Minecraft Redstone!

IN DEEP THOUGHT

The making of a mini redstone computer

Considering it's a game about having adventures and building, Minecraft sure is home to a lot of computers. Computers that calculate; computers with screens; computers that run programs; computers that play games. They’re computers in a world in a game in your computer!

That’s because Minecrafters discovered that redstone and some of its components, such as comparators, repeaters and redstone torches, act very much like the electronic components that you find squeezed down to a microscopic scale inside a chip.

But just because redstone behaves like this doesn’t mean that it was intended to build computers. When the first Minecraft computer was shown off, way back in September 2010, it knocked a lot of socks off, even Notch’s. That computer was made by theinternetftw and it performed maths and logic operations, but it wasn’t a computer that you’d easily recognise. It lacked its own memory and a screen and it didn’t play games. But it was extraordinary to behold.



The reveal as theinternetftw comes out of the cave and looks out across his computer as it spreads out into the distance still puts shivers down my spine. What a sight!

Since then, many, many more Minecraft computers have been built. Laurens Weyn’s Redgame computers came with memory and a GPU and could run programs and even play simple games. They were huge, comprising thousands of blocks, using both redstone and command blocks, and today, Minecrafters are still pushing the boundaries, like SethBling’s new Atari 2600 emulator, which can run and display games like Donkey Kong. Very, very slowly.

As well as building massive and complex computers, there’s also the challenge of making small ones. A new computer called Deep Thought is tiny by Minecraft standards. Built by n00b-asaurus, it fits into an area of just 40 by 40 blocks across and 35 blocks high. Seriously, this is small, but it can execute four different operations: AND, XOR, OR, and ADD+C. Together, these can perform just about any calculation you need, and what’s more, Deep Thought has ports into which you can plug other hardware you might build, such as a screen.



Inside Deep Thought’s neat exterior lies its complex Redstone workings.

n00b-asaurus has had an interest in electronics since he was about 10, when his parents got him a Radio Shack electronics kit. “At 13, I got an Arduino, and when it came time to go to college, I signed up for the first electronics class I saw, no hesitations,” he tells me. Arduino is a system of connected components you can use to build and prototype electronics, and it led him to learning more about electronics in college.

But n00b-asaurus finds it a lot easier to work with redstone than it is to work with electronics. “There's no power and ground traces to route. You don't have to deal with induction causing noise, plus you can see everything happening inside the computer as it's happening. Also, components are expensive!”

But this doesn’t make creating a computer like Deep Thought easy. Its size brought some serious challenges. “It took quite a bit of 'deep thought' itself,” n00b-asaurus jokes. (Deep Thought’s name is a bit of a joke, too: it’s from the city-sized computer in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which calculated the answer to the Answer to The Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything to be 42.)



Designing a computer like Deep Thought takes a lot of doodling on scrap paper.

To fit in the space, n00basaurus had to rein in some of his ambitions. He originally wanted it to be 8-bit, but had to scale it back to 4-bit. In simple terms, bits relate to the size of individual numbers a computer can handle. An 8-bit computer can handle numbers up to 256, while a 4-bit computer can handle only 16, but it uses far fewer blocks. Yet with some clever design Deep Thought can perform calculations on much larger ones.

Another tactic n00b-asaurus used was to use something called a finite-state machine as the control circuit, a structure that tells each part of the computer what to do. Though simplistic and rather inflexible, a finite-state machine is smaller to build than the logic circuits found in other computers, and it also made timing instructions more straightforward.

The result is a machine that n00b-asaurus says is similar in architecture to an Intel 4004, which was the first commercial microprocessor when it was launched in 1971. He admits that Deep Thought is rather lower powered, however.











As for his next challenge, it’s all about recreating in redstone an x86 chip. This is a long-living family of chips on which you might well be running your copy of Minecraft today, since it’s inside most PCs!

After all, the only real restriction to building Minecraft computers is time. “A redstone computer’s clock speeds are limited to how long it takes to get data from one side of the computer to the other,” he explains. Thus, the bigger the computer, the slower it is. “Really, there's no limit to how sophisticated redstone computers can get, it’s just whether you’re willing to wait 4-5 hours for the result.”

