So I'm gonna try and break this down so that an ordinary person who has Linux/Ubuntu could enter this into terminal and get the right results. This is a helpful video, and the actual code is below.


Step 1: Install Java. This is the standard program that runs minecraft, but you can also use Tumblr.

sudo apt-get install openjdk-7-jre

Step 2: Get the launcher software. This is basically what you use to make the launcher

sudo wget s3.amazonaws.com/Minecraft.Download/launcher/Minecraft.jar -O /usr/games/Minecraft.jar

sudo chown root:games /usr/games/Minecraft.jar

sudo chmod 755 /usr/games/Minecraft.jar

Step 3: If you want a graphical editor, change the vi part in this next area to gedit.

sudo vi /usr/games/minecraft

Step 4: Then, you need to set the proper permissions for the file.

sudo chown root:games /usr/games/minecraft

sudo chmod 755 minecraft

Step 5: If it is easier for you, change the vi section again ( not recommended for tech noobs ).

sudo vi /usr/share/applications/minecraft.desktop

Step 6: Then, you will need to put in this file.

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Minecraft
Comment=Build your own world
Exec=minecraft
Icon=minecraft
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=GNOME;Applications;Game
Keywords=minecraft;Game
StartupNotify=true

Step 7: If you want an icon, go to http://www.rw-designer.com/icon-detail/5547 or http://www.rw-designer.com/icon-image/5547-256x256x32.png and replace the url of the icon you chose in the following command.

Now you should be able to play Minecraft by simply typing minecraft in the command-line, in the Unity dash, the KDE prompt, or by browsing to the games menu in the applications menu in your desktop environment of choice. It is also available to all users of your desktop. If you left click on it and select lock to desktop, it will be on your taskbar until unlocked.
Enjoy playing Minecraft and I hope you got your money's worth!