'Minecraft' for Windows 10 unveiled

A beta version of the hit world-building game Minecraft will launch on Windows 10 later this month, Microsoft and game creators Mojang announced Saturday.

Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition will not replace current versions of the game, but will leverage several features of the new operating system from Microsoft, including access to built-in game recording, seamless switching between mouse and keyboard, controller and touchscreen, and Xbox Live integration.

The Windows 10 version of Minecraft is considered a "work in progress," says Matt Booty, general manager of Minecraft based in Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond, Washington. "We want the community involvement on shaping the game and where we should take it."

The game is free to PC owners who already own a copy of the game, and $10 for new customers.

The Windows 10 edition will also feature enhancements to the game's weather systems, including snow accumulation.

The latest version of Minecraft was revealed during this weekend's fan event Minecon, the first attended by Microsoft since the company acquired Minecraft and creators Mojang last year for $2.5 billion.

"We're very much going into this as invited guests more than anything else," says Booty. "It's a community and player driven event. We want to show up and listen and be inspired by all the players and the community."

Last month, Minecraft dazzled video game players with a demo at the Electronic Entertainment Expo featuring Microsoft's HoloLens augmented reality headset. A creation from Minecraft appeared to pop up on a table, with the player manipulating it through physical gestures and voice commands.

"The HoloLens was a great example of how Microsoft and Minecraft can work together, and be bigger than the sum of the two," says Booty.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.