Mojang just revealed that it is developing a persistent world MMO set in the Minecraft universe. We have the exclusive screenshots and details!

Minecraft 1.4 just launched, adding the eagerly anticipated tameable wolves and more to the popular indie game. Well, it turns out that's just the tip of the iceberg for the franchise. Yes, we said franchise. Creator Markus “Notch” Persson and Mojang announced today, April 1, that they're currently developing a separate Minecraft MMO, which will officially bring the addicting construction-based gameplay to a persistent world setting.

As Minecraft fans, we went straight to Mojang for all the details. Keep reading after the jump to check out some exclusive screenshots and learn more about the upcoming Minecraft MMO, which will actually allow you to complete quests in the massive Ruby City and the lands beyond (as seen in the above image).

The MMO's persistent world immediately sets it apart from the original game. Most blocks will not be breakable, such as anything requiring a pick. Also, nothing can be broken in towns, which will contain a variety of NPCs including guards, vendors (seen above), quest-givers and characters who just like to gossip. Ruby City will act as a centralized hub for all players, but smaller towns will be accessible throughout the world.

Towns also act as a safe haven for players. Torches cannot be placed in the wilds, so at night you must rely on temporary campfires or retreat to a nearby city. That's when those guards will come in handy, as seen in the screenshot below.

As we mentioned, questing will play a major part in the Minecraft MMO. Players will be able to complete tasks for a wide variety of NPCs to earn items and money, which can be used to purchase resources and lots. These lots will act as your personal construction zone, and blocks that cannot normally be broken will be breakable here.

The MMO will also feature dungeons, which have been greatly expanded beyond their current implementation. Expect to face monsters that will take a group of players to defeat for the chance to earn enchanted weapons, armor and other unique items.

Speaking of parties, players will be able to band together with their friends to form powerful guilds and construct a grand guild hall. Expanded chat options let you chat in your area, yell for great distances, or easily send and reply to messages.

No release date has been set for the Minecraft MMO, but the screenshots and details we've received from Mojang make us excited to get our hands on the game. Until then, we'll be trying out all the new features in Minecraft patch 1.4.

(UPDATE: April Fool's! Of course, we'd totally play this game if it became a reality.)