Is Minecraft: Story Mode Being Discontinued? The Definitive Guide
Yes, Minecraft: Story Mode has indeed been discontinued. The game is no longer supported, and while it was once available across multiple platforms, its digital versions are largely inaccessible now. This discontinuation is primarily due to the closure of Telltale Games, the developer behind the narrative-driven adventure, which occurred in late 2018. The server shutdowns and subsequent delisting of the game from digital storefronts cemented the game’s fate as a defunct title. It’s a sad situation for fans of the episodic series, so here we will explore the history, reasons and current status of Minecraft: Story Mode.
The Timeline of Discontinuation
The official end for Minecraft: Story Mode can be traced back to several key dates. Telltale Games’ closure in 2018 created initial problems for the game’s continued availability. Then:
- May 31, 2019: It was announced that Minecraft: Story Mode would no longer be supported, a direct consequence of Telltale Games ceasing operations.
- June 25, 2019: The servers for Minecraft: Story Mode were officially shut down. This server shutdown meant that new downloads of the episodes were no longer possible. If you hadn’t already downloaded them, they were no longer available. This crucial step effectively rendered the game unplayable for those who didn’t already have the files.
- December 5, 2022: The Netflix release of Minecraft: Story Mode was also removed, eliminating another accessible way to engage with the game.
These closures signify that Minecraft: Story Mode, in its original form, is not available for purchase or download on any major digital platform. The shutdown marks a definitive end to the official distribution and support for the game.
Why Was Minecraft: Story Mode Discontinued?
The primary reason for the discontinuation is the unfortunate closure of Telltale Games due to financial issues in 2018. This closure led to the delisting of most of their games, including Minecraft: Story Mode. Licensing rights also played a part, as noted by GOG.com. They had to pull the game due to these expiring rights, which further complicated efforts to keep the game available.
Unfortunately, Telltale’s closure left the franchise in a state of limbo. Without the developer to support the game and maintain servers, the episodic nature of Minecraft: Story Mode made its continued availability problematic. This combination of financial collapse and licensing issues ultimately sealed the fate of the game.
What About a Potential Minecraft: Story Mode 3?
The idea of a Minecraft: Story Mode 3 is a common question among fans. While there’s been talk, especially after Deck Nine Games were mentioned, officially, Mojang and Telltale declared that the second season was the final season. This means that a continuation of Jesse’s adventures in an official sequel is unlikely. The notion of any future episodic game by other developers are just rumors.
The cancellation of a third season was officially communicated in 2018 when the company declared season two as the last season of the game. The hope for additional narrative installments has been effectively dashed by this and the closure of Telltale games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Minecraft: Story Mode
1. Can I Still Play Minecraft: Story Mode?
If you had previously purchased and downloaded all episodes of Minecraft: Story Mode, you can still play them offline on your respective device. However, new purchases or downloads are no longer possible due to the server shutdowns and delisting from digital storefronts. The game is not available on any platform for purchase today.
2. Where Was Minecraft: Story Mode Available Before Being Discontinued?
The game was available on various platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, PC, and mobile devices (Android and iOS). It also had a brief period on Netflix as an interactive series.
3. Was Minecraft: Story Mode on Netflix?
Yes, Minecraft: Story Mode was indeed available on Netflix as an interactive series where viewers could make decisions affecting the storyline. However, this version was removed on December 5, 2022.
4. Why Is Minecraft: Story Mode So Expensive on Some Marketplaces?
You may see extremely high prices for physical copies or codes online. These are not official and are due to the limited supply and high demand for a discontinued game. The prices you might see, particularly on sites like Xbox marketplace, are from third-party sellers and are not the result of the developers wanting to stop people from buying it.
5. Will Telltale Games Ever Return?
While the original Telltale Games closed, a new company has acquired the Telltale name and is developing new games, such as The Expanse: A Telltale Series. However, there are no guarantees that they will revive older franchises like Minecraft: Story Mode.
6. How Many Copies of Minecraft: Story Mode Were Sold?
Minecraft: Story Mode was not a commercial success and only sold around 95,000 copies, which contributed to Telltale’s financial struggles.
7. What is the Rating for Minecraft: Story Mode?
Minecraft: Story Mode is rated PEGI 12 (or similar age ratings in other regions). This is primarily due to language, suspenseful moments, jump scares, and some violence involving zombies and spiders.
8. Is Minecraft: Story Mode a Kids Game?
While Minecraft: Story Mode is intended to be family-friendly, some of the themes and scares might be unsettling for very young children. It focuses on themes of friendship, survival, and creativity, but with some tension.
9. What Was The Last Episode of Minecraft: Story Mode?
The final episode of Minecraft: Story Mode was “A Journey’s End?”, the eighth episode of the Adventure Pass.
10. Is There a Minecraft: Story Mode 2?
Yes, there is a Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2, which follows the further adventures of Jesse and friends, but it was declared the final season. The game is discontinued as mentioned previously.
11. Is Minecraft: Story Mode Canon?
Minecraft: Story Mode is not considered canon within the broader Minecraft lore. Instead, it’s often regarded as a folktale or legend, a narrative that exists separately from the main Minecraft universe.
12. Is Jesse From Minecraft: Story Mode Male or Female?
Jesse, the main protagonist, is designed to be gender-neutral, with the player able to choose the gender and appearance.
13. When Was Minecraft: Story Mode Originally Released?
The series initially launched on October 13, 2015, for most platforms, with PlayStation Vita and Wii U versions following later.
14. Is There any Way to Play Minecraft: Story Mode Now?
If you have previously purchased and downloaded all the episodes of the game, you can still play in offline mode, without access to any form of online features. However, there is no legal or official method to purchase or download the game now.
15. Is Minecraft Earth Still Available?
No, Minecraft Earth was shut down on June 30, 2021. It is a separate title from Minecraft: Story Mode, but still worth mentioning for Minecraft fans.
Conclusion
Minecraft: Story Mode is indeed a discontinued game, with no official means of purchase or download due to the closure of Telltale Games and subsequent server shutdowns. While those who had previously purchased the game can still play it offline, the broader availability of this episodic adventure is sadly no more. The information here hopefully has provided all the necessary information about the past, present and future of Minecraft: Story Mode. While the game’s journey has come to an end, its impact on fans and the narrative style of Minecraft will not be forgotten.