The special schools edition of popular construction and exploration title Minecraft is adding a programming twist with a Code Builder add-on that controls a special assistant within the game.

Announcing the feature at the May 2 MicrosoftEDU event in New York, Code Builder is available within Minecraft: Education Edition right away.

“Learning can be done best when you don’t think that you’re learning… you’re enjoying yourself, you’re making something,” explained Hadi Partovi, CEO of Code.org, in a video introducing the Code Builder suite.

His company is committed to increasing interest and participation in computer science education in the US, especially among female students, underrepresented minorities, and those from less well-off backgrounds.

“Code Builder is a natural extension of the game that students know and love, and a welcome into the world of programming,” said Minecraft Executive Producer, Michelle Dauphiny Becker.

Learn-to-code packages like ScratchX, Tynker, and Code Studio will be able to connect with Minecraft: Education Edition through Code Builder, the game edition’s blog announced.

Microsoft bought Minecraft as a whole, along with its developer Mojang, for US$2.5bil (RM10.82bil) in 2014.

It licenses Minecraft: Education Edition to schools through the use of a subscription-based account system that launched at US$5 (RM21.64) per account per year. — AFP Relaxnews

Minecraft for schools introduces Code Builder