When was Minecraft $20?

Minecraft was priced at $20 for the Xbox One version when it launched on September 5, with a significant discount available to those who already owned the Xbox 360 version, allowing them to upgrade to the Xbox One edition for just $5. This price point was a notable milestone in the game’s history, showcasing the ongoing evolution of Minecraft’s pricing strategy across different platforms and editions, including its Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, and mobile versions.

History of Minecraft Pricing

Early Days of Minecraft

Minecraft has a long and complex history when it comes to its pricing. The game was first released by Markus Persson, also known as Notch, in 2009 as a free download. However, in a move that surprised many, Notch decided to charge for Minecraft even in its early versions, with a price point of $13 per copy.

Pricing Evolution

As Minecraft gained popularity, its price evolved. By the time the Xbox One version was released, the price had settled at $20 for new players, with discounts for those upgrading from the Xbox 360 version. This discounted upgrade path was significant, as it allowed long-time Minecraft fans to transition to the new console generation without a hefty financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. Did Minecraft used to cost $10? – No, Minecraft was never $10. The closest was the 10€ price in Europe, which translated to about $15 in U.S. dollars.
2. When did Minecraft cost money? – Minecraft started being sold for $13 per copy in its early versions, after initially being available as a free download.
3. When did Minecraft hit $1 million sales? – Minecraft achieved 1 million sales in January 2011, marking a significant milestone in its commercial success.

Editions and Platforms

4. What was Minecraft called in 2009? – Initially, Minecraft was called Cave Game when it was first created by Notch in 2009.
5. How much does Minecraft cost? – Minecraft’s cost varies by platform; it’s available on mobile devices for $6.99 on both iOS and Android.
6. Was Minecraft ever free? – Yes, Minecraft started out as a free download before Notch introduced a price for the game.

Updates and Features

7. What was Minecraft 1.5 called? – Minecraft 1.5 is known as the “Redstone Update”, focusing on redstone mechanics and other features.
8. What did 1.7 add? – The 1.7 update added acacia and dark slabs and stairs, among other features, enhancing the game’s building possibilities.
9. What did 1.11 add? – The 1.11 update, known as the Exploration Update, introduced illagers, vexes, totems of undying, and other significant features to the game.

Popularity and Sales

10. Is Minecraft losing popularity? – No, Minecraft continues to grow in users even a decade after its original release, a rare feat for any video game.
11. How much is Minecraft popular? – Minecraft boasts over 140 million monthly active players and generated over $318 million in revenue in 2021.
12. Does Minecraft cost $30? – Yes, Minecraft: Java Edition can be purchased as part of the Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle for $29.99 USD.

Purchasing and Refunds

13. Was Minecraft ever $5 dollars? – No, at no point in time did Minecraft cost $5.00.
14. How do I refund Minecraft? – To refund Minecraft, contact Minecraft Support with your order number and transaction ID, and they will process one refund per license.
15. Is bedrock free with Java? – If you already own the Minecraft Java Edition, you can get the Minecraft Bedrock Edition for PC for free, offering a convenient way to access both versions of the game.