March 24, 2023

The history of the creation of Minecraft

I conducted research on the history of the creation of Minecraft from various sources, including Reddit discussions [1][2][4][6][7][8][10], and articles from websites like TechRadar [3], SportsKeeda [4], The Science Academy STEM Magnet [5], and Digital Trends [9]. The sources mostly had a consensus on the key events and milestones in the development of Minecraft. Some sources provided more in-depth information on the game's updates and features, while others focused on its origins and the transition from Markus Persson (Notch) to Microsoft. Based on the research, I have a good understanding of the creation and history of Minecraft.

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Minecraft's Origins and Notch's Involvement

Minecraft was created by Markus "Notch" Persson in 2009 [3] [4] [5] . It was initially known as Cave Game [5] and was inspired by Zachtronics' Infiniminer game [3] . Notch started developing Minecraft in earnest in May 2009 [4] . The first Java platform build of the game was released publicly on May 19, 2009 [4] . Minecraft's alpha version was released for purchase on June 30, 2010, and sales quickly rose [4] . This success allowed Notch to focus on developing the game full-time [4] . He founded Mojang with the proceeds from Minecraft's early alpha sales, allowing him to support the game with an entire development team [4] .

Minecraft's Development Milestones

Minecraft's 1.0 build was released worldwide as the first completed release of the game on November 18, 2011 [4] . After the long development cycle and the massive success of the game, Notch decided to step away from Minecraft [4] . Jens "Jeb" Bergensten took over creative control of the title's direction and future content updates [4] . By 2014, Minecraft's popularity had exploded, drawing financial interest from larger companies like Microsoft [4] .

Microsoft's Acquisition and Expansion

Microsoft acquired Mojang and Minecraft for approximately $2.5 billion in November 2014 [4] [5] . Since the acquisition, Mojang and Minecraft have thrived under Microsoft's publishing capabilities, making the game widely available on many platforms and providing different versions [4] . Minecraft's success has led to several cross-promotions and spin-offs, including animated television shows and a vast array of physical merchandise [4] .

Minecraft's Features and Updates

Minecraft has gone through numerous updates since its creation, adding various features, blocks, and items [5] . Some notable updates include the Halloween Nether and Pumpkin update by Notch [2] , as well as updates like The Scary Update, The Redstone Update, The Horse Update, and The Update that Changed the World [5] . Each update brought new features and enhancements to the game, making it more engaging and versatile for players [5] .

Minecraft's Popularity and Demographics

Minecraft became particularly popular among children when it started being featured on YouTube, and its marketing began targeting kids [8] . Minecraft is considered suitable for a wide age range, and its popularity has led to the game being used as an educational tool [8] . The game is available on various devices, including PC, Mac, Linux, smartphones, and game consoles [3] [9] . In conclusion, the history of Minecraft's creation involves its development by Markus "Notch" Persson, the formation of Mojang, and Microsoft's acquisition of the game. The game has gone through numerous updates and expansions, attracting a diverse player base and becoming particularly popular among younger audiences.

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Research

Source: "Every block and item added since Minecraft's of..." (from reddit, r/Minecraft)

  • Minecraft was coded with a finite number of block types available, up to 256 different block types
    • They had some options for variants (wools, terracotta and glass in different colours) using the old system, but they ended up getting very stingy with new blocks right up to the rework
    • The 256 limit was back in beta, inevitably minecraft was made to support 16bit block IDs allowing for 32k numerical IDs, but only 12bit IDs were used to save space so only 4k separate blocks could be created
    • They changed the way the game worked under the hood in 1.13, resulting in the option to add NBT tags to almost everything
  • Updates
    • 1.1 - 1.3 brings back the big nostalgia
    • 1.7 added oxeye daisies
    • 1.13 aka the wood update
    • 1.18 added the Otherside disc and Spore Blossoms
    • 1.8 added lightbulbs
    • 1.11 added Husks and Strays spawn eggs
    • 1.10 - The Frostburn Update added Light blocks, Void blocks, and Command blocks in Minecarts
    • The Wild Update added Frogs, a new biome/tree, a Warden, and a Sculk block
  • Other
    • They need to do something about inventory space
    • They were overhyped and it was never really bad
    • Redstone blocks were added in Beta 1.7

Source: "When did Minecraft become a "Kids Game"" (from reddit, r/Minecraft)

  • Minecraft became a kids game when it became popular on YouTube
    • Kids started playing the game after thousands of LP’s were on YouTube
    • Console was the first to market towards kids
    • Mobile apps and console’s 4p coop made it easier for kids to play
    • The game is marketed towards children and has a childish vibe
  • The majority of players became kids
  • It became a kids game when thousands of LPs of it came out to YouTube
  • The marketing is geared towards children mainly
  • 4-12 year olds are the biggest player group
  • Kids don’t always have a PC but they have tablets
  • Parents introducing their kids to Minecraft was a factor
  • Minecraft has the potential to be an educational tool
  • Mods and custom maps added more for adults to do
  • Microsoft buying Mojang resulted in the expansion of the console market
  • It became a “kid’s game” when the marketing started to target kids

