People were given tools and a world by Mojang Studios when it released Minecraft, then given free rein. For the first time, they had the choice to play as they wanted, and unexpectedly, many gamers choose to survive or create on their own, without having any oversight or framework. After that, video games were affected by the growing acceptance of what would later come to be described as a "sandbox model." Social media, cinema and television, education, and many other areas were all touched by Minecraft, which dramatically altered the video game genre. In light of developments new regarding Minecraft's live-action movie adaptation, here's a look at how the game impacted multiple generations of gamers and fans alike.
The History of Minecraft
Markus "Notch" Persson used the Java programming language to construct the game. It was originally made public in May 2009 after undergoing numerous early private testing iterations, and it was completely published in November 2011 when Notch stepped down and Jens "Jeb" Bergensten took over development. With over 238 million copies sold and almost 140 million monthly active users as of 2021, per GameSpot, Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time. It has subsequently been adapted to a number of other platforms. But what, exactly, is Minecraft?
In the blocky, randomly generated 3D world of Minecraft, users may discover and gather raw materials, produce tools and other stuff, and build structures, embankments, and simple equipment. Depending on the game option they have chosen, users can play cooperatively or competitively with or against other players in the same world. There are numerous game modes available, including a creative mode (where players have unlimited resources and access to flight) and a survival mode (where players must acquire resources to build in the environment and maintain their health). There is also a wide variety of user-generated content available, which increases the number of game mechanics and chances. Mods, servers, skins, texture packs, and unique maps are a few examples of things players have created to improve their Minecraft experience.
Minecraft in the Media
Just a few of the impressive replicas made by users of the virtual block-building game Minecraft include the Greek temple Acropolis, Manhattan in New York, Westeros from the fantasy series Game of Thrones, a dinosaur park from the Jurassic Park movies, and even a fully functional Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series (seen above). Chances are, if you make up a renowned structure or a filming location, it has been meticulously replicated. As a player, you want to proudly display such constructions to others, which can take hundreds of hours of work depending on the design.
Fortunately for all digital architects, social media sites like Facebook and YouTube were being widely used at the time that Minecraft was released, so they were quickly inundated with references and pictures of structures that players in the game had made. Numerous YouTubers with thousands of subscribers, like CaptainSparklez, DanTDM, Jelly, PopularMMOs, and others, have a ton of videos dedicated to the game.
Even television programs have mentioned Minecraft in the past. The titular Rick and Morty characters frequently play the game, and in a South Park episode, the parents of the main characters become addicted to Minecraft. In one episode, the opening credits for The Simpsons were totally created in the style of Minecraft. In terms of music, the game is also featured in the Lady Gaga song "G.U.Y." music video clip. Overall, Minecraft has had a storied history and influence on many people spanning generations.
Spin-offs of Minecraft
A few Minecraft video game spin-offs have been released or are actively being developed. These include Minecraft: Story Mode (an episodic point-and-click video game) and Minecraft Earth (an augmented reality sandbox game, which has since been shut down). Some of the spin-offs from Minecraft have managed to persist thanks to enduring player communities and ongoing development.
Many children would not find beginning to use the periodic system appealing, but when you do it in Minecraft, it takes on a new allure. At least that is the concept behind Minecraft: Education Edition, which was published in 2014 and is currently being used by thousands of instructors throughout the globe. Because students seem to enjoy playing the game, in which nearly everything may be duplicated. Children may learn how to program using Minecraft, for instance, or they can go around in the cells of plants and animals. It is possible to combine atoms to form new molecules in one of the chemical modules, which in turn produces new building materials. Mojang recently partnered with BBC to create a Frozen Planet Series in Minecraft: Education Edition, bringing real-life creatures and their information to students in a fun and unique way.
The setting of Minecraft: Dungeons (seen above) is the "Overworld," a fictitious realm similar to Minecraft that is made up of crude 3D objects, mostly cubes and liquid known as "blocks," that represent diverse materials and are home to both friendly and hostile monsters. The game, in contrast to Minecraft, has a linear, plot-driven campaign with cutscenes. Minecraft: Dungeons does not have an open world, mining, or construction. As an alternative, it is an isometric point-and-click hack-and-slash dungeon crawler. Minecraft: Dungeons is Mojang Studios' version of an RPG (role-playing game).
A forthcoming real-time action strategy video game called Minecraft: Legends was created by Mojang Studios, Blackbird Interactive, and Xbox Game Studios. Although it is mostly a strategy game, action games serve as the inspiration for its gameplay. It is investigated from a third-person viewpoint. The multiplayer in the game supports both cooperative and competitive play. The events of Minecraft: Legends occur in the world of Minecraft during an invasion by Piglins from the Nether. The Overworld is polluted by the corruption of the Nether and needs to be saved by a great hero who unites the crowds of the Overworld to protect their home. In the first half of 2023, the game is slated for release across a variety of gaming platforms.
Minecraft: The Movie
News that Mojang Studios wanted to make a Minecraft movie first came to light all the way back in 2014 when Minecraft creator Notch posted an innocent tweet referring to the possibility of a film. Since no official plans were in the works, it was just an idea at that time. The film eventually got going, but over the next five years, development struggled. The movie changed writers, directors, and producers so many times, fans wondered if the film would ever get made. Eventually, in 2019, a crew was established and production began. The film, Minecraft: The Movie, was scheduled for a March 2020 release date. Mojang announced the plot would tell "the story of a teenage girl and her unlikely group of adventurers. After the malevolent Ender Dragon sets out on a path of destruction, they must save their beautiful, blocky Overworld."
Sadly, the Minecraft movie was one of the casualties of 2020, COVID-19 delayed production further, causing established director Peter Sollett and writer Allison Schroeder to leave the project. As of April 2022, Jared Hess is now set to direct using a script by Chris Bowman & Hubbel Palmer. News also broke that Aquaman star, Jason Momoa would play some part in the film. With production still seeming to be in the early stages, what actually ends up being in the film is anyone's guess. Minecraft fans will just have to wait and see.