Originally released in November of 2011, Minecraft has continued its staying power unlike most games of its kind. With over 238 million copies sold Minecraft is one of the highest-selling games of all time. At nearly 140 million monthly active users as of 2021, it is also one of the most constantly played. With these huge numbers and no sign of slowing down with the Wild Update, the question comes up every few years as a new surge of players and updates comes through. What makes Minecraft so popular?
Why is Minecraft So Popular?
Before we dive into what makes Minecraft so popular, it might be important to know just exactly what Minecraft is. Everyone has heard of Minecraft, but what exactly is it? In short, it’s an open-world sandbox game where you can build whatever you can imagine. There are hundreds if not thousands of videos online showing the crazy things people have built-in Minecraft. From the Titanic to Minas Tirith from Lord of the Rings, there has been no limit to the insane level of scale and sculpting done in the game.
While it appears simple on its surface, Minecraft is much deeper than its blocky exterior may let on at first. Redstone and other mechanics allow players to become makeshift designers, fulfilling the creations of their dreams. While some will design elaborate mansions, others settle on something smaller and simpler.
With later updates, however, Minecraft has introduced story gameplay as well as interactive MMO features. There are multiple modes in which you can focus on different varying forms of gameplay. Survival mode, the traditional and most popular form is all about collecting, building, and exploring. Players go on epic quests to both The Nether and to ultimately fight the Ender Dragon. Creative mode is where you can build those insane to-scale models of outstanding locations from real life and films you love. Adventure mode allows you to explore other players’ created maps and locations almost like a new game within the Minecraft universe.
Minecraft Thrives in Simplicity and Creativity
With constant updates and new locations and ideas expanding the already limitless potential that was the original game, Minecraft really has created a constantly changing environment that encourages exploration and community growth. The freedom of creative expression is a huge appeal. The amount of materials that exist in Minecraft feels almost limitless. It’s very much like playing in a virtual toy box.
Related: Top 8 Things to Build in Minecraft
Mojang Studios and Mircosoft have also focused on rewarding community and keeping it easy for Minecraft players to stay closely connected and interact with one another. The limitless possibilities, creativity, and ability to explore seem almost unmatched by any other game of its kind.
Minecraft truly has crafted a world you could never complete exploring or using.
