The armadillo, Minecraft’s latest mob set for release in the 1.21 update, is currently undergoing tweaks by Mojang as they address player feedback. Initially designed with front-facing eyes for better player connection, criticism arose regarding the departure from real-world anatomical placement. Responding to this input, Mojang recently announced a revamped version of the armadillo design via the game’s X account, acknowledging the need for adjustments. In this article, we will take a look at all the changes to the armadillo designs made by the devs after all the fan backlash.
Changes in Eyes
The focal point of these alterations lies in the eyes of the armadillo mob, as much of the critique centered around their placement. In the game’s version of armadillos, the eyes are placed forward. However, in real life, armadillos have sideways-oriented eyes. Fans expressed a collective desire for realism and accuracy, over purely aesthetic appeal. Credit is due to Mojang for listening to their fanbase. In response to the feedback, the development team unveiled a screenshot showcasing the specific modifications made, thus transparently engaging with the community and addressing player concerns.
Armadillo Design -Texture Change
The updated texture of the mob showcases subtle changes while upholding a sense of cohesion in both color and overall pattern arrangement. Apart from the relocation of their black eyes from the frontal position to the sides of their faces, an augmented illusion of roughness envelops their bodies, skillfully created by incorporating various pixel shades based on the primary color. It is worth mentioning that the new armadillo design’s texture’s overall tone has been given a warming effect in comparison to its prior iteration.
Armadillos, along with their scutes and wolf armor, remain integral parts of Java Edition’s snapshots and Bedrock Edition’s previews, indicating that they are still undergoing active development. Both editions’ betas serve the purpose of gathering valuable feedback on upcoming features ahead of their official release, with the adjustments to the armadillo design serving as a prime example of this process. Given that the Minecraft 1.21 update is not anticipated before Summer 2024, following Mojang’s typical development timeline, there exists ample time for refining the armadillo design and its associated items prior to their inclusion in the vanilla game.
With the update expected to launch post-Summer 2024, the development team has a substantial timeframe at their disposal to implement changes informed by the community’s responses. This extended period provides Mojang with ample room to carefully consider and incorporate valuable input from players, ensuring that adjustments to elements like the armadillo align with the preferences and expectations of the Minecraft community. The iterative nature of this process underscores Mojang’s commitment to delivering a polished and well-received update, shaped in collaboration with the diverse perspectives of the player base.