Minecraft is set to enter beta on December 20th, which will also come with a price increase from 9.95 euro to 14.95 euro. "Codes bought before the 20th will generate alpha accounts when redeemed, even if that's in six months from now," explains creator Markus "notch" Persson.

You'll want to gift alpha accounts if you're planning on getting anyone Minecraft as the shift to beta will change the license agreement to "remove the line that promises all future versions of the game for free." Beta users--those that did not own the alpha--will only get "updates up until release, of course, and bug patches will be free."

Get your friends in now for the cheaper price and free updates for life! Gift codes can be purchased here.