But why does he only work with headstone and not command blocks, which are inside most other Minecraft computers? “I’m not at all against using command blocks in a computer,” n00b-asaurus says. “In fact, I do intend on eventually making a computer out of command blocks simply for the fact that so many options open up when you use them. For now, though, the challenge presented by redstone is a lot more fun and rewarding. That and it's fun to watch redstone lines flicker on and off when you finally get your computer running.”

Video and Photos here:  https://minecraft.net/en-us/article/deep-thought 

Minecraft Map!



LEARNING TO FLY

How 4J designed the Console Edition’s epic new tutorial map!

When Elytra wings hit the Console Edition in its big update at the end of last year, they came with a brand-new tutorial map specially designed to help players take to the skies.

4J’s tutorials are much more than just a set of instructions on how to play. They’re huge and exciting playgrounds in their own right. So how did 4J go about designing this new one?

The first thing was to think about how to make somewhere that’s great for flying around. Previous tutorial maps have been set in recreations of some special places in 4J’s home country, Scotland, including Edinburgh Castle and Melrose Abbey.

But amazing though Scotland is, it doesn’t quite have somewhere to fully showcase Elytra flying.



The team included as many biomes as they could for variety, while also using extreme terrain generation to ensure there are a lot of deep canyons, pinnacles and precipices for exciting flying!



Here’s the full layout of the new map. It's a clever mixture of handcrafted and generated terrain, dotted with unique structures and gigantic sculptures of mobs. Spot the guardians off the coast?



Early in development, 4J decided players would start in a blocked-off area for the initial tutorial before getting to freely roam from a central hub set in a ruined castle in the centre of the map.



The team included as many biomes as they could for variety, while also using extreme terrain generation to ensure there are a lot of deep canyons, pinnacles and precipices for exciting flying!



Here’s the full layout of the new map. It's a clever mixture of handcrafted and generated terrain, dotted with unique structures and gigantic sculptures of mobs. Spot the guardians off the coast?

Next

So the setting was open, but the first step for the 4J team was to figure out what the player’s flow around the space should be and what sort of terrain it would need. “It had to have high mountains and vantage points from which to fly and we also wanted to show off the new amplified terrain,” 4J art director David Keningdale tells me.

The map is a mixture of hand-painted height map with naturally generated terrain, so the team could control its large, flat areas for the core tutorial while also mucking about with the amplified terrain generation for the exciting flying bits. What’s more, it’s peppered with different biomes to give a real tour of the Minecraft experience!

The challenge for designing the Elytra tutorial was ensuring it’s set at the right level of challenge. “It was tough to balance so it isn’t too hard or too easy, because the more we tested it, the better we got!” says David. “But eventually I think we found a happy medium.”



Hoops are carefully placed to mark aerial courses that really put your elytra skills to the test.

At the core of the flight tutorial are a set of hoops to fly through, with tight turning circles to test and hone players’ skills. But instead of having them hang in boring open space, 4J created tunnels and arches in the canyons, and used the sharp twists in the deep gorges of the map to create thrilling runs that allow flyers to stay airborne for long periods.

Oh, and in case they should fall down, 4J also added a few ladders, paths and towers so they can get up high so they could take to the skies again.



There are loads of details carved into the landscape - ancient scultures and outsized weapons!

With the layout of the map completed, the next step was to think up a theme. 4J settled on something dramatic: the ruins of an ancient civilisation of Minecraft worshippers! “With towers and viaducts decaying in the landscape, giant statues of mobs and items strewn around the map for players to discover,” David says.

“As we were testing flight paths through the ravines, we started thinking about the type of people who would live in each biome. We started making bases or forts in each, themed to the settlers you might find there, so treehouses, caves, even building into giant mushrooms. The people that live there must be fun guys.”

Props to the excellent dad-joke, David! And thank you for taking us through the map. Here are a few more screenshots to show off some more of its many highlights!

More photos here:  https://minecraft.net/en-us/article/learning-fly 

Minecraft Realms!

NEW ON REALMS: JOLLY HOLLY FOLLY

A sled-load of wintry treats: naughty, nice and all things ice

Welcome to the new home for the Minecraft Realms content blog! Thanks for coming over to Minecraft.net with us. We'll miss our home at Mojang.com, but look at all of the excellent, new content here!

