Minecraft Live 2022 blog: Latest news, Mob Vote winner, and every announcement you missed

Greetings! It's that time of year again — Minecraft Live is right around the corner, where Mojang Studios and the talented team behind the Minecraft universe will share a peek at what they're working on.

We're expecting plenty of big announcements for Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeons, and Minecraft Legends, and there may be some surprises in store, too. Of course, you can't afford to miss the annual mob vote inspiring passionate discussions across the Minecraft community. Minecraft fans simply can't afford to ignore Minecraft Live 2022.

Windows Central will be providing live coverage of the Minecraft spectacle over the next couple of days. We'll start by covering the Minecraft Mob Vote — including some personal picks from the Windows Central team — and post regular updates to this space as news arrives and the Minecraft Live 2022 event kicks off. Be sure to check in regularly, and thanks for joining! — Zachary Boddy, Windows Central Gaming News Writer

The Minecraft Mob Vote 2022 officially kicks off voting

The Minecraft Live Mob Vote 2022 is opening its doors for players to begin voting. Three mobs are vying for victory this year: the adorable and ancient Sniffer, the secretive and mischievous Rascal, and the decorative and customizable Tuff Golem. You can read everything you need to know about each mob and how the Mob Vote works at the link above, but we'll summarize the important bits for you here.

Players will have the next 24 hours to cast their vote — until Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. CT / Noon ET / 5:00 p.m. BST (when Minecraft Live 2022 begins) — for one of the three mob choices. You can only choose one, but you may change your vote as many times as you like during the 24-hour period. To vote, players will need to sign into their Microsoft Account and cast their vote in a special Minecraft: Bedrock Edition server, the Minecraft Launcher, or on Minecraft.net.

The competition is stiff this year, with each of the three mobs bringing something unique to the Minecraft universe should they win. The Minecraft community is bound to be divided, but what about the Windows Central team? Here's the mob of choice, the reasoning behind it, for some of us here at Windows Central (starting with me).

While the Tuff Golem's adorably stoic, stony frame calls out to my heart, there's only one mob for whom I'll vote in this year's Minecraft Mob Vote: The Sniffer. Resurrecting a long-extinct species of mob brings enticing new lore into the Minecraft universe, and that's without mentioning the prospect of the exciting new plant life the Sniffer would bring with them. Of course, the Sniffer is also just plain cute. — Zachary Boddy

While Mojang has put forward three intriguing mobs this year, my vote lies with the Sniffer. It’s not only a chance to grow your own adorable mob — the exotic plants they’ll unearth add a ton of new opportunities for landscaping and exploring the world of horticulture. I’m already drafting up plans for a killer tropical greenhouse for when the update (hopefully) arrives. — Matt Brown

I want to see the Tuff Golems win. Golems are awesome, and the idea of one that's extra tuff is simply delightful. They're super-customizable and super-loyal, so what is there not to like? — Samuel Tolbert

My pick has to be the Sniffer. While the Rascal's enchanted-items-in-a-mineshaft sounds like a great addition to Minecraft's repertoire, it's hard to turn down the idea of getting a new mob and new plants to go along with it. I want to see what sorts of amazing ancient plants Sniffers could dig up and all the cool enchantments or other materials that can be crafted with them. — Nick Sutrich

I'm picking the obvious choice: the Rascal. My favorite element of Minecraft has never been the building or creativity — these require patience which I don't possess. No, the real pull of the game for me is exploration, and spelunking away into the caves is my first port of call. Going on an underground adventure with the chance of discovering a Rascal would add an extra layer of excitement for me. The Rascal is in itself a mini-game, dropping sweet loot if you manage to spot them three times; What's not to love about loot? — Jennifer Young

While the Rascal's playful nature and the charm of the Tuff Golem's in-house strolls are all well and good, I have to admit that I find the concept of the Sniffer significantly more interesting than what these mobs have to offer. I'm always excited by new reasons to go on adventures in Minecraft, and searching for ancient Sniffer eggs deep underwater is quite the motivation. Plus, revitalizing a near-extinct species would also give the game an exciting new form of progression, allowing me to feel like I'm truly making an impact on the game's world and its ecosystem.

