Let’s be clear: If you bought Minecraft before August 13, 2010, you legally own the right to play this version. If you bought Minecraft after the Beta 1.3 release, you technically do not own the Alpha assets.

From the wall behind her.

Minecraft Java Edition Alpha v1.0.16_02 is a unique, transitional version of the game that occupies a strange space between official development history and internet creepypasta lore. The "Official" Experience Released on 13 August 2010

: It was part of a rapid-fire development phase where Notch (the game's creator) pushed updates nearly every Friday. How to Download and Play Today

Here is a review of the experience, separating the reality from the modern horror mythos.