Minecraft Pocket Edition released for Xperia Play

A mobile version of indie smash hit Minecraft has been released for Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play handset today. It offers a portable version of Mojang Productions' block-based building sandbox and exploration game and coincides.

Apparently capturing the 'core features and gameplay of the PC version' (which is still in beta), Minecraft Pocket Edition is currently price at $6.99 USD, or £4.26 GBP via the Android Market. It is currently exclusive to Sony's Xperia Play.

Sony has been keen to stress how committed it is to supporting the title, promising that the game will see regular updates.

'Mojang have stated it is treating game development as a service; ensuring players always have the best possible gaming experience,' reads the Sony press release.

Minecraft Pocket Edition is also planned for release on other Android handsets at a later date. Minecraft developer Mojang has also promised an iOS and Xbox Live Arcade version, though these also lack specific release dates.

We're hoping to catch up with Sony at GamesCom 2011, which is on in Cologne at the moment, and will bring you more news on the other versions of the game if we are able.

Like Minecraft? Let us know your thoughts in the forums.

Check our GamesCom 2011 news hub for all the information from Cologne this year.