7 Reasons Why We Still Play: Minecraft
Last Updated on July 14, 2020 by Michael Brockbank
In 2009, Minecraft was officially released and engaged a wide audience. Here it is, more than 10 years later, and the game is still among our favorites. But, why do we still play Minecraft on a regular basis?
Actually, it’s because of a variety of reasons. I mean, I know why my 13 and 16-year-old still love the game. But as I’m in my forties, I am still drawn to this blocky world.
So, this is more of a near-middle-aged man’s point of view of playing Minecraft.
I Still Play Minecraft Because…
Actually, there are quite a few good reasons why I enjoy the game today. And I know that I’m not exactly the target market for Mojang, but there is a lot of quality behind this particular title.
Especially from a parent’s perspective.
It’s Something I Can Do with the Kids
The kids love it when we start a world together. Although my youngest has a habit of getting us killed quite often, it’s still a fun time in the house.
There have been days when the girls and I would still play Minecraft for more than four hours at a time.
Now that they’re getting older, the number of age-appropriate games are starting to expand. But still, I quite enjoy our time building houses, castles, exploring caves, and getting achievements in something like Sky Factory 4.
Mods Give Minecraft an Incredible Level of Flexibility
Speaking of Sky Factory, one of the biggest draws for me is the fact that there are so many mods available that you can fine-tune how you play in a seemingly endless number of ways.
Especially if you use the Twitch App to run Minecraft. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can create a semi-unique experience by adding mods to the game from developers around the world.
And it doesn’t take much to run something someone already put together, such as the mods from Feed the Beast.
I Still Play Minecraft as it Helps Me Deflate
One of the most prominent reasons I load up Minecraft is that it’s quite therapeutic for me. On days when I am just pushed to my limits, the game helps me unwind and relax.
I can’t count the number of times I loaded up the game just so I could row my boat out to the middle of a lake and fish.
Between the music and the overall feel of the game, it’s easy to sit back and take a few breaths after a grueling day. This is especially true in 2020 as a global pandemic has made it difficult to get out of the house and enjoy myself.
I’m a Survival Builder Player
I love all kinds of games. But my favorite are survival types with a building mechanic. It’s why I love to play Raft and Subnautica. But I still play Minecraft because of how much I can develop in the world.
In the Java version, which is what we play in the house, the map goes on forever. So, you can literally build as little or as much as you’d like. And with the different types of seeds you can run, the world can take on all kinds of shapes and sizes.
I’ve gone so far as to recreate houses I’ve lived in, elaborate keeps for the kids and myself, and am currently turning the dust world in Sky Factory 4 into a tropical wonderland.
It Has a Hardcore Mode
I love games that have a hardcore mode. Playing takes on a whole new experience when you know every move could be your last. And the hardcore mode is one of the big reasons why I still play Minecraft.
Yes, I’ve died a few times from stupid mistakes. And it’s heartbreaking to know that I just lost all of my progress. But, it also gets the heart racing and makes you think of alternatives to actions when you know it could be the end of the game.
So, instead of pulling a “Leroy Jenkins,” you consider the outcome before taking action. It’s all about being observant and using logical planning.
No Toxicity on a Local Server
I know there are Minecraft servers on the Internet. But, I’d rather simply play on the local network. There is far less toxicity and I don’t have to worry about overly aggressive 12-year-olds.
Just a 13-year-old who thinks she needs to engage every enemy she comes across.
But out of all the games that we play online, Minecraft doesn’t seem to have nearly the toxic community as something like League of Legends. And when you just want to relax with a good game, avoiding toxic players is key.
In other words, I’m getting too old to get into chat-shouting matches with kids because they think I suck at the game. After a long day, I just want to enjoy myself.
Biggest Bang for Your Buck
In a world where games are starting to increase in cost, $30 for Minecraft is a steal. Thanks to its ever-growing community of developers, multiple ways to play, and randomized mapping, it’s probably one of the best deals for gaming.
From a financial standpoint, Minecraft has probably one of the better returns on your investment when you calculate the number of hours you play against how much you spend.
And when you get your mind set to build something specific, you’ll easily chew up a lot of time in the game. There have been nights when I started a project right after dinner only to look at the clock to display how it was two in the morning.
Do You Still Play Minecraft?
Minecraft is one of those games that has something for everyone. If you’re an avid hack-and-slash player, head to the Nether. You could even go into Sky Factory and set up your own battle arena quite easily.
If you just want to sit on a lake and fish, build yourself a boat real quick, grab some spider silk to make a pole, and head out.
But for me, I mostly still play Minecraft because of the building mechanic. I’m a creator at heart, and building various objects, even if it’s just a waterfall, fills me with a sense of accomplishment.
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