The mobile version of Minecraft, currently in development by Mojang AB, will initially be released exclusively on the Android-based Xperia Play from Sony Ericsson, Gamasutra has learned. The news came after an invite to a special E3 after hours party that will include what sounds like a playable version of Minecraft on the Xperia Play.

"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 customized to fit the mobile specifications," said a spokesperson for Mojang when speaking with Gamasutra.

The release date of the mobile version is not known at this time, though it will likely follow suit with Minecraft by releasing early with consistent updates, Gamasutra said. The length of the exclusivity for the Xperia Play is also not known.

More details are expected to be announced at the upcoming Sony mixer during E3, which is being held June 6 to June 9, 2011. We'll be on hand at E3 and will provide any new information we discover on Minecraft and its mobile counterpart.