refresh to begin is its biomes, as a few could use quite a bit of TLC.
Minecraft’s New Update Schedule Would Be the Perfect Time to Rework Old Biomes
Reworks forMinecraftbiomes may sound ambitious, but simple additions could make all the difference to some areas. For example, the addition of the Armadillo mob into the Savanna biome revitalized the region, as armadillos drop key resourcesfor crafting Wolf Armorand are exclusive to the biome. Though adding mobs to biomes may not be the best solution for every area, it can definitely benefit some areas of the game that are more neglected.
Birch Forest is yet another biome that needs a rework. The biome is notorious for its abundance of wood, which is obviously a useful resource, but a common one.Birch Forest is a biomewith no exclusive mobs or elements, other than its titular birchwood. This makes it a biome that is primed for an exclusive mob addition specifically.
Withthe release date forMinecraft’s Winter Dropstill in the dark, there’s no telling when the game’s oldest biomes will receive the attention they deserve. Nevertheless, with its new update schedule, Mojang should pay attention to content fromMinecraft’s earlier days.
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Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations.Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!