Back in October, we decided that we'd like to try a themed bundle of maps for PC Realms. What followed was our successful Halloween launch, containing gems from community mapmakers such as Pumpkin Party and Forgotten Hamlet. Folks agreed that we needed to try another themed bunch of maps, and that brings us to our winter/holiday offerings. Strap into your sleigh and get ready to be amazed!

ICE WARS BY TEAM NOOT



For those searching for a bit more cerebral of an experience, we've got Logic&Elves, a map that proves that one of the most stressful parts of the holiday experience is finding gifts for the pickiest of people. The elves will judge you with the typical villager "Hurrrgh" until you give them the present they desire. "What do you mean if today's color is blue, you don't want a blue present? You should be happy with what you get!"

FROSTY WIND BY THETICMAN AND CHILDOFSTARS



One of the more unusual locations in Minecraft is the ice spikes biome, considered by villagers and most creatures to be an inhospitable place. Here, though, someone has built a refuge from the cold weather, and the village is ready for you to move in.

CHRISTMAS BRAWL BY MINEMAKERS



The winter holidays: a time for family, togetherness, and the last minute gift-giving efforts of a generous, crimson-clad man. However, not all of the winter wonderland's denizens are in a good mood this season, so this clearly means some bonks on the head are in order. There are several classes to pick, from the snowman who can melt to teleport around the map, to the reindeer who uses its antlers to make a point.

NAUGHTY LIST BY THE NAUGHTY ELVES



Created by a team of 21 talented mapmakers, The Naughty List was a surprise entry put forward by many of the current Realms-published mapmakers. The group divided the work between a seven different areas: a huge lobby to explore, and six different minigames. To find out just why you're on Santa's naughty list this year, gather your friends and dive into the challenges!

And Back by Popular Demand…

This week, we've got three returning adventures, updated for you to play in Minecraft 1.11:

Captive Minecraft IV: Winter RealmTerra Swoop ForceWestern Dodge

We also wrote a big article about the making of Terra Swoop Force! Read it. Go on!

Hopefully, you've soon got some time off from work, school, or other responsibilities, allowing you to try each of the above creations. If you enjoy them, let us know!

-Marc Watson (Customer Support Manager at Mojang)

Watch the videos here:  https://minecraft.net/en/article/new-realms-jolly-holly-folly 

Minecraft Festive Mash-Up Pack!

FESTIVE MASH-UP PACK 2016 IS HERE!

Jingling all the way onto Pocket and Win 10

The Ender Update has arrived on Pocket and Windows 10 bearing all kinds of gifts, but none more seasonally appropriate, jingly and jolly than the Festive Mash-Up Pack 2016! Expect it to roll out across various mobile platforms and geographies in the next few hours.

Weighing down the Update Sleigh are all manner of wintry wonders: a uniquely snowbound world for you to explore, featuring log-built chalets, frozen lakes, vast caves woven through with cart tracks.

It’s a magical place - and what better setting to get into the seasonal spirit and pelt your friends with hard, compacted snow? Dress up as one of many festive figures: peculiarly generous beardyman Chris Cringle, or one of his numerous reindeer chums. Feeling more naughty than nice? Then perhaps the creepy Krampus or dastardly Dishevelf skin might suit you. Or if you need an actual suit, try the toastmistress or toastmaster.



Those who just want to get away from it all and spend some quality time enjoying the natural splendour of the season might opt to drop into the Yuletide Yeti skin, or perhaps even Mistletoes the Bigfoot. (It’s not quite clear what’s so festive about Bigfoot. Just go with it.)

Those who are looking for something a little off-beat might try the Cool Claus skin - a blue alternative to the normal red and white Santa outfit that I was forbidden from naming “Subordinate Claus” even though that is a funny and clever joke and definitely not a lame grammar nerd pun.

Anyway! Enjoy! May the season bring you much cheer.

The Festive Mash-Up 2016 is available on Pocket and Windows 10 Edition for $3.99 or your local equivalent. You can try bribing us with mince pies, but I don’t think it’ll work.

-Marsh Davies (creative communications manager at *Mojang*)

Watch the video here:  https://minecraft.net/en/article/festive-mash-2016-here 

Minecraft Updates!

