Microsoft acquired Mojang, best known for making Minecraft, back in 2014. After releasing an incredibly successful app version of the game, Microsoft and Minecraft are headed to kid’s classrooms.
Step Aside, Google and Apple – Microsoft Brings Minecraft to the Classroom
Google and Apple have a solid hold when it comes to educational apps and platforms. Microsoft is hoping to get some of that spotlight. The company is launching MinecraftEdu, which is a revamped version of the beloved game, especially for educational use. The platform is already in use in over 40 countries and 7,000 classrooms altogether.
MinecraftEdu was developed Teacher Gaming, a Finnish startup. Microsoft is now making moves to acquire the platform though they did not share details on how much they were paying for it. The corporation has said that they are not looking to acquire the young Finnish company.
Minecraft is for Everyone
The very premise of the original Minecraft game is accessible when it comes to education. The game is about building, and it teaches basic concepts about anatomy, earth sciences, math, and literature. Its applications are easy to connect with children in elementary or middle school. Some institutions use the platform to recreate historical sites and events. Other instructors have used it for scientific applications, where students showed understanding of circuit building.
Some people just play Minecraft for fun. Although the game has a pretty retro look and feel, there are many die-hard fans all over the world. The recently released game app is the top paid app on the Google Play and Apple Store. What’s more, Minecraft is the best-selling PC game of all time. There are over 5 billion hours of Minecraft gameplay on YouTube, with more than 160 million views.
Can Microsoft Kick Apple and Google Out of Schools?
By acquiring MinecraftEdu, Microsoft has one more way to take advantage of the success of the game. This also brings Microsoft to the eyes of children, who can recognize an iPhone or iPad faster than anyone. The corporation does have platforms like Office 365 Education available for free for teachers and students, as well as Skype. But they face a lot of competition from Google, whose Apps for Education are being used by more than 50 million students. An Education Edition of Minecraft would bring Microsoft more presence in the education sector.
This edition of the game can be accessed from a school-wide platform with a log-in ID in any school computer or personal device would cost $5 annually per student for full access to the game. This might encounter some criticism because it will narrow the amount of schools willing or able to bring it into their classrooms. Discounts will be available.