I also love the sound of customizing my bases with exotic plants grown with seeds found by the sniffer, as right now, our options for flora decorations are very limited. I can already envision creating a botanical garden area, complete with greenhouse-like glass walls and roofing, that's filled with vibrant flowers, special types of vines, and other strange and unique types of plant life. Finally, the Sniffer is simply adorable with its cartoonishly-oversized nose and grass-covered back. The fact they can also grow to be very big means we might be able to ride one, too, which would be awesome. — Brendan Lowry

Encountering server issues when voting in the Minecraft Mob Vote? You're not alone

Several members of the Minecraft community, myself included, have been encountering server issues on Minecraft.net, preventing us from submitting our vote in the Minecraft Live Mob Vote. It's likely that a huge number of players are currently swarming the Mob Vote. Fortunately, it seems that the voting process is more reliable when done through the Minecraft: Bedrock Edition server or the Minecraft Launcher. If you'd still prefer or need to be able to vote online, keep trying periodically over the next few hours. Remember, you have a full 24 hours to cast your vote! — Zachary Boddy

The Minecraft Mob Vote discussions are heating up

With the official Minecraft channel finally tossing some wood onto the Minecraft Live Mob Vote 2022 fire, discussions among members of the Minecraft community are heating up. Everyone is dividing into clear-cut sects arguing for each of the three mobs to win. Although... one mob appears to be cutting through the noise better than the rest, or at least its fans are awfully vocal.

My personal pick of the bunch, the Sniffer, is swarming Twitter with fan art of all kinds and repeated calls to vote for it. The Rascal and Tuff Golem are putting up a valiant effort, but has this year's Mob Vote winner already been decided? Of course, I'm biased for my plant-shrouded fren, so perhaps I'm only seeing what I want to see. Either way, anything can happen in the Minecraft Mob Vote 2022, and we won't know the definitive answer until Mojang Studios reveals it during tomorrow's show. — Zachary Boddy

Highlighting what to expect from Minecraft Live 2022

The largest Minecraft event of the year is mere hours away, and the broadcast is bound to be brimming with big, bold, beautiful bulletins detailing what's to come to the Minecraft universe in the future. Of course, the question in the minds of many would-be viewers is, "What can we expect from Minecraft Live 2022?" The night before the main event, I want to take a moment and share what we believe will appear during tomorrow's Minecraft Live show.

• We'll almost certainly see the first details of the next major Minecraft content update, which will fall under the 1.20 version number. It's not clear what the theme, or even the name, of the upcoming update will be, but we can be sure the world's largest creative-survival game is destined to gain new mobs, blocks, and features when it arrives.
• We'll also probably catch another look at Minecraft Dungeons Season 3, which already got a sneak peek ahead of the show. We know the general outline of what's to come in the massive release for Mojang Studios and Double Eleven's action-RPG extravaganza, and Minecraft Live 2022 is bound to give us more details about the animal-themed Seasonal Adventure, new content and multiplayer for The Tower, and the free Tree Top Tangle level.
• Minecraft Legends is the next addition to the expanding Minecraft gaming universe, and its unique blend of action and strategy gameplay is an enticing combination. During Minecraft Live 2022, I expect we'll see fresh gameplay for the upcoming title, and possibly some more information regarding the story or release date. There's almost no chance Minecraft Legends doesn't make an appearance at the show, but we'll have to wait to see exactly what's in store.
• Finally, the Minecraft Mob Vote 2022, which has already opened its doors for voting, will come to a close when Mojang Studios announces the winner during Minecraft Live 2022. Will the Sniffer, Tuff Golem, or Rascal join the ranks of Minecraft's roster of mobs? We won't have to wait long to find out — make sure to get your votes in before the show begins!

Between the next Minecraft update and more information regarding Minecraft Legends, this year's Minecraft Live stream is shaping up to be an exciting affair. I'm personally ecstatic to learn which mob will win the mob vote, as well. You can read more about which mob I, and other members of the Windows Central team, are voting for down below (spoiler alert: I'm rooting for the Sniffer). Tune into this space tomorrow for all the latest announcements and reveals from Minecraft Live! — Zachary Boddy

Minecraft Live is almost here — This is how to watch

The day has finally arrived! Minecraft Live is less than an hour away from beginning (at least, its pre-show is), and it's time for viewers all around the world to grab some drinks and snacks, settle in, and enjoy the show! Alternatively, those unable to view or uninterested in viewing the entire event can instead bookmark this space, where I'll be covering every announcement as it's revealed.