MINECRAFT 1.11.1 RELEASED

Rocket-propelled elytra flight is finally here!

Surprise! Minecraft is now at version 1.11.1!

The main purpose of this update is to fix a number of bugs, but we also took the opportunity to introduce a number of other features. Just in time for the holidays!

Added rocket-propelled elytra flightAdded Iron NuggetsAdded Sweeping Edge enchantment for swordsChanged the attack indicator to hint when you should attack

The update is available in your Minecraft launcher, enjoy!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Minecraft Team!

-Jens Bergensten (Lead Creative Designer at Mojang AB)

Source:  https://minecraft.net/en/article/minecraft-1111-released 

Minecraft News!

APPLE TV EDITION RELEASED!

We're on Apple's magical black box, just in time for the holidays

Do you own one of those fancy Apple TV devices? Maybe Santa has his elves cooking one up in their high-tech workshop?

If either of those are true, I bring good news! We’ve just released Minecraft for the slim black boxes. And, for a limited time, it comes with seven pieces of lovely DLC, giving you the chance to customise the fun to your liking. Minecraft: Apple TV Edition currently includes the Holiday 2015, Town Folk, and City Folk skin packs, along with the Plastic, Natural, Cartoon, and Festive 2016 mash-ups. It costs $19.99 and is rolling out in all regions as I type.

Apple TV Edition also includes the Ender Update. We’ve just posted about that on this very website!

One more thing - though Apple TV Edition doesn’t currently support Minecraft Realms or Xbox Live, we’ll update the game with those features in the near future.

Have fun, Apple fans!

-Owen Jones ( Director of creative communications at *Mojang*)

Source:  https://minecraft.net/en/article/apple-tv-edition-released 

Minecraft Add-Ons!

ADD-ONS: WHAT'S IN A NAME?

A short (but important!) guide to naming pack types

We’ve been overwhelmed by your response to Add-Ons in Minecraft Pocket Edition and Windows 10 Edition. You’ve already written tens of thousands of them! Some of my favorites are Ovo’s Rustic: Redemption, More Chairs, PC GUI, and Villager Guards.

For the uninitiated, an Add-On is basically a pack of files that lets you change how Minecraft's world works. Want 50ft chickens? You can have them! Want to create a pigman army to do your bidding and dress them all in frilly tutus? You can do that too, you weirdo! If you want more examples of what you can do with them, check out our dedicated Add-Ons page. They're pretty powerful things!

However, we've noticed some folk getting confused about the different pack types. It's a small thing, but it's easy to get wrong, and can lead to corrupted files. We thought it might be helpful to outline some of the basic types and file names, for easy reference:

1. RESOURCE PACKS

These allow the game to be re-skinned. Resource packs can contain images, sound, and descriptions of models, and are packaged as mcpack files. When you import an mcpack, you’ll see a message pop up indicating what is being imported and then, later, another message telling you the import is complete.



After importing the pack, you can enable it for all worlds here by clicking on the pack and the clicking the ‘+’ icon, or you can apply the pack to individual worlds in the world settings.



2. BEHAVIOR PACKS

These configure the behavior of the game. Right now, behaviour packs can configure the behaviour of entities, allowing recombination of built in entity behaviors (think: chickens you can ride or cool-headed creepers that don’t explode). Behavior packs can only be configured per world and not globally. Just like resource packs, they can be packaged as anmcpack file.



Here’s where you enable per-world resource and behavior packs. It works the same way as global resource packs, except applied only to world you’re creating or editing.

3. WORLD FILES

These are worlds packaged as mcworld files. They can be imported in the same way as mcpacks. When you import a world it is added to your world list right along with the worlds you’ve created. You can create them by just zipping up the contents of a world directory.

How about some other handy resources?

There are many places where you can learn more about Add-Ons. A couple of sites have appeared on my radar that you can discover and download Add-Ons from:

MCPEDLCurse

Per platform details on how to install can be found on our Add-Ons page under “Installation Instructions”.

You can also find more information on Add-Ons on the Minecraft Wiki.

We can’t wait to see what you make next!

-Michael Ott ( Executive Producer - Redmond Minecraft Team)

Source:  https://minecraft.net/en/article/add-ons-whats-name