If Sony's roster of PSone releases aren't luring consumers in, and the preloaded fare isn't sufficiently compelling, perhaps a PC juggernaut will prove the catalyst for Xperia Play's widespread acceptance as a genuine contender.

That's the hope at Sony Ericsson HQ, anyway, whose game-centric Android 2.3 handset will receive an adaptation of indie construction-building sensation Minecraft both first, and for an exclusive period.

As revealed by developer Mojang, the Xperia Play version of Minecraft (an iOS port is also in development) will be custom tailored to the handset's unique specifications, taking advantage of its D-pad and face buttons.

Crafting a winner

"When playing on smartphones you will have a different screen size compared to PC, different hardware, different attention spans and thus the game needs to be customised to fit the mobile specifications," Mojang said.

Further details regarding its price, release date, or length of exclusivity on Xperia Play aren't yet available, but should be revealed at Mojang's E3 media event on June 7th.

In its invitation for the Minecraft-themed presentation, the creator offers attendees the opportunity to "stay in the light and take refuge with Sony Ericsson to keep the creepers at bay."

Whether Minecraft, or indeed tomorrow's Verizon launch, will satisfy Xperia Play's sceptics in the long term remains to be seen.

[source: Gamasutra]