Mojang bringing mini-games and map packs to Minecraft: Console Edition

Mojang and Minecraft: Console Edition developer 4J Studios are bringing mini-games to the console versions of their ever-popular sandbox title. 

Although PC players can jump into a number of fan-made mini-games, this is the first time console owners will be able to get in on the act. 

The first mini-game -- which will be rolled out for free in the June update -- is Battle, and will let up to eight players compete in a multiplayer fight for survival. 

"Players in Battle matches use randomly generated resources found in chests placed in specially designed PVP maps and combat one another in a free for all death match," explained Mojang in a post on Xbox Wire. 

"Fallen players can spectate the combat among remaining players in the match by freely flying around each arena as a bat." 

Battle matches can be played by four players locally using split-screen, or by up to eight players online. 

The Battle update will include three maps when it lands in June, with Mojang promising to release additional map packs periodically for $2.99.