Minecraft Realms Now Up and Running in North America

By Kevin Parrish
published

On Thursday Minecraft developer Mojang announced that Minecraft Realms is finally open for business here in North America. Right now it’s only available for the PC version, but the company does plan to offer the service on other formats in the future, such as the Pocket Edition.

"Realms is the easiest way for you to host a Minecraft world online," reads Mojang’s update. "You and your friends can work on an awesome creation, adventure into the depths, or play one of our featured mini-games with just a few clicks. The servers are always available, and can be restored to an earlier point if something goes wrong.  Realms is run by Mojang and simple to set up."

Costing $13 per month and run by Mojang, this service lets users quickly set up an online world that can be accessed by an approved list of players. Gone is the need to set up LAN networks, configure IPs, or juggle open ports (unless you're setting up a server and clients outside Realms). The server is also up 24/7, so players can jump into their world at any time.

As previously indicated, only invited players can join a Realms server. That’s good news for parents who previously weren’t too keen with their kids jumping on the internet with Minecraft. The host can add or remove players from their approved list with just a few clicks. Up to 20 players can be invited to a Realms server, and up to 10 can play on the server simultaneously.

"Only the host of a Realms server needs to pay a subscription fee," reads the product page. "They will be available via the Mojang account page or through a link in-game, and initially come in 1, 3, or 6 month packages. Realms servers start at $13/month, but you get a discount if you choose a longer subscription."

The FAQ reveals that Realm customers will be able to export their maps at any time, even for a limited duration after the subscription has expired. However currently users cannot upload their own maps, so customers will basically start from scratch. There’s also no size restrictions: Realms supports infinite terrain.

For more information about what Realms customers will receive, check out the FAQ here.

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Kevin Parrish
9 Comments Comment from the forums
  • icraft
    While that;s great an all, I prefer to host my own server. Easier to manage, free (Except electricity) and no limits.
    Reply
  • alextheblue
    While that;s great an all, I prefer to host my own server. Easier to manage, free (Except electricity) and no limits.
    I would tend to agree with you, but many people do not have very good upload speeds. Their backwoods DSL (or worse) might be good enough to play, but not to host. That being said, I can't help but wonder if some of the third-party hosting companies that already offer Minecraft servers wouldn't be a better deal.
    Reply
  • falchard
    Straight from Majong: "After making a shitload of money on Minecraft, we realized that the big money is in MMOs with strong IPs. So show me the Benzes."
    Reply
  • Jeremy Little
    So this is why there's not been any meaningful updates to the game itself in nearly a year...
    Reply
  • JamesRausch22
    Lmfao minecraft realms is way to overpriced, you can get a much better and cheap server from most if not all companies.
    Reply
  • mouse24
    Guys, yes this is a bit pricey compared to other sites. Yes this doesn't make much sense for people who are even a little technologically literate. This service isn't for those people. This service is for say little 10 year old timmy who wants to show his friends that have moved away what hes doing in minecraft even though he is living with his 90 year old grandmother that can barely turn on a PC and doesn't trust purchasing anything online from 99% of the companies out there.

    This looks to be a much easier pitch to get the old folks to purchase it. Its from the company that made the game, its got a legit customer support set up. It doesn't require much if any set up. etc.
    Reply
  • JamesRausch22
    I agree with you except for the part about legit customer support. Most companies have good customer support.
    Reply
  • BranFlake5
    Does $13/Month seem steep to anyone else? I mean, It's only a hosting service right?
    Reply
  • JamesRausch22
    Yes, i pay 30 for 8gbs and this is probably half a gig, so by that logic if you could upgrade, i would be paying 208 dollars. Also the fact is its vinilla and easy to grief.
    Reply