Minecraft axes support for Apple TV because of low playerbase
The game won't receive any further updates and is no longer supported as of September 24.
Roughly two years since Microsoft and Apple revealed that Minecraft was headed to Apple TV, the game is now dropping support for the platform. In a splash page that recently began surfacing in the game on Apple TV, Microsoft alerted users that it had ceased updates and support for the platform as of September 24 (via Engadget).
From the alert:
In other words, Minecraft on Apple TV hadn't attracted enough players to continue on.
While the game will no longer receive updates on Apple TV, those who have purchased the game will be able to continue playing. However, in recognition that the experience isn't "in-line" with Minecraft on other platforms, Microsoft says it will issue full refunds for purchases made within the last 90 days.
The 10 year old mentioned it on Sunday. Didn't see the splash screen then but here it is... pic.twitter.com/XYQ2TirzM7The 10 year old mentioned it on Sunday. Didn't see the splash screen then but here it is... pic.twitter.com/XYQ2TirzM7— mac-interactive 🇬🇧🇪🇺🌍🌌 (@macinteractive) October 9, 2018October 9, 2018
It's an interesting move considering Minecraft has a presence on every console and mobile platform out there at this point. However, without a significant base of players frequently engaging with the game, the reality is that it likely wasn't worth the resources Microsoft was putting in to maintain yet another version of the otherwise popular title.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl.