Minecraft is highly popular with children and is increasingly found in schools too, but what exactly is it?
Minecraft is described as a sandbox videogame which was developed by Mojang Studios and launched in 2009. A sandbox game enables players to come together to create places individually and as part of a community in an online space.
Mojang describe Minecraft as enabling world building, inviting players to ‘prepare for an adventure of limitless possibilities as you build, mine, battle mobs, and explore the ever-changing landscape.’ Sometimes it’s described as like Lego building, but in a digital form.
Unlike some popular videogames, Minecraft doesn’t have a single defined quest and can be played in creative mode where you can make and play with few constraints. Survival mode does add some different elements, perils to avoid, and invites a different way of playing.
However, to fully understand Minecraft, we suggest you listen to the real experts - Alexander, Ava and Sid - our young player / reporters.
As you are watching be aware of the different sorts of play they describe and also how the things they make relate to their lives outside Minecraft. It’s also fascinating to see the children describe their preferences for survival or creative mode.