Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition beta announced, free to existing PC players
Upcoming features include dual-wielding, shields, southpaw support.
Mojang has announced Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition, which will launch in beta form alongside Microsoft's new operating system on 29th July.
It will be free to download if you already own Minecraft on PC, or $10 (about £6.40) if you don't.
This edition is separate to the existing PC build and will offer online and local multiplayer with anyone playing on Minecraft: Pocket Edition (that's the version available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone).
Controller, touch and keyboard control options will be included, along with support for up to eight-player co-op via local play or Xbox Live.
It's an interesting move for Minecraft and Microsoft itself, which is slowly converging all of its platforms into one Windows 10-based operating system.
Perhaps future versions of the Windows 10 Edition will also allow for play with Xbox 360 and Xbox One - or even other systems, such as the PlayStation family?
Back on more concrete (or cobblestone) ground, Mojang has also detailed some of the other upcoming features coming to all versions of the game in the future.
Speaking at last weekend's Minecon in London, Mojang announced dual-wielding support and the ability to select a dominant hand for the first time.
Enchanted arrows and shields are also on the way (thanks, IGN).
Finally, alternate dimension The End is getting a revamp, with a new End City location that will offer parkour opportunities. You'll have to make use of the new Shullker enemy's levitation-causing fire to reach far off areas.