Source: "Frostburn Update Analysis: Auto-Jump (Discussion)" (from reddit, r/Minecraft)

  • Auto-Jump was implemented in 1.10, active by default
    • Makes the player automatically jump when moving towards a one-high block
    • Construction has become easier when moving around multi-level areas
    • No longer need staircases for outdoor areas or mines
    • Combat has been made easier as you don’t need to worry about jumping your way towards an enemy
    • Holding the high ground has been nerfed
    • Not accurate enough when sprinting
  • Auto-Jump is a feature implemented for people with disabilities
    • Can be easily switched off
    • Helps new players to know the feature exists
    • Redundant for an enchantment now
  • Step-up instead of auto-jump
    • Similar to the Boots of the Traveler
    • Step assist would be helpful
  • Auto-jump is annoying when not used to it
    • Easier to walk up stairs than auto-jump
    • Automatically pressing the space bar
  • Auto-jump is on by default
    • So new players know it exists
    • People play without fully reading the options
    • To allow for people with bigger inconveniences to have fun

Source: "What Is Minecraft? | Digital Trends" (from web, www.digitaltrends.com)

  • Development of Minecraft
    • Created by Mojang in 2009 and is the brainchild of Markus “Notch” Persson
    • Microsoft purchased Mojang and Minecraft from Persson for $2.5 billion
    • Features four modes — Hardcore, Creative, Adventure, and Spectator
    • Can be played online with friends, and thousands of mods are available for download
  • Mining and crafting are the bedrock of Minecraft
    • World of Minecraft revolves around the simple tasks of mining resources and crafting new objects
    • Punch trees to collect some wood, fashion that into an axe, and slowly build up an inventory of armor, weapons, furniture, tools, and precious minerals
  • Complexity in its simplicity
    • Features a procedurally generated world
    • Includes nearly 400 unique items
    • Redstone is the Minecraft version of electricity
  • Play how you want
    • Explore and build up an arsenal of powerful weapons
    • Rewards you for playing however you’d like
    • Players who don’t want to create elaborate buildings or contraptions can still find plenty to do
  • Available on a wide variety of devices
    • Minecraft is available in two editions — Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition
    • Bedrock can be played across devices such as Android, iOS, and game consoles

Source: "What does a nether wart block do" (from reddit, r/Minecraft)

  • What does a nether wart block do
    • The post on Reddit asked “What does a nether wart block do”
    • No answer to the query “The history of the creation of Minecraft” was provided.

💭  Looking into

What other games have been cross-promoted with Minecraft?

💭  Looking into

What other platforms did Microsoft port Minecraft to?

💭  Looking into

What other blocks were added in the 1.10 (The Frostburn Update)?

💭  Looking into

What is the purpose of Nether Wart Block?

💭  Looking into

What other changes were made to Minecraft after Microsoft purchased Mojang?

💭  Looking into

What other RPG elements did Notch add to RubyDung?

💭  Looking into

What other games inspired Markus ‘Notch’ Persson to create Minecraft?

Source: "The History of Minecraft - The Science Academy ..." (from web, www.thescienceacademystemmagnet.org)

  • Minecraft was created in 2009 by Markus Persson, also known as Notch, and was originally called Cave Game.
    • It was a mix of gathering resources and building structures.
    • It was a survival game, with players needing to survive hostile mobs and explore the vast world.
    • Resources could be used to craft new materials for building structures and surviving longer.
  • Microsoft bought Minecraft from Markus Person (aka Notch) for $2.5 billion in 2014.
    • The changes made were not drastic and the game kept its original feel.
  • Updates that occurred after the release was 1.0.0, which added all the features in the base game.
    • 1.1 added 51 new languages, spawn eggs for all the current animals, and oak leaves with a 1/2000 chance of dropping apples.
    • 1.2.1 added bottle o’ enchanting, fire charge, mine shafts, and desert wells.
    • 1.3.1 added trading with villagers, adventure mode, desert and jungle temples, desert villages, and emeralds.
    • 1.4.2 (The Scary Update) added wither, anvil, carrots, potatoes, pumpkin pie, carrot on a stick, item frames, and flower pots, wither skeletons, witch, and bat.
    • 1.5 (The Redstone Update) added redstone-related blocks, new death messages, and slimes that spawn at certain times.
    • 1.6 (The Horse Update) added horse, mule, donkey, horse armor, lead, and name tags, plus end credits and splash texts.
    • 1.7 (The Update that Changed the World) added 16 colors of stained glass and glass panes, new biomes, types of trees, and new flowers, salmon, clownfish, and pufferfish.
    • 1.8 (The Bountiful Update) added granite, andesite, and diorite, plus all their polished counterparts, sea temples and all of their corresponding blocks/mobs.
    • 1.9 (The Combat Update) added tipped and spectral arrows, shields, sweep attack for swords, slot for left hand, End City, and shulkers.
    • 1.10 (The Frostburn Update) added auto jump, magma blocks, nether wart blocks, brick

