‘Minecraft’ for iPhone and iPad in the Works, Due Out This Year

Hit PC game “Minecraft” is a huge success despite the fact it’s still a work in progress.

The current ‘beta’ code of the Sweden-developed game was released in December, and according to online statistics over one million people have purchased the yet-to-be-completed version. Over three million people in total downloaded it.

So, what’s next for the completely out of left field game that merges building blocks and zombies? Mobile phones.

Gamasutra broke the news today after speaking with Minecraft mastermind Markus “Notch” Persson. Development of an official iPad and iPhone version is underway, spearheaded by a new member of his development team, Mojang. The release will be a port, says Persson, but will take special consideration as to what makes sense within the context of the mobile platforms that will play host to the open-world experience.

An Android version of the game is also planned.

This is great news for Apple addicts whose iProducts rarely leave their hands, but hopefully the in-house focus on mobile development won’t have a negative effect on pushing the current “Minecraft” out of beta. Then again, modern gamers are well versed in playing betas. Many of 2010s biggest games shipped with myriad glitches — some game-breaking.

At least no one will be paying $60 for Minecraft. (Via Gamasutra)