If you are planning to tune in, though, here's how to watch Minecraft Live 2022. The show kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 11:00 a.m. CT / Noon ET / 5:00 p.m. BST, with the pre-show beginning exactly 30 minutes before the main event. You can see some more time zones in the image above. As for where to watch Minecraft Live, Mojang Studios suggests heading to either Minecraft.net or YouTube. You can also find links for Twitch, Facebook Gaming, American Sign Language (ASL) translation, audio description, and a myriad of different languages in the guide linked above.

No matter where you're watching or who you are, Mojang Studios has put in the effort to ensure that Minecraft Live 2022 is accessible to all potential viewers. I'm excited to finally see what the studio has in store for its repertoire of Minecraft games, and I look forward to watching the event alongside the rest of the Minecraft community. Minecraft Live 2022, here we come! — Zachary Boddy

This is your last chance to cast a vote in the Minecraft Mob Vote 2022

While the Minecraft: Bedrock Edition server has closed, Mojang Studios has revealed that players can still vote in the Minecraft Live Mob Vote 2022 for the next 15 minutes (approximately)! Head to the Minecraft Launcher or Minecraft.net right now to cast your last-minute vote for the Sniffer, Rascal, or Tuff Golem. Go, go, go! — Zachary Boddy

The Minecraft Legends world is filled with adorable mobs

Minecraft Live 2022 has revealed that the world of Minecraft Legends is brimming with a lively ecosystem of adorable and cute mobs. Some are familiar from Minecraft, like llamas, ocelots, and pigs, but we also got a look at some brand-new mobs like the amazing badger and... the regal tiger? Each of these mobs will have their own behaviors in the world, and will be curious about the player as they progress through their quest. I can't wait to see more of Minecraft Legends' world! And to make a regal tiger friend of my own to help carry me through it all. — Zachary Boddy

Minecraft Legends to focus more on story, introduces The Hosts mobs

During Minecraft Live 2022, Mojang Studios reiterated that Minecraft Legends will focus more on its narrative campaign than any previous Minecraft game, even Minecraft Dungeons. To this end, the studio revealed the franchise's first fully voiced mobs, which appear in Minecraft Legends as the voices of the Overworld. The Hosts will aid players in their quest to save the Overworld in Minecraft Legends, and they look fascinating.

Named Foresight, Action, and Knowledge, after the skills players will need to employ in order to succeed, The Hosts will provide players with knowledge and tools throughout the story of Minecraft Legends. This includes the tools that build the foundation of Minecraft Legends' unique action-strategy gameplay, like the Flame of Creation to build friendly mob spawners, the Banner of Courage to direct your followers, and the magical Lute to summon helpful allays for resource gathering and building. — Zachary Boddy

Minecraft Legends shows off online co-op gameplay, new mobs, and more

Mojang Studios used Minecraft Live 2022 to showcase a live demo of online co-op gameplay in Minecraft Legends, featuring four separate players. The gameplay footage reveals more of the gorgeous world in which Minecraft Legends is set, as well as combat against the deadly Piglins invading the Overworld alongside an army of friend mobs. Players are introduced to new mobs featured in Minecraft Legends such as the Horde of the Spore, a unique group of varied Piglins with special abilities, traits, and designs.

We get to see more of the fascinating world in which Minecraft Legends is set with a look at several biomes, a first look at the game's UI, how the various tools work to recruit friendly mobs and collect resources, how allays can aid players in building, and how players can navigate the world astride their mount. We even see unique world features like Speed Weeds and Bounce Caps, which temporarily increase players' movement speed and jump height when they're crossed while exploring.

Mojang Studios also reaffirmed that Minecraft Legends will feature team-based player-versus-player (PvP) online multiplayer. It's not clear what form this multiplayer will take, but we know it'll have online matchmaking. More details will be revealed in the coming months. — Zachary Boddy

Minecraft Legends coming in Spring 2023, to evolve after launch with new content

After revealing fresh gameplay footage and new details for Minecraft Legends, Mojang Studios tightened the previous "2023" release window to a more concise Spring 2023 window. Players likely won't have to wait too long to get their hands on Mojang Studios and Blackbird Interactive's fascinating action-strategy Minecraft spin-off. The studios are also working to make Minecraft Legends accessible and approachable to as many players as possible, with a wide variety of options and settings to cater to different kinds of players.

