Will There Be Minecraft: Story Mode 2?
The short, bittersweet answer is no, there will not be a Minecraft: Story Mode 2. While the original series captivated players with its engaging narratives, memorable characters, and Telltale Games’ signature choice-driven gameplay, a confluence of factors has permanently closed the door on a sequel. The primary reason is the closure of Telltale Games in 2018, the studio responsible for developing the series. While the Telltale name has been resurrected under new ownership, the original team, technology, and, critically, licensing agreements are not in place to revive Minecraft: Story Mode. Furthermore, Mojang has shown no indication of pursuing a similar narrative-driven project with another developer. The game was also discontinued from being downloadable by June 2019, due to expiring licensing rights.
The Rise and Fall of a Story-Driven Minecraft Adventure
Minecraft: Story Mode offered a unique twist on the sandbox world everyone knows and loves. By partnering with Telltale Games, Mojang created a narrative experience that resonated with both longtime Minecraft fans and those new to the blocky universe. The series followed the adventures of Jesse and their friends, facing dangers and making choices that shaped the story’s outcome.
Season 1: A Hero’s Journey
The first season introduced players to the world, establishing the core characters and their motivations. The story revolved around saving the world from the Wither Storm, a powerful and destructive monster. The choice-driven gameplay allowed players to influence Jesse’s personality and relationships with other characters.
Season 2: Beyond Beacontown
The second season picked up where the first left off, with Jesse leading the town of Beacontown. The storyline revolved around a powerful antagonist known as the Admin, leading Jesse and their friends on a quest to uncover his weaknesses and protect their world. Eric Stirpe revealed new customization options for Jesse in Season 2, adding another layer of immersion for players. The writing and characters were overall seen as improved in Season 2.
The Demise of Telltale Games
The downfall of Telltale Games sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. The studio’s closure was attributed to a combination of factors, including:
- Financial troubles: Poor sales performance of some titles and mismanagement of resources contributed to the company’s financial instability.
- Company Culture: Rumors of overworking staff, internal turmoil, and bad management practices plagued the company.
- Expiring Licensing Rights: The nature of Telltale’s business model, heavily reliant on licensed properties, meant that the loss of key licenses could severely impact their revenue stream. This also contributed to the discontinuing of Minecraft Story Mode by June 2019.
The Impact on Minecraft: Story Mode
Telltale’s closure directly led to the discontinuation of support for Minecraft: Story Mode. The game was removed from digital storefronts, and the servers that hosted the game were shut down. This meant that even players who had purchased the game could no longer download the episodes.
What About the New Telltale?
While the Telltale Games brand has been revived under new ownership by LCG Entertainment, it’s essential to understand that this is essentially a new company operating under the same name. The original team is gone, and the rights to many of Telltale’s key properties are held by other companies. While they have released some titles, a return to Minecraft: Story Mode is highly unlikely due to the complexity of re-acquiring the necessary licenses from both Mojang and the various voice actors involved.
Exploring Narrative Learning Through Games
Although Minecraft: Story Mode may be gone, its legacy lives on in the broader field of game-based learning. The series demonstrated the potential of games to engage players in compelling narratives, promote critical thinking, and foster empathy. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are at the forefront of exploring these educational opportunities. The GamesLearningSociety.org researches and promotes the use of games for learning and development across various disciplines.
The Future of Narrative Minecraft Experiences
While Minecraft: Story Mode is unlikely to return, the desire for narrative experiences within the Minecraft universe remains strong. Mojang continues to explore new ways to engage players through storytelling, but these efforts are more likely to take the form of expansions, updates, and community-driven content rather than a direct sequel to the Telltale series.
Community-Driven Storytelling
The Minecraft community is incredibly creative, and many players have created their own stories and adventures within the game. These community-driven narratives offer a diverse range of experiences, from simple role-playing scenarios to complex quests and mysteries.
Minecraft Expansions and Updates
Mojang regularly releases expansions and updates that add new content and features to Minecraft. Some of these updates have included narrative elements, such as new biomes with unique stories and characters.
Conclusion
While the prospect of a Minecraft: Story Mode 2 is tantalizing, the reality is that it’s highly improbable. The closure of Telltale Games and the complex licensing issues surrounding the franchise have effectively closed the door on a sequel. However, the spirit of narrative adventure lives on in the Minecraft community and the ongoing development of the core game. So, while we might not see Jesse and friends return in a Telltale-style adventure, the world of Minecraft continues to offer endless opportunities for storytelling and exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many episodes are there in Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2?
Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2 consists of five episodes.
2. Why was Minecraft: Story Mode discontinued?
Minecraft: Story Mode was discontinued due to the closure of Telltale Games and the expiring licensing rights.
3. When did Minecraft: Story Mode end?
Support for Minecraft: Story Mode ended on June 25th, 2019, when the servers were shut down and the episodes were no longer downloadable.
4. Is Minecraft: Story Mode Season 3 planned?
No, there are no plans for a Minecraft: Story Mode Season 3.
5. Who is the main character in Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2?
The main character in Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2 is Jesse.
6. Who bought Telltale Games?
The Telltale Games brand, assets, and various IP are now owned by LCG Entertainment, operating and marketing games under the Telltale name.
7. Are Telltale Games back?
Yes, Telltale Games has been resurrected under new ownership and has released new games since its rebirth.
8. Why is Minecraft: Story Mode rated 12?
Minecraft: Story Mode is rated PEGI 12 because it contains language such as “cp” and “hl”.
9. Why did Minecraft Earth shut down?
Mojang blamed the ongoing pandemic for the decision to shut down Minecraft Earth, as the game was designed around free movement and collaborative play.
10. Can I still play Minecraft: Story Mode?
Officially, no. Due to the server shutdowns and removal from digital storefronts, it is no longer possible to legally download and play the game. However, some unofficial methods may exist, but these come with risks and are not endorsed by Mojang or Telltale Games.
11. How long is a Minecraft day in real life?
A full day in Minecraft lasts 20 minutes in real-world time.
12. How old should you be to play Minecraft: Story Mode?
Although Minecraft itself is aimed at younger players, Minecraft: Story Mode is rated PEGI 12+, suggesting it is suitable for ages 12 and up.
13. Did Telltale shut down permanently?
While the original Telltale Games closed down in 2018, the brand and assets were acquired by LCG Entertainment, who is now operating under the Telltale name. So, while the original company is gone, the Telltale brand lives on.
14. Is Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2 better than Season 1?
Some players and critics believe that Season 2 is better than Season 1, citing improved characters, writing, and a more engaging storyline. The game’s kid-friendly aspect also made it more fun to play.
15. What happens if you don’t sleep in Minecraft?
If you don’t sleep for three Minecraft days, mobs known as Phantoms will start to hunt you.