Minecraft’s delayed arrival on the PlayStation 5 became a point of discussion during the FTC hearings over the Xbox and Activision merger. Xbox head, Phil Spencer, explained that the reason for the delay was Sony’s reluctance to provide PlayStation 5 development kits to Microsoft. However, this situation has now changed, as Microsoft has secured the necessary tools, and Minecraft is set to launch on PS5 on October 22.
The new PS5 version of Minecraft will take advantage of the console’s improved hardware, allowing for enhanced performance. The official announcement highlights that the game will offer a greater render distance while maintaining a 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, giving players a smoother, more detailed experience, whether they’re exploring the Overworld or engaging in other in-game activities.
For existing Minecraft players, the PS5 version will be available as a free upgrade for those who already own the PS4 version. Since the PS4 version of Minecraft is backward compatible with the PS5, players have been able to enjoy the game on the newer console. However, the native PS5 version will improve performance and visual fidelity, making the upgrade worthwhile for many.
During the June 2023 FTC hearings, Phil Spencer addressed the issue, explaining that Sony had delayed sending PS5 development kits to Microsoft, which hindered their ability to release a native PS5 version of Minecraft. Spencer expressed frustration that Sony had sent the kits to other developers while withholding them from Microsoft, which he felt was an unnecessary disadvantage.
Despite the initial reluctance, Sony now appears more willing to provide development kits, as evidenced by the growing number of Xbox-developed games being ported to PS5. Recent titles like Sea of Thieves, Grounded, Hi-Fi Rush, and Pentiment have all made their way to the platform, and the upcoming Indiana Jones game is set for release on PS5 in 2025, suggesting that the earlier tension between the companies has eased.