It was also revealed that Minecraft Legends will continue to expand and evolve after its launch with brand-new content. Mojang Studios cautions that the form of this post-launch support will likely differ from Minecraft and Minecraft Dungeons, with more information to come in the future. Still, the launch of Minecraft Legends will not be the end, as Mojang Studios continues to help it grow with fresh features and additions. — Zachary Boddy

We got our first look at Minecraft Legends' opening cinematic

Mojang Studios closed out the Minecraft Legends section of the show by revealing for the opening cinematic for the upcoming action-strategy game. It looks incredible, and I have to say — everything that was shown of Minecraft Legends during Minecraft Live 2022 makes the game my most anticipated title of 2023 (even more than Starfield and Redfall). I genuinely cannot wait until Minecraft Legends comes out. The world is beautiful and begs to be explored, the gameplay is exciting and detailed, and the story is extremely alluring. Minecraft Legends cannot come soon enough. — Zachary Boddy

The Minecraft Entity Wizard lets anyone create their own Minecraft mobs

Mojang Studios showed off the Minecraft Entity Wizard, an accessible and easy-to-use tool that aims to enable any player to design and implement their own mob ideas in Minecraft. The tool gives players building blocks based on mobs that already exist, and allows players to change the models' colors, shapes, dimensions, and much more. Players can also customize the behavior and traits of the mobs, and see them in action in Minecraft. Players can check out the Minecraft Entity Wizard at Blockbench.net. — Zachary Boddy

Batman DLC and Frozen Planet II maps coming to Minecraft Marketplace on Oct. 18

The Minecraft Marketplace for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition refused to be left behind during Minecraft Live 2022, with Mojang Studios making two announcements for the expanding community-driven storefront. On Oct. 18, 2022, players will be able to purchase an exciting Batman DLC for Minecraft, made in collaboration between DC and Noxcrew, and face off against iconic Batman villains like the Penguin, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and more across infamous locations. A free Batman set for the in-game Character Creator will also be available alongside the DLC.

Additionally, the final parts for the BBC Earth Frozen Planet II collaboration with Minecraft: Education Edition will release on the same day, letting players learn and play as a variety of creatures from frozen biomes all across the world. The Frozen Planet II DLC maps, like much of the Education Edition content available in the Marketplace, will be free to download and play. — Zachary Boddy

Minecraft Mob Vote accrues over 3.5 million votes, Tuff Golem eliminated in first round

The first round of the Minecraft Live Mob Vote 2022 has been concluded, and the results are in — The Tuff Golem has been eliminated from the vote with the least number of votes out of over 3.5 million entries. Now, the Mob Vote is down to just the Sniffer and the Rascal. We'll learn which of the remaining two mobs is taking home the crown (and joining Minecraft) later on in the show. — Zachary Boddy

Minecraft Dungeons Season 3 Fauna Faire is all about the animals and balancing

Minecraft Dungeons also got plenty of love during Minecraft Live 2022, with Mojang Studios discussing more in-depth the features coming to the action-RPG with Season 3. The update, dubbed Fauna Faire, is all about animals and animal-themed cosmetics and goodies. Players can expect plenty of new content to explore, both with the Season 3 additions and Adventure Pass and beyond, including:

• A new Adventure Pass with free and premium tiers full of animal-themed rewards
• A Camp makeover with new lighting and decorations, a new loading screen, and more
• A ton of new pets, like the Red Panda, Emperor Penguin, Ferret, Racoon, Hedgehog, and Skunk
• A ton of animal-themed cosmetics, like animal onesies and animal behavior emotes
• The new Enchantsmith Merchant, which can randomly re-roll enchantments on weapons and armor
• Sweeping balancing changes and fixes for countless weapons, armor, artifacts, and enchantments, with more of a focus on buffs rather than nerfs

Minecraft Dungeons Season 3 Fauna Faire appears to be an exciting arrival for players, especially for animal lovers. The new Seasonal Adventure releases for all Minecraft Dungeons players on Oct. 19, 2022, alongside a new premium (optional) Adventure Pass. Of course, that's not all that's coming to Minecraft Dungeons in the near future. — Zachary Boddy

