Minecraft and Minimalism

Minecraft and Minimalism, an Unlikely Pair

Like many, my first introduction to Minecraft was on Seananners’ channel way back in 2010. I saw this kind of strange man playing a peculiar game called Minecraft. At this time I was unfamiliar with sandbox games, but I was immediately enchanted by the promise of nearly limitless possibilities.

After a week of begging my parents to get the game, I was finally able to download the game onto my laptop and start playing.

Where am I?

When I played, you loaded into a square-based world with no guidance. As usual, I started mashing keys and learned the basic controls. Eventually, I punched a tree and got wood.

Slowly, I learned how to make the basic tools (ax, pickaxe, shovel, sword, and hoe.) I also stumbled across the mobs.

In my case, this meant dying and locating my stuff, a lot. With time, I became skilled at besting the mobs. The game became more enjoyable after this success. My curiosity led me to see what other players had been doing. So, I went to YouTube/Google.

Eventually, I found the Minecraft Wiki where I found a ton of new recipes, tips and tricks, and ways to play. I loved the new community this game created. Equipped with new knowledge and inspiration, I got to work.

A few days later, my entire world had been transformed. I had built a tiny rail system to transport myself and my treasure. I also made an, admittedly ugly, house and a large farm. I was in love with the process of building something from nothing.

To this day, I credit my ever-expanding interest in the crafts (blacksmithing, carpentry, etc.) to Minecraft. Minecraft let me experience the satisfaction of having a vision and then putting in the necessary effort to realize it.

Minimal Mechanics, Maximal Fun

Upon reflection, I realize the game had only a few, simple mechanics. I now appreciate how simple things can create something beautiful. I try to apply simplicity to my writing and work.

The early days of Minecraft are an ideal representation of minimalism.

The last beta version felt complete. I was able to do almost anything I could imagine with the company of my friends. There wasn’t so much that I felt overwhelmed, but there was enough where I could appease my need for variety.

If I needed more, I could also install texture packs and mod packs. These were made by other people and added more elements to the game. I liked that Minecraft included the option for this, but didn’t require it for the core experience.

In this way, I felt the game truly embodied minimalism. Minecraft gave players the ability to add more but didn’t require it.

The Infinite Block Paradox Resolved

If you dig a little deeper into Minecraft, you’ll discover that the resources in Minecraft are almost limitless. This would seem to contradict the game as an example of minimalism.

While each material is boundless, the total amount of materials to build with is not.

Further, it would be impossible for any single human to use every single block spawned. I also believe no one would have enough incentive to try.

Because of these two considerations, I believe the game still encourages the player to think of what is essential. Minimalism is all about focusing only on what is needed.

Minecraft at its heart is minimalist. It uses a small number of key mechanics but generates an impressive amount of fun and wonderment. It also encouraged community building.

Focusing on relationships is core to minimalism, as they are essential to a fulfilled life. Unintentionally, this game catalyzed an entire community which shaped gaming for the foreseeable future.