Minecraft Homework

Questions on Minecraft

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/feb/08/meet-the-blockheads-a-rare-glimpse-inside-minecrafts-hq

Q- According to the writer, why might autistic children such as his son, be attracted to Minecraft?
1.The writer is trying to make a clear statement that autistic children might be attracted to Minecraft as the game itself, allows users to explore and experiment with new features within the game e.g. 'chopping down a few trees, digging a shallow quarry...'. The fact that the game provides freedom to all users, autistic people might find it interesting to explore the game as no restrictions has been put in place. The fact that the writer uses his own son as an example shows that the game is versatile as, the game can be played with no rules put in place which idealises the factor of freedom and exploration. Secondly, the son and other autistic children might be attracted to Minecraft as there is evidence that the game allows parents and children to establish a simple relationship where a conservation can be actually made with their children. This shows that autistic children actually found a game where they can follow their own interest. Thirdly, the game 'Minecraft' can be vital tool for autistic children who aren't used to new environments e.g. school, shops, and buildings. This game can help autistic people with this as, within the game a new setting or environment is always discovered therefore, this helps autistic children to ease into new environments and be

Q- Which features are included in the education versions of Minecraft and how useful do you think they might as be as an educational tool?
2. The Minecraft educational version allows teachers to set up classroom servers where students build scale models of their own towns; learn about geography, agricultural, architecture and physics. I think that the educational version of the game allows students to learn a specific topic through a visual way which can be particularly beneficial for autistic children as they have difficulties in learning and developing their own vocabulary. The educational version of Minecraft could also mature communication skills for autistic children as; they are working together and enjoying themselves while learning at the same time.

Q- Why does Bergensten suggest, have copycat versions of Minecraft been less successful?

3. When Bergensten mentioned that the copycat versions of Minecraft have been unsuccessful, he might be trying to say that other clones of the game have been refined and tend to add a lot of visual information. This might be a problem for the Minecraft audience as, it could result in losing its simplicity and feel for the game. The original version of the game has a cartoony feel because of the low resolution which might be a uniqueness that is cherished by the audience. Bergensten also mentioned that Minecraft has a more awkward, blocky aesthetic which makes the audience and himself less self-conscious in what he produces in the game. While most clones of the Minecraft game is strongly designed around a specific movie and TV tie-ins, which could exploit the feeling of freedom within the game as, most clone versions of the game are based around a narrative.

Q- What is meant by the 'modding' community?
4. The term 'modding' is to modify or make modifications. The writer might be trying to say that the audience takes their own initiative to produce a clone of the game but, by incorporating different features e.g. 'own texture maps, items, creatures, and new stories and adventures.....'.  Players can easily download these files into Minecraft and suddenly have a version of the game that looks its set in space or Middle-Earth.

Q- How important is the 'sense of ownership' citied by Bergensten, for the audience for Minecraft?
5. I believe the 'sense of ownership' is important to Bergensten as, the audience is connecting to the game at a different level. The fact that the audience make up their own rules, make up their own structures and, how to interact with others is vital for Bergensten as they are having complete control over their game which creates a sense of uniqueness and individuality as, the game doesn’t provide any guidelines or restrictions in how the game should be played. Each Minecraft fan has a different approach in how the game should be played which makes them in control in what happens. Trust has also been created by playing the game as, an autistic boy had a plan of his new school on Minecraft, and later when he actually started to attend school, he knew where he was going. The idea of ownership is vital as the autistic boy treated the game beyond its intended purpose (entertainment) instead, he applied this for reality.

Q- How has Minecraft extended its brand beyond gaming and into other products?

6. Minecraft has extended its brand beyond gaming and into other products as, a novel has been written called 'A boy made of blocks', the book is about a father and an autistic son communicating through Minecraft. Minecraft is also extending its brand through other items not just through games, for example, the company are creating huge merchandise where they will sell numerous Minecraft printed products. A movie about Minecraft is going to be made in order to extend their brand even further.