Minecraft is getting a free deathmatch multiplayer mode called Battle on consoles

Minecraft Battle Deathmatch Mode — A screenshot from Minecraft's Battle mode. Mojang

Mojang has announced that Minecraft is getting a competitive deathmatch mode called Battle, which launches for free in June on console versions of the hit block-based game. It is described as "the first of a number of mini games" the studio has planned for release.

Competitive modes have existed for the PC version of Minecraft through modes, which is the likely reason this official mode is for console versions only. "Battle pits players against one another in a fight for survival, as they race to snatch weapons and resources from chests, dance over each arena's unique perils and stave off hunger pangs," reads the announcement.

"We've made the mini game specifically with console players and couch-based competition in mind: it supports up to four players in split-screen and eight players online, either by invitation or using the in-game matchmaking system.

"We wanted it to be super-accessible and fast-paced, so we've tried to keep the focus on rapid tactical thinking and combat: there's no need to craft anything here, and you can loot inventories and equip armour with the tap of a button."

The last man standing mode will release with three maps, with more to come in packs costing $2.99 (£2.03) a pop. UK pricing hasn't yet been confirmed. A trailer is promised "in the near future" – possibly at Microsoft's (the company that owns Mojang and the Minecraft license) E3 press conference.

The console version of Minecraft is available on PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PlayStation Vita.