Minecraft-Lesson 1

Start by watching the following documentary on Youtube about Minecraft  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rOUfNa7dxM

 ) then answer the questions below:

1.     Who created Minecraft and when?

Markus Persson in 2009.

2.     Name some Youtube influencers/gamers who are famous for playing Minecraft.  What can you find out about them?

Ali A and The Diamond Minecart both attended the Insomnia event and competed for their audience in a Hunger Games style mini game as well as meeting fans. Ashley Marie also uses Minecraft in her YouTube videos to connect with fans.

3.     In 2014, Microsoft purchased Minecraft for $2.5 billion.  Why would this be a good investment for Microsoft and why did the founder of Minecraft agree to this?  (check out this clip for more help:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75hlBwHtM3o )

Markus Persson was fed up with all of the hate and complaints he was getting about the game and jokingly asked for someone to take the game off of his hands. Microsoft took this seriously, with the prospect of connecting Microsoft to a younger audience and culture of fans which appeared to be growing and evolving more than any of its office or windows services. With an offer of $2.5 billion, Markus Persson could become a billionaire and live the high life without having so much media attention and negativity thrown at him.

4.     How can Minecraft be used as an educational tool?

Minecraft can be used to teach children about philosophical concepts of slavery, robotics and technology. It also can be used to teach things like electronics and programming which can be put into practice in the real world.

5.     How does Minecraft build a community?

YouTube has played a big role is making the Minecraft community with fans learning new things they can apply in the game from YouTubers and also connecting with their Minecraft idols. The community is also connected through the many mini games and multiplayer modes within the Minecraft game where gamers can make friends with people just like them. The community of the game have even started holding events like the Insomnia events where gamers can come and meet their favourite YouTubers.

6.     What platforms is Minecraft available on?

PC, App on iOS and Android, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

Ownership & Funding facts

-        Originally owned by Mojang which is a company developed as a result of the game.

-        Markus ‘Notch’ Persson has a direct influence on the game as he wanted to create a game that would instantly gratify audiences and reward them for their hard work.

-        Audience ownership of the game has been crucial - in that the players have become the prosumers by helping to develop the game.

-        Minecraft is not a ‘top-down’ game in terms of ownership as it has not been developed by just one person/company. Instead, the code has been used as a resource that can be used in a myriad of ways.

-        The company was acquired by Microsoft in 2014 (due to the success of Minecraft) as Microsoft wanted to gain access to this large and successful audience of gamers.

-        Generates money from:

-         the sale of the game (£17.95 for Java edition on Mac and PC).

-        Subscription to MInecraft Realms.

-        Tie-Ins with Lego

-        Mods on Marketplace

-        Online merch shop

-        Deals with children’s books & mags.

-        Minecraft film in production which will bring in more revenue.

-        One month after its release in 2011, the beta version has over 1 million purchases.

-        By April 2011, Persson estimated that it has made $33 million in revenue.

-        It is now considered the 2nd most successful game of all time (behind Tetris) with over 144 million copies sold across all platforms as of 2018.