How Much Does Each Episode of Minecraft: Story Mode Cost?
As of today, the definitive answer is: Minecraft: Story Mode episodes are essentially unavailable for purchase in their original format. While you might see prices listed, including inflated ones, the game is no longer supported, and purchasing is actively discouraged. Let’s delve into the details.
The fascinating, albeit bittersweet, story of Minecraft: Story Mode is a case study in digital ownership and the impermanence of digital content. Developed by Telltale Games in collaboration with Mojang, the game offered a narrative-driven experience within the beloved Minecraft universe. However, with Telltale’s closure and the subsequent delisting of the game, acquiring and playing the episodes has become a complex issue.
The Rise and Fall of a Blocky Narrative
A Telltale Adventure in the Minecraft World
Minecraft: Story Mode was a unique venture, blending Telltale’s signature episodic adventure gameplay with the creative sandbox world of Minecraft. Players controlled Jesse, a customizable protagonist who embarked on a quest to save the world alongside a group of friends. The game was praised for its engaging story, charming characters, and humorous dialogue.
The first season consisted of five main episodes and three additional adventure pack episodes. Season two continued the story with another five episodes, each expanding on the established lore and introducing new characters and challenges.
The Delisting and its Aftermath
Unfortunately, the success of Minecraft: Story Mode was cut short. The collapse of Telltale Games in 2018 led to the game’s delisting from all digital storefronts in June 2019. This meant that new purchases were no longer possible, and existing owners were urged to download all available episodes before the servers were shut down.
This situation sparked a debate about digital ownership and the rights of consumers who purchase digital content. When a game is delisted, players who haven’t downloaded the content may lose access to it entirely. This is a stark contrast to physical copies, which remain playable even if the publisher ceases operations.
Understanding the Current Situation
Inflated Prices: A Deterrent, Not an Offer
You might stumble upon Minecraft: Story Mode episodes listed on platforms like the Xbox Marketplace. However, these listings often come with exorbitant price tags, sometimes reaching $99.99 per episode. This isn’t an invitation to purchase; it’s a deliberate measure to discourage accidental purchases.
Mojang and Microsoft intentionally inflated the price to prevent users from unknowingly buying content that is no longer supported and may not be fully functional. The Minecraft: Story Mode Facebook account explicitly warned users against purchasing the game at these inflated prices.
The Availability of Episode 1
There was a period when the first episode of Minecraft: Story Mode was made available for free on various platforms, including Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows 10, iOS, Android, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. This was intended as a gesture for fans, allowing them to experience the beginning of the story. However, even this free offering is now largely unavailable due to the game’s overall delisting.
Playing the Game Today: A Challenge
Currently, playing Minecraft: Story Mode requires some ingenuity. If you previously purchased the episodes and downloaded them before the delisting, you might still be able to play them offline. However, new purchases are virtually impossible through official channels.
Alternative methods, such as acquiring physical copies (if you can find them) or exploring unofficial sources, may exist, but these come with their own risks and are generally not recommended.
The Legacy of Minecraft: Story Mode
Despite its unfortunate end, Minecraft: Story Mode left a lasting impact. It demonstrated the potential for narrative-driven experiences within the Minecraft universe and showcased Telltale’s storytelling expertise. The game also highlighted the importance of digital preservation and the rights of consumers in the digital age.
While the game is no longer officially available, its memory lives on through fan communities, playthrough videos, and discussions about its unique blend of gameplay and storytelling.
You might also find some interesting insights and discussions about game design and the impact of games on learning at the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still buy Minecraft: Story Mode episodes?
No, you cannot officially buy Minecraft: Story Mode episodes. The game has been delisted from all major digital storefronts due to Telltale Games‘ closure. While you might see listings with inflated prices, these are meant to deter purchases, not encourage them.
2. Are Minecraft: Story Mode episodes free?
No, the episodes are not free. While the first episode was briefly available for free on some platforms, that offer is no longer active, and the game cannot be downloaded now, the first episode is also not available.
3. Why are the prices for Minecraft: Story Mode episodes so high?
The prices are intentionally inflated to prevent users from mistakenly purchasing episodes that are no longer supported. Mojang set the prices high to discourage accidental purchases.
4. What happened to Minecraft: Story Mode?
Minecraft: Story Mode was delisted from digital stores after Telltale Games went out of business. The game’s servers were shut down, making it impossible to purchase or download the episodes.
5. Is Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2 worth it?
Many players consider Minecraft: Story Mode – Season Two to be an improvement over the first season, with a more compelling narrative and engaging gameplay. However, given the game’s unavailability, experiencing it may be challenging.
6. Is Minecraft: Story Mode on Netflix?
Minecraft: Story Mode was briefly available on Netflix as an interactive special, but it was removed in December 2022.
7. Can I play Minecraft: Story Mode on PS5?
While Minecraft: Story Mode is playable on PS5 through backward compatibility, some features available on PS4 may be absent. However, given that the game is unavailable for purchase, this is largely a moot point.
8. Is Minecraft: Story Mode suitable for kids?
Minecraft: Story Mode is generally considered suitable for kids, although it may contain some mild language and mildly dark themes. The PEGI rating is 12+.
9. Will there be a Minecraft: Story Mode Season 3?
No, there will not be a Minecraft: Story Mode Season 3. With Telltale Games‘ closure, the possibility of a third season has been eliminated.
10. Who voiced Axel in Minecraft: Story Mode?
Axel in Minecraft: Story Mode is voiced by Brian Posehn.
11. What do I do if I already purchased Minecraft: Story Mode?
If you purchased the episodes before the delisting and downloaded them, you should still be able to play them offline. However, online features and updates are no longer available.
12. Is Minecraft: Story Mode unplayable now?
Minecraft: Story Mode is not entirely unplayable, but it’s difficult to access. If you previously purchased and downloaded the episodes, you can still play them. However, new purchases are impossible, and online features are disabled.
13. Where can I find more information about games and learning?
You can find valuable insights and discussions about game design and the impact of games on learning at the Games Learning Society.
14. Why is Minecraft so expensive?
The core Minecraft game remains popular and well-supported. Its cost reflects ongoing development, updates, and the vast community surrounding it. Minecraft: Story Mode, on the other hand, is unavailable due to the circumstances surrounding Telltale’s closure, and Mojang‘s inflated pricing is to ensure that customers do not unintentionally purchase something that they cannot use.
15. Are there alternative ways to experience Minecraft: Story Mode?
Unofficial channels might offer ways to experience Minecraft: Story Mode, but these are generally not recommended due to potential risks and the lack of official support. Searching online might yield some interesting results, but download at your own risk.