How to Become a Minecraft Developer

This guide explains, in simple words, how to start making your own Minecraft stuff — like new skins, new blocks, or new mini-games. This is for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (not Java Edition).

The Big Picture

There are 6 steps. Do them in order. Don't rush — each one builds on the last.

1. Play and explore
2. Get free tools
3. Change how things look
4. Add smart actions
5. Build something real
6. (Long-term) Get into the Marketplace Partner Program

Step 1: Play and Explore

Before you build anything, just play Minecraft a lot. Know how the game works — the blocks, the mobs, the crafting. This makes everything else way easier later.

You don't need to do anything extra here. Just keep playing!

Step 2: Get Free Tools

You need two free programs on your computer:

Think of Visual Studio Code like a fancy version of Notepad, made for writing code.

You'll also need to find a folder on your computer called com.mojang. This is where Minecraft keeps your custom stuff. Instructions for finding it here.

Step 3: Change How Things Look and Act (Add-Ons)

An Add-On is just a mod — a way to change Minecraft. There are two kinds:

Start here first: Getting Started with Add-On Development

Step 4: Add Smart Actions

This is the "coding" part. There are two levels — start with the easy one.

Level A: Commands (Easy)

Commands are short instructions you type, like /summon zombie. You can use them straight in the game, or put them in a command block to make things happen automatically.

• Introduction to Commands
• Popular Commands
• Introduction to Command Blocks

Level B: Scripting (Harder, but powerful)

Scripting means writing real code (a language called TypeScript) to control the game in deeper ways. Only try this after commands feel easy.

• Getting Started with Scripting
• Scripting Reference (for looking things up later)

Step 5: Build Something Real

Once the basics feel okay, follow a real, complete example project:

• Tower Defense Add-On (full sample project)

This walks you through building an actual mini-game, step by step, using everything from above.

Step 6: Selling on the Marketplace (Long-Term Goal)

If the real goal is to make money selling Add-Ons in the official Minecraft Marketplace, that's a bigger step. You can't just upload something yourself — you have to be accepted into the Minecraft Partner Program first.

What Microsoft looks for:

• A portfolio of good, original stuff you've already made and shared (maps, skins, textures, Add-Ons) — most accepted partners had many finished projects before they applied, not just one
• Real passion for Minecraft, not just wanting to make money
• A habit of constantly creating and trying new ideas
• The ability to act like a small business — you'll need to submit key art, screenshots, trailers, and descriptions with your application

Two ways in:

1. Apply directly once applications are open: Minecraft Partner Program
2. Work with an official publisher first — this is described as the easiest way to get a foot in the door. These studios help creators publish through their own Marketplace access:
   • Pathway Studios
   • Waypoint Studios
   • Blocklab Studios

The honest plan for your friend:

1. Do Steps 1–5 above until making Add-Ons feels easy
2. Make several complete, polished projects (not just one) — this becomes the portfolio
3. Share that portfolio publicly (a website, YouTube, Discord, etc.)
4. Either apply directly, or reach out to one of the publisher studios above
5. Expect this to take months, not days — even the featured partners on Microsoft's own page mention having 80–800+ projects before getting in

This is a real path, but it's a slow one built on practice, not a fast track. Steps 1–5 are what actually gets him there.

Extra Guides (Optional, for later)

These are longer official roadmaps from Microsoft. Good to look at once the 5 steps above feel comfortable — not needed to get started.

• Creator Learning Journey — a full beginner roadmap
• Game Development Journey — a roadmap focused on making full games

Quick Word Glossary