Minecraft: Java Edition (originally just Minecraft) is the very first and longest-running version of the game, created by Mojang Studios for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Development began on May 10, 2009, led by Markus “Notch” Persson. The game was made public just a week later on May 17, 2009. After years of updates and testing, the full release (version 1.0.0) was officially launched on November 18, 2011, during the opening ceremony of MINECON 2011.
Contents
- Key Features
- Development Timeline
2.1 Pre-Classic (Creation)
2.2 Classic
2.2.1 Survival Test
2.3 Indev
2.4 Infdev
2.5 Alpha
2.6 Beta
2.7 Full Release - Demo Version
- Controls
- System Requirements
- Reception and Legacy
6.1 Awards and Recognition - Official Trailer
- Trivia
- Gallery
9.1 Key Artwork
9.1.1 Older Artwork - Notes
- References
1. Key Features
- Updates are delivered through the Minecraft Launcher, without needing third-party platform approvals.
- A Microsoft account login is required. Through the launcher, players can access the latest version, snapshots, and nearly all past builds, including experimental ones.
- The profile system makes it simple to keep separate environments for mods, development versions, and older updates.
- Compared to other editions, Java’s code is far easier to modify, leading to the largest modding and custom server community. Tools like the obfuscation map exist specifically to make modding easier, and the game’s codebase has been heavily documented by fans.
- Realms for Java Edition is sold as a different subscription than Bedrock’s Realms service.
- Players who purchased Java Edition before June 7, 2022 were gifted a free copy of Bedrock for Windows. Currently, both are bundled together as Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC, or as the Deluxe Collection (which includes DLC for Bedrock).
2. Development Timeline
2.1 Pre-Classic (Creation Phase)
In early 2009, Notch was inspired by games like Infiniminer, Dwarf Fortress, Dungeon Keeper, and his earlier project RubyDung. On May 13, 2009, he uploaded the first Minecraft video to YouTube, calling it simply a “cave game.” Initially, he considered naming the project Minecraft: Order of the Stone (inspired by the webcomic Order of the Stick), but quickly shortened it to just Minecraft for simplicity.
The first private playable build was released on May 16, 2009. Most of these very early versions are now lost.
2.2 Classic
The first public release (0.0.11a) arrived on May 17, 2009. Soon after, Mojang rewrote the game to run on the Lightweight Java Gaming Library (LWJGL).
- Creative mode was the only option at this stage, giving unlimited blocks for free building.
- A basic multiplayer test was added just before the Survival Test began.
2.2.1 Survival Test
Released on September 1, 2009, this update introduced the earliest form of Survival mode. Players could now:
- Take damage and die.
- Collect resources.
- Fight hostile mobs.
Dying would delete the world unless it was backed up — similar to today’s Hardcore mode.
2.3 Indev
The Indev (In Development) stage launched on December 23, 2009, as a way for paying players to try experimental features. Each new world started in a small wooden hut.
Key additions included:
- Day-night cycle and advanced lighting.
- Early difficulty settings (Peaceful, Easy, Normal, Hard).
- Experimental world types like Floating Islands, Hell, and the Sky Dimension.
As with Survival Test, dying deleted the world entirely.
2.4 Infdev
Infdev (Infinite Development) began on February 27, 2010. The biggest change was infinite map generation, replacing the fixed worlds of Indev. Other improvements included:
- New crafting recipes.
- 3D clouds.
- Improved caves and water physics.
- Addition of minecarts, dungeons, and mob spawners.
Infdev removed earlier features like “floating islands,” instead focusing on infinite terrain. It was eventually succeeded by Alpha on June 30, 2010.
2.5 Alpha
Alpha officially launched on June 30, 2010. It reintroduced multiplayer survival (Survival Multiplayer) and added many features through the famous “Seecret Friday Updates”, such as:
- Redstone circuits
- Boats
- New music and mobs
The Halloween Update (October 30, 2010) added biomes, the Nether, new creatures, and more.
Roughly 23% of Alpha builds are now considered lost, though many are still playable via the launcher.
2.6 Beta
The Beta phase started on December 20, 2010 and marked Minecraft’s rise in popularity. New features included:
- A redesigned logo and launcher.
- Achievements and statistics.
- Customizable world seeds.
- New mobs like wolves and squid.
- Beds, weather, and dyes.
The massive Adventure Update introduced:
- Strongholds, mineshafts, and villages.
- New combat mechanics, experience points, and critical hits.
- Hardcore and Creative modes.
- The End dimension and the Ender Dragon boss.
On October 18, 2011, Mojang froze new features and focused only on bug fixes to prepare for launch.
2.7 Full Release
Version 1.0.0 launched during MINECON 2011 (November 18, 2011). Highlights included:
- The End dimension with the Ender Dragon.
- Remaining Adventure Update features.
- Official removal of the “Beta” label.
The full game was sold for around US$29.99 / €29.99, though Alpha and Beta buyers got it for free. The release was well received, earning high review scores from major outlets.
Since then, hundreds of updates have been added — see the [Java Edition version history].
3. Demo Version
The demo build lets unpurchased accounts try Minecraft with restrictions:
- Only Survival mode is available.
- A single pre-named world (Demo_World) is generated.
- The seed is always -343522682.
- A time limit exists, after which players can’t interact with the world.
4. Controls
Java Edition supports keyboard + mouse, as well as touchscreen/touchpad setups on supported devices.
5. System Requirements
- Minimum: Intel Core i3-3210 or AMD A8-7600, 2 GB RAM, Intel HD 4000 / Radeon R5, Windows 7 / macOS Mojave / Linux.
- Recommended: Intel i5-4690 or AMD A10-7800, 4 GB RAM, GeForce 700 / Radeon RX 200, modern OS.
- Requires Java 21 (included with launcher).
- Needs a 64-bit system (last 32-bit compatible version is 1.20.4).
- OpenGL 4.4 support is mandatory.
Minecraft Java also runs on Linux via the launcher and even ChromeOS (with Linux compatibility).
6. Reception and Legacy
Reviews
- Metacritic: 93/100
- GameRankings: 92.7%
- Eurogamer: 10/10
- IGN: 9/10
- Game Informer: 9.25/10
Minecraft has sold over 30 million copies of Java Edition and over 238 million across all platforms, making it the best-selling video game of all time.
Critics praised its creative freedom and community-driven growth. The game influenced countless imitators and even earned a place in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s “Art of Video Games” exhibit.
6.1 Awards
Minecraft has won dozens of honors, including:
- PC Gamer – Game of the Year
- Independent Games Festival – Grand Prize & Audience Award
- Rock Paper Shotgun – Game of the Year
- IndieDB – Indie of the Year
- GDC Awards – Best Debut & Most Innovative
- Polygon – #1 Game of the Decade
7. Official Trailer
The official Minecraft launch trailer was uploaded on December 6, 2011, created by Vareide. Earlier update trailers had been produced by Hat Films.
8. Trivia
- Before version 1.12.2, this was often called “PC Edition” to separate it from mobile/console versions (Bedrock).
- Parts of the Java Edition codebase were later open-sourced (e.g., Brigadier and Data Fixer Upper).
- Some official pages about Java Edition even used screenshots from Bedrock.