"Minecraft Pocket Edition" for Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile will no longer receive updates from Microsoft. This is serious news for fans of the hit sandbox game and Windows-powered devices, although the game will still be available in the Microsoft store.

Windows Central reported that a tip informed them that the pocket edition of "Minecraft" for Windows mobile devices will no longer be supported. The report furthered that sources who are familiar with Microsoft's plans have confirmed the initial tip as regards the halting of the popular sandbox game's development.

Meanwhile, the official "Minecraft PE" FAQ states: "The 1.0 Ender Update will not be available on Windows Phone 8.1 or Windows Phone 10. Every Minecraft platform has different needs and our priority is to focus on long-awaited features for as many players as possible." This could hint on the possible fate of the hit sandbox game that debuted on mobile devices not long ago.

Although "Minecraft" gamers are still in the millions worldwide, gamers on Windows mobile devices are not just enough. Therefore, Microsoft has seen that the number of active gamers who actually spend a considerable amount of time on the game for Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile could not justify the needed resources in continuing support for the hit sandbox game. It is no longer economically viable.

However, Microsoft has not issued an official statement about the fate of "Minecraft Pocket Edition" for Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile. On the bright side, "Minecraft" is set to debut on another platform.

According to Nintendo, the critically acclaimed sandbox game is coming to Nintendo Switch. But the exact release date is yet to be announced. At least this is something "Minecraft" fans can look forward to thanks to the efforts of 4J Studios and Microsoft Studios.           

If you are part of the limited number of "Minecraft Pocket Edition" players on Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile, the game is still available for download. But be warned the developer Mojang will no longer be of service to provide bug fixes and content updates.

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