Source: "When was Minecraft first created? Exploring his..." (from web, www.sportskeeda.com)

  • Minecraft began thanks to the efforts of Markus “Notch” Persson.
    • Notch created a particular prototype known as “RubyDung,” which would become the Minecraft we know and love well down the road.
    • Notch decided to separate RubyDung from it by adding RPG elements such as health and hunger.
    • Around the time a game known as “Infiniminer” was released, Notch began developing RubyDung in earnest in May 2009.
    • Minecraft’s first Java platform build was released publicly on May 19, 2009.
  • Minecraft’s alpha version released for purchase on June 30, 2010, and sales quickly rose.
    • This allowed Notch to leave his previous employment and focus on developing the game full-time.
    • Incremental updates continued, increasing the number of available blocks, how the game generated them, and implementing modes now well-known to players, like Survival.
    • Founding Mojang with proceeds from Minecraft’s early alpha sales, Notch could now support the game with an entire development team instead of working solo.
  • Minecraft’s 1.0 build released worldwide as the first completed release of the game on November 18, 2011.
    • After the long development cycle and massive success of the game, Notch decided to step away from Minecraft.
    • Longtime co-developer Jens “Jeb” Bergensten took over creative control of the title’s direction and future content updates.
    • By 2014, Minecraft’s popularity had exploded, drawing financial interest from many larger companies such as Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Microsoft.
  • Microsoft finalized a deal in November 2014 to acquire Minecraft’s intellectual property rights for approximately $2.5 billion.
    • Since the acquisition, Mojang and Minecraft have thrived under the latter’s publishing capabilities, making the game widely available on many platforms and providing different versions to boot.
    • Minecraft’s success has led to several cross-promotions and spin-offs, including animated television shows and a vast array of physical merchandise.

Source: "The History of Minecraft" (from reddit, r/Minecraft)

  • Minecraft was created by a guy who calls himself Notch
    • He released the game in June 17, 2010 and it sold 20,000 copies
    • On September 3, it sold 100,000 copies
    • He released updates such as the Halloween Nether and Pumpkin update
    • He released a video about it
  • Players started to play Minecraft before Indev was even released
    • They had to manually install the latest snapshot to get features such as hoppers and command blocks
    • Command blocks are used by mapmakers and aren’t available in normal play
    • Command blocks are accessed by typing “/give [your player name] 137 1”
  • People first heard of Minecraft on July 28, 2010 when TF2 blogged about it
    • There was a sudden boom in players, and the first Reddit server wasn’t large enough
    • It has been almost 3 years since Infdev, and players have been playing it for four years
  • Beds were only introduced in beta 1.4

Source: "The history of Minecraft - the best selling PC ..." (from web, www.techradar.com)

  • Creation of Minecraft
    • Markus ‘Notch’ Persson created the game in 2009 after being inspired by Zachtronics’ Infiniminer game
    • He worked on the game in his spare time and released an alpha version of the game, now named Minecraft
    • He pulled in character models from an earlier game named Zombie Town
    • He put the first alpha version of the game up for testing and it received an immediately positive response
  • Moving Platforms
    • Notch’s choice of programming language, Java, facilitated cross-platform play between PC, Mac and Linux, and allowed modding of the game
    • Consequently, a C++ branch of the game was created for the smartphone market: Minecraft Pocket Edition
    • A console edition of the game was developed by Scottish developers 4J Studios, initially as an Xbox 360 exclusive
  • Microsoft Takes Charge
    • Microsoft purchased Mojang in 2014 for $2.5 billion
    • Under new leadership, the game’s extra-curricular activities increased and the game was ported to multiple platforms
    • A Bedrock Engine was released as part of the ‘Better Together’ update, unifying every platform running some form of Pocket Edition and allowing for cross-platform multiplayer and DLC items
    • The Java edition continues development under its own internal team at Mojang

Source: "My creation" (from reddit, r/Minecraft)

  • Minecraft was created by a user on Reddit
    • The user posted about their creation on the Reddit subreddit r/Minecraft
    • The post was upvoted by other Reddit users
  • The user used gold blocks to create something
    • The base square was 50 by 50 blocks

💭  Looking into

What is the history of the creation of Minecraft?