The version of Minecraft for Xbox 360 is centered on a multiplayer experience, in fact whatever game you choose is configured to be played online. This aspect can generate some difficulties when you want to play in splitscreen, that is, in two players sharing the same screen, since to access the online multiplayer it is necessary to have a Gold subscription to the Xbox Live service. However, a Gold account is not required to play locally with friends and family using the splitscreen mode: you just need to configure some game settings. But if you and your buddy have a Gold membership, then you'll be able to play multiplayer online (with up to 8 users in total) using the same console.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Initial Setup
Step 1. Connect the Xbox 360 to a high definition TV
The console must be connected to a modern TV, which supports a resolution of 720p or higher (720p, 1080i and 1080p). All flat panel televisions nowadays support this resolution, but some older CRT models do not. If you're not using a high definition TV, you won't be able to play Minecraft in splitscreen mode.
If, on the other hand, the Xbox 360 is already connected to an HD TV and you normally use it to play high-definition video games, you can skip to the next section of the article
Step 2. Use an HDMI or component (5-connector) cable
In order to play in high resolution with the Xbox 360, the latter must necessarily be connected to the TV via an HDMI or component cable. The latter is made up of 5 connectors, 3 of which are dedicated to the video signal (red, blue and green) and 2 to the audio signal (red and white). The component cable of the Xbox 360 has a sixth yellow connector, but in this case it is not necessary to use it.
- If you have chosen to use an HDMI cable, you can choose to buy the one that best suits your needs without restrictions. If you have chosen to use the component cable instead, you will need to purchase one designed specifically for the Xbox 360.
- The first versions of the Xbox 360 were not equipped with an HDMI connection port, therefore, if yours falls into this category, you will have to use the appropriate component cable.
- The composite (RCA) cable supplied with consoles that do not have an HDMI port is not suitable for carrying high resolution video images. It is a cable with 3 connectors in red, white and yellow. This tool is capable of transmitting a low resolution video signal, so it does not allow you to play Minecraft in splitscreen.
Step 3. Launch the Xbox 360 and access the dashboard (the main console menu)
To do this, press the "Help" button on the controller.
Step 4. Go to the "Settings" tab, choose the "System Settings" option, select the "Console Settings" item, then choose "Display"
This way you'll be able to quickly check your console's video settings to make sure it's set to take advantage of high definition.
Step 5. Select the "HDTV Settings" option
The current configuration should be set to use a "720p", "1080p" or "1080i" video resolution. Any other resolution will prevent you from playing Minecraft in splitscreen mode. Choose one of the indicated resolutions from the list of those available. If none of the resolutions shown are configurable, the console is currently connected to the TV via the wrong cable.
Part 2 of 3: Playing in Splitscreen Offline Mode
Step 1. It is possible to play Minecraft in local multiplayer (ie split screen) in up to 4 people
If you want to have fun with friends and family sharing the same console and the same TV, this is the right option to choose. In this case, none of the players will need to have a Gold account to access Xbox Live, but everyone must have their own Xbox 360 profile. During this game session, remember that you will not be able to access online multiplayer.
If you want to share the console with a friend while playing Minecraft online with other users around the world, skip to the next section of the article. In this case, at least one of the players must have a Gold account with which to access the Xbox Live service
Step 2. Create a local Xbox 360 profile for each of the players participating in the session
Before you can launch Minecraft and get the party started, all players involved will need to be logged into the console via their account. To create a new player profile, press the "Help" and buttons in succession X of the controller to disconnect your current profile, then select the "Create profile" item. Repeat the process for each player present, so that everyone has their own account.
To play Minecraft in local splitscreen mode, you won't need to log into the Xbox Live service after the profile creation process is complete
Step 3. Create a new game world or load an existing one
You can play in splitscreen mode using any of the existing game worlds. Alternatively, if you wish, you can create a new one from scratch.
Step 4. Uncheck the "Online Match" checkbox before starting the game session
To be able to play multiplayer locally (with a maximum limit of 4 players) without the need to have a Gold account for the Xbox Live service, before choosing the "Upload" or "Create world" option, deselect the check button "Online game".
Step 5. Start the game
The game will start with the first player having full possession of the console and the TV's field of view.
Step 6. Now turn on the second controller and press its "Start" button
This will bring up the "Login" window to select one of the available profiles.
If the "Login" menu does not appear, it means that you have not deselected the "Play Online" checkbox or that you are not using an HDTV
Step 7. Choose the user profile that the second player will use
In this case, you can select any of the accounts stored in the console. Remember that the profile must already exist, so you will need to create it before starting Minecraft.
Step 8. Repeat the last step for each of the players who will participate in the session
You have the ability to log into the console with 3 other controllers, for up to 4 players.
Part 3 of 3: Playing in Splitscreen Online Mode
Step 1. Play Minecraft online multiplayer with friends and family sharing the same console and the same TV
You can also play splitscreen online with your friends via the Xbox Live service. In this way you have the possibility to connect up to 4 controllers to the console and to play online with 4 other users for up to 8 total players. In this case, the use of at least one Gold account is required to access the Xbox Live service. Xbox 360 profiles created locally or Silver profiles do not have the ability to play online. All players sharing the same console will need to log in to it as "Guests" of the primary Gold account using the Xbox Live service. Alternatively, if they have one, they can use their Xbox 360 Gold profile.
Make sure you are already logged into the console with all the Gold profiles that you and your friends intend to use. To be able to play online in local splitscreen mode for four, you only need to use a single Gold account
Step 2. Launch Minecraft after signing into the Xbox Live service with the Xbox 360 Gold profile
Before you can start the game, the first user should have already logged into the console with their Gold account using what will be identified as the primary controller.
Step 3. Create a new game world or load an existing one
You can play online multiplayer in splitscreen mode using any of the existing game worlds. Alternatively, if you wish, you can join the current game of any of the users on your friends list.
Step 4. Before starting the game session make sure the "Online game" checkbox is selected
To be able to play online multiplayer, before choosing the "Upload" or "Create World" option, select the "Online Game" checkbox.
Step 5. Have all other players join the game session
The "Login" window will be displayed on the screen and each player will be able to press the button TO to join the session as a "Guest". All "Guest" accounts will need to log into the console at this time, before the game begins. Remember that anyone with an Xbox 360 Gold profile will be able to log in at any time, but all players who use a "Guest" profile must do so before starting the game.
