Minecraft introduces spectator mode in latest snapshot, has sold over 14 million copies

The last time I wrote about Minecraft's sales figures - back when it shuffled just 13 million copies onto computers - I made the bold prediction that it wasn't going anywhere. Even in those early days of a month and a half ago, I knew it had some sticking power. And I was right: it's now sold 14 million copies. They grow up so fast.

Away from the sales statistics, Mojang continue to roll out the snapshots that will eventually lead to an official 1.8 release. The latest pair, snappily referred to as 14w05a and 14w05b, introduce a new spectator mode, letting players look in on multiplayer sessions like voyeuristic ghosts.

In the snapshot release post, Mojang explain how the spectator mode works:

  • Added a spectator gamemode (/gamemode spectator). Not 100% finished.

  • Spectators cannot be seen by anybody but other spectators

  • Spectators can view inventories/etc, but not modify them

  • Spectators can go through any entity or block without interfering with it

  • Spectators can click on entities to take their camera

  • Spectators cannot use items, place blocks, destroy blocks or interact with blocks in any way

  • Spectators are only slightly buggy maybe sometimes

For bug fixes and other features, head through to the full release post . And if you'd like to try out the snapshot, create a new launcher profile with the “Enable experimental development snapshots” option selected.

Thanks, PCGamesN .

Phil Savage
Editor-in-Chief

Phil has been writing for PC Gamer for nearly a decade, starting out as a freelance writer covering everything from free games to MMOs. He eventually joined full-time as a news writer, before moving to the magazine to review immersive sims, RPGs and Hitman games. Now he leads PC Gamer's UK team, but still sometimes finds the time to write about his ongoing obsessions with Destiny 2, GTA Online and Apex Legends. When he's not levelling up battle passes, he's checking out the latest tactics game or dipping back into Guild Wars 2. He's largely responsible for the whole Tub Geralt thing, but still isn't sorry.