Update #2: Microsoft has issued a statement to VGC in response to these listings, saying they’re part of its usual process of upkeep on ratings boards and not indicative of a new SKU for the game impending.
“Given the number of platforms and geographies in which Minecraft is available, we periodically go through rating reviews and updates with different regional boards. This recent rating is not indicative of any new versions or platform support for Minecraft in the near future.”
Update: It looks like we’re closer to learning more about a possible new-generation upgrade for Minecraft on console with another ratings board now publishing a new listing for the game on Xbox Series X|S – and this time it’s the ESRB.
You can find the listing here, which seems to have been published within the last week (at least according to the ESRB website’s filtering) and is again specifically rated for “Xbox Series” separately to other platforms.
Original Story: A current-gen upgrade for Minecraft could finally be on the way, if a recent rating for an Xbox Series X|S version of the game by the German entertainment regulation body is any suggestion.
The rating as published on the USK website was spotted by VGC’s Andrew Marmo, and gives the game a USK 6 rating which is identical to its rating on other platforms, including Xbox One, but is specifically flagged as being the “Xbox Series” version of the game.
While it could turn out to mean nothing, there’s every chance this points to Minecraft finally getting a SKU for Microsoft’s newer hardware – potentially including the ray-tracing features that Microsoft “accidentally” included in the code of a preview build of the game early last year. Xbox console players have been waiting for Microsoft to update the game to include new visual features since the Super Duper Graphics Pack was first revealed to target the Xbox One X and subsequently cancelled, so news of a current-gen port would be massive.
Given Microsoft is gearing up for a big presence at Gamescom this year (which also happens to be in Germany), there’d also be no better time to reveal something like this – and with no matching PS5 rating in sight it might be a nice feather in its Game Pass cap.
Xbox is touting the largest booth it’s ever brought to Gamescom, saying it’ll have over 150 gaming stations featuring 30 titles at the show, along with a 300-seat theatre, photo opportunities, and Xbox FanFest action. Of the games featured, 25 will be playable for show attendees, including the likes of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, Payday 3, Persona 5 Tactica, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and – somewhat surprisingly given it’s been a little radio silent lately – S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2.
You’ll also be able to catch any big announcements or new trailers at Gamescom’s Opening Night Live this Wednesday morning, so head here to see the times you’ll be able to catch that and any other big showcases over Gamescom week.