Nintendo Switch Online Playtest leak reveals Minecraft-like open-world MMO

Perhaps inevitably, players have leaked the secret behind the mysterious Nintendo Switch Online Playtest that was announced earlier this month. It has been revealed to be an open-world MMO game that is reminiscent of Minecraft but with Nintendo's spin on it. This came after the Japanese game maker demanded discretion from fans who wished to sign up for the service.

However, this is the age of the internet, so eager players spilled the beans before any official information could be revealed. Here is everything to know about this curious open-world MMO game.

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The Nintendo Switch Online Playtest seems to be an open-world MMO

The project seems centered around a community-driven goal to revitalize a vast planet. In other words, players will work together with other users to accomplish goals such as gathering items, discovering areas, and more. Exploration is key, leading to discoveries such as new regions, enemies and resources.

Mapping the world is done using Beacons. Each user will have one, and setting it down will "purify" the land, making it available for use. Furthermore, the beacon area (called Beacon Zone) can be expanded by setting it down at a high vantage point, allowing it to cover more space.

Only the user who sets down the Beacon Zone can move or modify it, so other users do not raid their settlements or builds. Areas not under the influence of a Beacon are considered public, where all users can engage with one another. There will also be a hub area called Dev Core, where players can upgrade their characters, buy items, gather with others and more.

Engaging with other users earns Connex Points, which in turn contribute towards earning a Connection Level. This can be raised to earn community items. Lastly, players will have access to the DPS or Development Positioning System, which will allow tracking of the planet's status as well as tracking other players on the surface.

While we cannot publish any images, the visual style does seem reminiscent of the voxel-based Minecraft. All in all, this is the first online title on such a big scope from Nintendo. So, it is no surprise that the Nintendo Switch Online Playtest is seemingly aiming to determine the strength of their servers.

The Nintendo Switch Online Playtest is yet to begin, so none of this information has been officially confirmed, do keep that in mind.