Blocks and Blocks

  One of the unique things about video games is their ability to provide interactivity in a creative environment. Whet between two or more players or one player and the game, it is one of the points that makes video games unique f media. There are many games that provide some level or form of interactivity, but arguably one of the most popular is Mi familiar with the game ... it can be hard to describe. Picture a sandbox-type game where you can build practically with animals and people; terraform the surface of the world; create new planets; go to war with other players on y and spend your time farming on others; mine for rare minerals as much as you'd like; or play the game out and de of the game. Or all the above! And more. It's a thrilling experience if you haven't tried it yet. And by the way, all of graphics, which makes the game easy to play on low-end computers and mobile devices. Minecraft also allows you (the creator) to modify ("mod") the game's code so that you can not only create any env can also create game environments for others to play via server. Games that other players have created range fro person shooters to survivor-style games. It's almost too much to take in. Yet, for many (especially children) it has with a video game. A better synopsis can be found at the following site - be sure to watch the brief video that tells you how BIG Minec https://www.wired.com/2015/05/data-effect-minecraft/?mbid=nl_052715 One thing that the video game industry has in common with other mass media is that it likes to "copycat" major su do is check the boggling array of first-person shooter games set in a future (alien) world available to play or notice popular games exist on the market (Lego Batman 4, anybody?). Minecraft is no exception. Warner Brothers (own franchise) quickly released what can best be described as a competitor to Minecraft ... only it uses Lego bricks in https://gamasutra.com/view/news/244837/WB_quietly_launches_a_LEGO_Minecraft_competitor_on_Early_Acce There is a lot to think about here, and it is the topic of this week's discussion. For starters, consider a couple of th What does Minecraft's success tell us about the popularity or benefits of low-tech video games (low-tech regardin low-tech about coding such an open-ended game)? What does Minecraft's ability to provide interactive experiences in so many different ways tell us about how impor One of the selling points for the new Lego game is that it will be more "user-friendly" in that it will be a better envir (Minecraft does have its share of "griefers" as well as content that might be considered objectionable - do a Goog "penis" for instance ... or not). How important is it for a popular game to be kid-friendly, especially an online game different platforms in so many different ways? Do you know of any examples of other games that are similar to these in terms of interactivity and creativity and f Anything else come to mind on this topic? Feel free to add it to the intellectual pot.