In an interview with OXM, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer has indicated that the Xbox One version of Minecraft is being seen as an entirely new product and probably w0n’t have compatibility with the current Xbox 360 version.
Even compared to the PC version, this exclusive version of the game will include bigger worlds and allow people to take their creations to multiple devices. However, this may rule out save transfers between Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
He said
‘It’s a new product on Xbox One. We’re actually updating it in pretty significant ways for the new platform. Bigger worlds, which don’t translate between the Xbox 360 and the Xbox One.’
The graphics have seen an noticeable improvement, making the game more in-line with the PC version. Whether the Xbox One will allow for the PC’s vast modding opportunities, or if it will have in-built Kinect support as was rumoured for the original 360 version of the game, is still anyone’s guess. However, Spencer did say that Microsoft are in close collaboration with the creators.
‘We’re seeing tremendous usage of Minecraft on the system, so we wanted to make sure it was one of the things that were there for people to go and create on day one. Obviously this is Mojang’s game and i’ve had good discussions with Notch about where he sees this franchise going, trying to create a more connected Minecraft world where your creations can go with you from device to device, but I haven’t talked to them about where they are on that path.’
It does sound like there will be strong support for SmartGlass in the game and it will be interesting to see how its implemented as we come closer to launch.
(Source: OXM)