A post on Mojang's company blog has revealed that Minecraft's Pocket Edition, currently available on Android and iOS devices, will be getting a substantial update in February. The patch will add several of the most-requested features that are currently absent from the mobile version of the game, including animals, new blocks, and the early foundations for a survival mode.
As the developer has previously indicated, fan feedback to Pocket Edition has caused them to rethink their long-term plans for the project. Initially, the mobile release was intended to be a robust sandbox without many of the RPG-style features that have creeped into the PC version. Now, in response to player requests, Mojang is hard at work incorporating several aspects of Survival mode into Pocket Edition.
In addition to some background changes that should help to lay the groundwork for quicker patches in the future, the February update will include the first animal mobs and new blocks, including doors and fences. Sadly, the patch won't bring support for crafting, as the interface needs a redesign to function smoothly with a touchscreen interface.
Mojang currently plans to submit the update for approval on February 8, with a final release following as soon as the App Store and Android Marketplace approve it..
