10 years of “Minecraft” and some clones | JDM

"Minecraft" was officially launched on November 18, 2011. Ten years later, 140 million users play it monthly, more than the population of Mexico. Review of a success...and several similar games.

In May 2009, a developer and programmer called Markus Persson – known as “Notch” – started creating a small game called “Cave Game”. Six days later, he finished. He made his work public in order to collect feedback to improve his game... which he did for the next two and a half years.

The principle of the game, available for Windows, macOS and Linux – a “Minecraft: Pocket Edition” is available for iOS, Android and Windows – is simple: the player evolves freely in a world that he can arrange as he pleases . A “sandbox” game, the title allows players to build different objects, including buildings, by collecting raw materials. As there are several game modes - "survival", "creative", "adventure", "spectator" or "hardcore" in which the player has only one life and death is final - there are for all tastes. The "multiplayer" mode also allows you to interact, aggressively or not since there is a "PvP" option, with other players.

Everything being configurable to the extreme, the success of "Minecraft" is immediate and, in 2016, the title is available in an "Education" edition, then a "Minecraft China" version is born the same year. And, a few months ago, a “Minecraft Classic” appeared online via browser and in which it is possible to invite up to nine of your friends to play for free.

Even before its launch, "Minecraft" aroused unprecedented enthusiasm. The “beta” version, distributed without a publisher and by word of mouth between friends, reached one million copies sold. And, a few weeks before the official release of the game, "Minecraft" can boast of counting on 16 million users. In March 2012, the title became the sixth best-selling game on PC, and two years later, it climbed to first place. Sign that "Minecraft" is not a fad, last April, no less than 238 million copies of the game had passed.

Clones for fans of the genre

If, as Charles Colton said, “imitation is the most sincere of flattery”, then “Minecraft” is repeatedly praised by its competitors.

Hands down the most obvious 'Minecraft' clone is 'Terraria', although it is 2D. Retaining the pixelated look of its predecessor, the game focuses more on building than exploring. And since “gamers” often indulge in both titles, there is a “mod” to use elements of “Minecraft” buildings in “Terraria”.

“Starbound” takes the player to the far reaches of space, discovering planets and galaxies. The game is entirely free – the "gamer" has fled and finds himself on board a damaged ship that he must repair... or not – and allows you to follow quests or, on the contrary, to build a home. -be cozy and achieve self-sufficiency. And since 'Starbound' was developed by the makers of 'Stardew Valley', it's a whole family and cute game.

For adults, “Vintage Story” offers, in the same kind of visual environment as “Minecraft”, a wilderness survival adventure. The player will have to learn how to hunt, build basic tools, etc. Because the game takes elapsed time into account, materials and tools will become more sophisticated.

The (useful) waste of time of the week

Netflix subscribers, to your mice or remote controls. Because the digital broadcasting company offers an interactive “Minecraft” series in five episodes of varying duration. The player embodies Jesse and chooses his female or male avatar then begins the adventure by making choices as you go. Under the title "The Order of the Stone", the "gamer" must, of course, save the world... but by collaborating with his virtual friends. It's fun, unusual and entertaining.

The link book

“Minecraft”: https://www.minecraft.net

“Minecraft: Pocket Edition”: for Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mojang.minecraftpe&hl=en_US&gl=US or iOS https://apps .apple.com/us/app/minecraft/id479516143

“Minecraft Education”: https://education.minecraft.net

“Minecraft Classic”: https://classic.minecraft.net/

“Terraria”: https://terraria.org/ for Windows, Xbox, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS

“Starbound”: https://playstarbound.com/ for Windows and macOS

“Vintage Story”: https://www.vintagestory.at/ for Windows and Linux

Netflix: https://www.netflix.com