All players to gain free Tree Top Tangle mission in Minecraft Dungeons

Alongside the upcoming Season 3 Fauna Faire update, all players in Minecraft Dungeons will gain access to a brand-new free level set in the Jungle Awakens biome. Tree Top Tangle takes players to the twisted boughs of an ancient tree filled with dangerous mobs, with exclusive gear at the end should the succeed. Players can earn the Soul Totem of Casting artifact, the Root Rot armor, and the Unique Black Spot armor. Accessing the Tree Top Tangle mission does not require owning the Jungle Awakens DLC. — Zachary Boddy

The Tower is getting new content and four-player online co-op

Minecraft Dungeons' The Tower, which was added with its first Seasonal Adventure, is a procedurally generated dungeon that challenges players to tackle increasingly difficult floors while powering up along the way. With Minecraft Dungeons Season 3, it's getting a plethora of fresh content, including:

• Online co-op multiplayer for up to four players, which starts all players off which a fresh character and works with the same excellent rules as the base game
• New floors and areas from Windswept Peaks, Cacti Canyon, and The End
• Two new bosses with the Tempest Golem and the Ancient Guardian

The Tower is already an excellent, highly replayable feature in Minecraft Dungeons, but it did feel odd that it was restricted to solo play when the rest of the game is so intertwined with friendly co-op. With Minecraft Dungeons Season 3, that omission is finally being resolved alongside buckets of fresh content to overcome. — Zachary Boddy

Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition to collaborate in Spooky Fall event

Minecraft Dungeons' annual Spooky Fall event is returning for another year with new spooky gear and unique challenges, but the game's collaboration with Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is reaching new heights this time around. Players will be able to earn the Hungriest Horror and Cloaked armor sets for Minecraft Dungeons, but they'll also be able to obtain the Minecraft Dungeons Heroes Skin Pack — which can be used across both Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. The Spooky Fall event for Minecraft Dungeons is kicking off later this month, on Oct. 26, 2022, alongside spooky celebrations in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and the Minecraft Marketplace. — Zachary Boddy

Mojang Studios is changing how it does Minecraft updates with 1.20

During Minecraft Live 2022, Mojang Studios finally shared the first details for what's coming to Minecraft with the 1.20 content update. Before the studio revealed the new features, however, it discussed how it's changing how it approaches Minecraft updates. Mojang Studios has been listening to community feedback regarding how updates have been announced in the past.

From now on, Mojang Studios only intends to reveal features that are far along in development to reduce the risk of features being delayed or canceled after their reveal, as with archaeology, fireflies, and more. Additionally, Minecraft 1.20 currently doesn't have a name, as Mojang Studios plans to wait until the update is closer to release and all the new features have been revealed. Hopefully, this will reduce frustration from the community when plans change or finished features don't mirror what was initially announced.

It makes for a less exciting reveal, but a more honest and transparent development process. For Minecraft, that process and how it's shared with the community is vital. — Zachary Boddy

Minecraft is getting seven new default characters in addition to Steve and Alex

As part of Mojang Studios' continued effort to improve the inclusivity and diversity of Minecraft, Steve and Alex are being joined by seven new default characters. Players will be able to choose from any of the nine characters when first starting out in Minecraft. The appearance and characteristics of the additional characters are incredibly diverse, with a wide range of traits and skin tones.

The names of Minecraft's new default characters include Makene, Efe, Noor, Kai, Ari, Sunny, and Zuri. Players will be able to step into the shoes of each when the group arrives in Minecraft later this year. Mojang Studios hasn't provided exact dates, but the characters should come to Minecraft in late November or early December as a standalone update. These characters will also be used in trailers, marketing, merchandise, and more (just like Steve and Alex currently are). — Zachary Boddy

Minecraft 1.20's first four new features have been revealed

The next major content update for Minecraft, 1.20, is all about player expression and representation, according to Mojang Studios. During Minecraft Live 2022, the studio announced four new features heading to Minecraft players with the upcoming update, which is slated to arrive at some point in 2023. For now, Mojang Studios is only announcing a handful of features that are near completion rather than teasing features that may or may not come to fruition.

