Wednesday, June 19th, 2013
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Is anyone else puzzled by Minecraft? The graphics are 20 years out of date, and frankly look like they came out of a Dire Straits video – yet the game has sold an awful lot. But why is it popular?
It’s a sandbox game, based around building blocks of different types (wood, coal etc.). The basic idea is that during the day you build, and at night you hope your defences are good enough to keep back your attackers.
Markus Persson is the developer and has been since 2009, charging €20.00 for the game (or €14.95 if you purchase this beta version), and you will get a full version of the game when he finishes it.
Whoa – does anyone else see a great idea there? Get loads of people to buy a beta version of a game, then when you have a huge pile of cash in the bank, finish it? A key comment on the “about” page might be that he will keep developing extensions for the game after it’s finished – but only for as long as people keep buying it.
So have you spent hours, if not days on the game? Have you created a city? How long did it take to build? What was the point?
Truthfully, I just don’t get it. Why would I want to learn how to mine the materials to make my own place, and remember the recipes needed for the 140 plus options? All whilst viewing awful graphics?
Although Minecraft is still officially in beta, the game has sold a couple million copies in the last few months that it has been for sale. Can all those buyers be wrong?
It kinda shows you what one man can do in his bedroom, without resorting to building porn sites.
Plans for smart phone versions are apparently in the development stage, where it’s bound to do even better imho. Remember, Minecraft is the brainchild and creation of just one man.
As an out of work developer, the game’s success has meant Markus has been able to start his own company – I guess that’s yet another example of success that can be achieved from one’s bedroom thanks to the internet.
Give me award winning graphics, digital surround sound and an online community every time… Oh, and one where I pay for a finished product right now!
Tags: crappy graphics, games, gaming, minecraft