Bibliographic Information:
Title: Minecraft Game
Year Released: 2011
Most Recent Update: Minecraft 1.19 on June 7, 2022
Developer: Markus Persson/Mojang Studios
Rating : E 10+ (Everyone 10 years and older)
Number of Players: 1-8 players in a world
Genre/Format of the Item: Video Game
Simulation
Fantasy
Awards:
“Stream Game of the Year” at inaugural Streamer Awards 2022.
“Favorite Video Game” award — 2020 Kids Choice Awards
2019 Golden Joystick Awards — “Still Playing” award
Game Developers Choice Awards 2011, Minecraft won awards in the categories for Best Debut Game, Best Downloadable Game and Innovation Award
Reading Level/Interest Level:
Rating : E 10+ (Everyone 10 years and older)
Plot Summary: Minecraft has three modes that players can choose to play in: Creative, Survival, or Adventure. In Creative mode, each player has unlimited materials and players do not get hurt or die. Also, players do not need to eat to survive. In Survival mode, each player must find their own materials in the world, they must eat to survive, and players can get hurt/die. In Adventure mode, you are a spectator and cannot build or break, but you can die. In Minecraft, each player will spawn in the Overworld in a random place. The players can build tools and buildings while navigating each part of the Overworld. The goal of the game is to beat the Enderdragon which entails traveling through portals to different dimensions. The end of the game takes place in an island in space and the player must destroy the crystals that keep the dragon alive. Once the Enderdragon is dead, the player can travel back to the Overworld.
Author Background: Markus Persson was born in Stockholm, Sweden. After learning to code at an early age, he was hired at King.com as a video game developer. Although he has created many video games, he is most well-known for developing the game Minecraft, which was released in 2011. Nicknamed “Notch”, Persson believes strongly against piracy and is a member of Swedish Pirate Party. He also founded the video game company Mojang, which he later sold to Microsoft (Famous Entrepreneurs, n.d.).
Critical Evaluations: Minecraft is a world of blocks. Like Legos, Minecraft blocks can be created to form almost anything. While Minecraft does not have high tech graphics, the autonomy and creative freedom of each player allows for very individualistic worlds. The colors of the graphics are mostly browns, blues, and greens. Minecraft has maintained its popularity and obsessive following since the first year of its release. According to the gaming website Gamertweak, Minecraft is one of the most popular games in the world (as of June 22, 2022), with 238 million copies sold (James, 2022). I did not even try to get to the Enderdragon, but I did enjoy navigating my part of the Overworld. I practiced breaking and building blocks, finding food, and trying not to die! I can see why the game is so popular, there are endless possibilities as to what a player can create and do. I think that this is a game that teenagers will enjoy because it is possible to play with friends and be creative.
Creative Use for a Library Program: It would be fun to create a Minecraft program for teens. There could be tables with various Minecraft related crafts or activities along with some computers set up along the back wall for teens to log onto their Minecraft game accounts and play. This kind of event allows for teens to do arts and crafts but also gives them the freedom to play the game and create teams among themselves. This program could be an evening anytime during the year.
Speedround/Book Trailer: Mincraft has it all : creativity, autonomy, community, action, adventure, and suspense. A world of blocks has never been more fun. Join your friends around the world in the most popular game ever made!
Potential Challenge Issues/Defense Preparations: There may be some people who do not approve of a library promoting video game events. I would challenge this by stating that our library event has many crafting and creative opportunities. I would also point out that many teens will read or have read the numerous Minecraft books that have been published over the years. From graphic novels, to playing guides, to fiction series, Minecraft has definitely found its place on the library shelves. If teenagers feel welcomed and comfortable in the library, then they will be more prone to coming to the library to do homework and research.
Reason for Inclusion: I wanted to include Minecraft not only because it is one of the most popular video games out currently, but it has maintained its popularity since its inception. The game offers endless opportunity for creativity and creates a sense of community for many teens. I think it is important to include video games that are current, relevant, and give teens the ability to show their creative side.
References:
Famous Entrepreneurs. (n.d.). Markus Persson. Famous Entrepreneurs. https://www.famous-entrepreneurs.com/markus-persson
James, P. (2022, June 22). Most played and most popular games in the world (2022). GamerTweak. https://gamertweak.com/most-played-popular-games/
The Game Theorists. (2022, July 28). Minecraft’s impossible world explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv7hFF14OEM
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