Nintendo is developing a new Minecraft-style MMO and 10,000 people are testing it

“In this game, the goal is to work with others to fully ‘develop’ a huge, expansive planet using creativity and agricultural resources,” writes Nintendo.

Earlier this month, Nintendo announced that it was conducting a closed beta-style Nintendo Switch Online playtest and was looking for people to participate. Because around 10,000 people are participating, information has been leaked about what the playtest is about. And it’s for a new game that aims to “test the limits of massively multiplayer functionality and gameplay on (Nintendo) servers.”

It’s a massively multiplayer experience (an MMO) that sounds like the company’s take on Minecraft and Roblox. In the untitled game, players work together to develop and populate an entire planet with their creations. “As you travel across the planet, you will discover new lands, enemies and resources that will become essential to your journey,” Nintendo explains.

Interestingly, players will have their GPS-style locator, a beacon to place that pinpoints land to build on, public areas to explore and collaborate in, and a special social hub called the Dev Core. The game also has a user-generated content component, allowing players to unleash their creativity.

Nintendo’s playtest documentation is available on Redditand we can also see screenshots of the game. These feature bright and colorful images in a simple style reminiscent of Minecraft and Roblox. The Beacons that designate personal spaces to build are also beacons of light that bring life to the planet.

It’s exciting to see Nintendo bringing its development expertise to an experience like this. It’s an ambitious, planet-sized, massively multiplayer sandbox where players can explore, build and adventure. And it makes sense that it would require its own playtest or closed alpha to ensure stability.