Minecraft meets Hour of Code in free browser-based tutorial

minecraft-microsoftA free Minecraft coding tutorial from Microsoft, created for the upcoming and third annual Hour of Code, introduces players ages 6 and older to basic coding contained within the popular “sandbox” game, so named because players have freedom to build and do anything they wish inside the world they create.

The tutorial was unveiled on Nov. 16 by Microsoft, Mojang AB, and Code.org and was created especially for students and educators. Code.org‘s Hour of Code is a campaign intended to expand global participation in computer science activities. It is held during Computer Science Education Week, which this year runs from Dec. 7-13.

The tutorial, now available for free online, doesn’t require you to have the game installed. Using a browser, it introduces players to basic coding within the Minecraft environment. Created by Minecraft game designers together with Code.org, the tutorial features Steve and Alex from Minecraft and Minecraft-inspired challenges.