Minecraft’s Vibrant Visuals update couldn’t have arrived at a better time, polishing the game without changing its core mechanic, which fans love. The update improves immersion with dynamic lighting, pixel-accurate shadows and atmospheric fog, which all sit comfortably on top of the iconic blocky style of the game. Released just as the Minecraft movie is set to hit the theatres, it’s a visual refresh that’s colourful and cinematic without forgetting the core ideas that made Minecraft popular in the first place.

The Bedrock Edition release is currently rolling out, and the Java Edition will get it later on. It can be toggled on or off in a fashion that plausibly won’t interfere with Redstone builds, mob spawning, or general game performance. Also, it means that long-time players can change the look of that world without having to start from scratch. Minecraft art director Jasper Boerstra says that the aim was to create visuals which you actually want to keep on. Unlike the rest of the third-party shaders, Mojang took feedback from the Minecraft community to create an in-game option that works without breaking during the exploration, building or survival.

The restraint that the update has is what makes it so well-timed. Despite its adherence to its aesthetic, Minecraft also plays into the gaming era of the need for realism. The shadows are pixelated, and the lighting effects are subtle, which keeps the look while adding depth. It doesn’t go for photorealism; it makes Minecraft’s identity sharper.

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