The first Minecraft 1.20 features we've seen include:

• Camels, which are friendly, rideable mounts found in desert villages. Camels are unique compared to horses due to their "dash" ability (instead of a high jump) and the fact that they can be equipped with a special two-player saddle. Camels are quite tall, (tall enough that mobs can't reach you when you're riding them!), and are bred using cactus.
• Hanging signs, which are alternatives to everyone's favorite signs constructed from stripped logs (meaning they can be crafted with every wood type for different colors) and chains. Hanging signs can be suspended from the underside or side of blocks, including fences. This should make atmospheric story-telling and decorating far more interesting for players!
• Chiseled bookshelves, which are fully functional alternatives to regular bookshelves that can hold up to 6 books. Players can add or pull books from their bookshelves fully in-game without needing to open a UI menu, and can even use chiseled bookshelves in tandem with redstone!
• Bamboo building blocks, which effectively make bamboo another variant of wood. Players will be able to use bamboo to craft planks, stairs, doors, trapdoors, and exclusive bamboo mosaic blocks. Instead of boats, bamboo is used to craft rafts and rafts with chest, which look incredible.

You can view early images of each of the four new features included in Minecraft 1.20 above.

While this is hardly the most exciting reveal for a major Minecraft content update, I'm sold on the new features and how Mojang Studios is approaching Minecraft 1.20. Greater transparency throughout development is never a bad thing, and features like hanging signs and chiseled bookshelves look amazing. I can't wait to see what else is in store for the Minecraft 1.20 release coming next year. — Zachary Boddy

Players will be able to test the first Minecraft 1.20 features very soon

Thanks to the changes Mojang Studios is making in the development of Minecraft 1.20, Minecraft players will be able to get their hands on the freshly announced features far sooner than expected. The first snapshots and Minecraft Previews for 1.20 features will arrive in the next few days. Players will be able to test the four features and provide feedback, before Mojang Studios announces any new features to come with Minecraft 1.20. — Zachary Boddy

Mojang Studios has confirmed some features that won't arrive with Minecraft 1.20

Minecraft 1.20 already looks interesting, even with only four features announced, but there are some potential Minecraft additions that won't be arriving with this release. Mojang Studios has confirmed a handful of anticipated features that aren't planned to be included in the upcoming content update, including:

• Update or overhaul to any existing biomes, including birch forests
• Fireflies, which are still a possibility after being removed from The Wild Update
• Combat parity between Minecraft: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, which is something that Mojang Studios is discussing for the future

Mojang Studios also did not mention archaeology, a feature that was originally delayed from the Caves and Cliffs Update. I would have loved to see the combat from Minecraft: Java Edition make its way to the Bedrock Edition, but I also appreciate Mojang Studios' commitment to transparency by revealing some of the features players shouldn't expect in 1.20. — Zachary Boddy

The Sniffer wins the Minecraft Mob Vote 2022, beating the Rascal and Tuff Golem

The Minecraft Mob Vote returned for another year, pitting three brand-new mobs together for a chance to actually be added to Minecraft in an upcoming content update. The choices this time around were the Sniffer, the Rascal, and the Tuff Golem, and arguments for and against each mob have taken the internet by storm. During Minecraft Live 2022, Mojang Studios ended the battle by announcing which mob won the popular vote and is destined for a future in Minecraft.

The Sniffer beat out the Rascal and Tuff Golem as 2022's most beloved Mob Vote contestant with over half of the total votes, and is destined to add plenty to Minecraft when it arrives as part of a future update. The Sniffer is an ancient, long-extinct, which players can revive by finding underwater eggs and nurturing them. If the Sniffer is returned to the Overworld, players can use its amazing sense of smell to dig up seeds to long-lost ancient plants.

Of course, I would have preferred to see all three mobs added to Minecraft. While the Mob Vote is a fantastic way to encourage community interaction with Minecraft Live, and never fails to accrue plenty of attention online, the number of interesting or incredible mob designs that could've been but failed to win continues to grow with each year. I'd love to see the Sniffer, Rascal, and Tuff Golem come to Minecraft together, alongside past entries like the Moobloom, Glare, Copper Golem, and beyond. Maybe Mojang Studios is preparing a "Minecraft Mob Hall of Fame" update that will bring them all — There's nothing wrong with wishing, at least.

Either way, congrats to the Sniffer for winning Minecraft Live 2022's annual Mob Vote! I look forward to meeting you in Minecraft. I was rooting for you, anyways. — Zachary Boddy

Minecraft Live 2022 has now concluded — Which was your favorite part?

The most momentous Minecraft event of the year is rapidly receding into the past, leaving behind only memories of what was shown and a promise of what's to come in the future. This year's Minecraft Live event was overflowing with announcements and reveals for Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeons, and Minecraft Dungeons, as well as a conclusion to the annual Minecraft Mob Vote and plenty of community integration. There was plenty to love, but what was the best part?

