Minecraft Dev Cancels Update That Adds New Graphics

Back at E3 2017, Microsoft announced a massive update for Minecraft that would make the game's graphics look better--or at least different--across the board. Among other things, the Super Duper Graphics Pack promised "dynamic shadows, lighting that streams through fog, movement in leaves and grass, new textures for mobs and villagers, directional lighting, edge highlighting, and more." However, it's now been canceled.

In a post on developer Mojang's website, the studio said the free update "proved too technically demanding," so it's being scuttled.

"We realise this is disappointing to some of you--there was a lot of enthusiasm for Super Duper from inside and outside the studio--but unfortunately, we aren't happy with how the pack performed across devices," Mojang said.

While the Super Duper Graphics Pack is now canceled, Mojang said it is examining "other ways" to give fans the opportunity to "experience Minecraft with a new look." No further details were shared, however.

"Minecraft is available on a wide range of platforms, and we're constantly trying to make the most of the technical architecture of each one. We'll be able to share more on that subject very soon," Mojang added.

In addition to ongoing support for Minecraft, multiple new Minecraft games are in the works including an AR game called Minecraft Earth and a dungeon-crawler known as Minecraft Dungeons.