Oxeye, Minecraft's Mojang to release new Cobalt multiplayer platformer for Mac in October

Cobalt, a long-gestating multiplayer action platformer jointly developed by indie studio Oxeye and Minecraft creators Mojang, is set to drop on the Mac this October alongside the Xbox and PC.

First announced in 2011, Cobalt's release date was revealed earlier Tuesday in advance of this week's Gamescom trade show in Germany. Microsoft Studios will publish the game after acquiring collaborator Mojang for $2.5 billion last November.

In Cobalt, gamers can choose from one of six different multiplayer modes — Â including deathmatch, capture the flag, and team strike — Â each of which supports up to eight players, either locally or online. A more standard co-op mode is also available.

Content includes more than 30 maps, over 36 types of weapons, customizable avatars, and new gameplay elements like auto-slow-motion, rideable enemies, and tamable space hamsters. Custom maps will also be supported, with a map editor available for both desktop platforms.

Mac users can download and play what Oxeye calls a "remarkably dated alpha" from Cobalt's official website today