Most years, it is the upcoming Minecraft content update that steals the show. Because of Mojang Studios' newfound commitment to transparency and a closer relationship with the community throughout development, however, the reveal of Minecraft 1.20 was more modest. I'm ecstatic with the changes Mojang Studios is making, and I'm happy the studio is no longer making promises or announcements it's not confident it'll be able to keep. Still, it certainly makes the announcement less exciting, especially when we don't even get a name reveal or a snazzy cinematic trailer.

For me, it was Minecraft Legends that absolutely stole the show. I was already looking forward to diving into this enigmatic, intriguing blended action-strategy game set in the Minecraft universe, but what was shown during Minecraft Live 2022 completely blew me away. In a matter of minutes, Minecraft Legends jumped to the top of my list of most anticipated upcoming Xbox games. I love the stylized world and the life that lives within, the gameplay looks like so much fun with its depth and thoughtfulness, and I'm genuinely invested in the story and how it progresses. I can't wait for Minecraft Legends, and I won't have to for long. The game is arriving in Spring 2023, giving me a more narrow window of time to which I can look forward.

Of course, I can't recap the event without discussing the Minecraft Live Mob Vote. I was already rooting for the Sniffer, and before the event even began, I predicted that the Sniffer would shuffle away with victory due to the overwhelming support it was accruing online. I'm happy to report that my favorite won, and my predictions were correct. The Sniffer dominated the votes with over half of the over 3.5 million entries. I'm excited to meet the Sniffer in Minecraft and to add this plant fren to my home. I am sad to see the Rascal and Tuff Golem go, however. I hope it's only a temporary goodbye.

Overall, I enjoyed Minecraft Live 2022. It had good energy, and was well shot. It felt weird for what's normally the largest part of the show (Minecraft) to suddenly become the least interesting, but I also understand and support Mojang Studios' updated strategy for Minecraft's development. The Minecraft universe is set to have a busy 2023, and I'll be here for it all. — Zachary Boddy

Recapping the biggest Minecraft event of the year

Another year, another successful Minecraft Live event. Earlier today, Mojang Studios hosted — and concluded — Minecraft Live 2022, with nearly two hours of wonderful content, trailers, announcements, and gameplay from all across the Minecraft franchise.

We saw the first details of Minecraft 1.20, with Mojang Studios' focus on transparency meaning the first four features of the upcoming content update are only days away from being in the hands of players. Camels, hanging signs, chiseled bookshelves, and a suite of bamboo building blocks make up the initial few features of an update focused on player expression, representation, and making Minecraft "Minecraftier."

We participated in the Minecraft Live Mob Vote, and watched the Sniffer eliminate the Rascal and Tuff Golem with over half of the 3.5 million votes. The plant-loving, adorably massive, nosetastic creature is coming back from extinction when it joins Minecraft in a future update, possibly even in Minecraft 1.20.

Mojang Studios shared more details on the next chapter of Minecraft Dungeons, which is much more than just another Seasonal Adventure. Fauna Faire is centered around a herd of animal-centric features and cosmetic additions, letting players adopt new pets and roleplay as their favorite animals. The Tower gains a plethora of fresh content and online co-op multiplayer, so players can dungeon crawl with their friends. Every player gains access to a brand-new free level, and the Spooky Fall event returns for another year.

Minecraft Legends is one of 2023's most anticipated titles, and mountains of information were dropped during Minecraft Live. We saw the first in-depth co-op gameplay for Minecraft Legends, were introduced to characters who play important roles in the powerful story at the center of the unique action-strategy game, and learned more about the beautiful world players will be able to explore. We also learned that Minecraft Legends is arriving in Spring 2023, giving players a time frame to hold in their minds while waiting for this exciting Minecraft adventure to debut.

Many Minecraft fans may be disappointed by the more humble array of features shown for Minecraft 1.20. I support Mojang Studios' stance to guarantee transparency with the Minecraft community, but I also understand the disappointment with not getting a flashy, feature-filled reveal. Still, overall, Minecraft Live delivered on its promises and showcased an exciting future for the Minecraft universe. If you missed the show, you can watch the entire event above, or keep scrolling and take a trip down memory lane through Windows Central's live blog.

Until next year and the next Minecraft Live event... Thanks for joining us for Minecraft Live 2022. — Zachary Boddy