Minecraft is not just for entertainment. It can be used to learn, like learning how to code, learning about electricity, and helping express yourself. But what is Minecraft? Minecraft is a 3D blocky open world sandbox video game where you gather resources, craft items, and build anything. Although most people say all video games are bad, I have to disagree if you know how to make the most of them. I think everyone can learn, and Minecraft can be an immense support.
This is especially true for me as an engineer. I need to know how to code, and so do kids. It is an important skill to have, whether you are going into computer science or mechanical engineering, and Minecraft can teach this. When playing Minecraft, you can use command blocks that let you code inside the game. All these codes work very similarly to how regular code works, giving you a good foundational understanding. Minecraft can help with coding by letting you try out examples in the game, which you can then apply in real life with a different programming language. Although Minecraft code isn’t meant for making websites or programming physical robots, it is still a great way for kids to grow their knowledge about coding and inspire them to pursue it later in life. Most importantly, you don’t just learn how to code, you also learn how to make circuits and complex designs.
Creating circuits in real life is really difficult, and there aren’t many simulations that offer simpler versions for kids to experiment with. Minecraft is a great example of one that does. Minecraft features an item called redstone, which works like an electrical signal; it can send power from one side to activate the other. This makes it an excellent way for a child to build electrical circuits within a video game. Minecraft includes many items that act like circuit components, such as redstone dust, redstone blocks, redstone torches, repeaters, levers, buttons, pressure plates, and even tripwires.
I speak a lot about creativity because you have limitless freedom in Minecraft. It is truly a game about being as creative as possible, whether you are building redstone mechanisms, crafting items, or just surviving with your friends. Even the creator of the game highlighted this, stating, “Minecraft is a game about creativity and exploration, and I think those are two very important things in life.” Notch created this game so that players could express their creativity in whatever way they choose. Every child is creative in their own way; the real challenge is finding an outlet where that creativity can thrive. Minecraft serves as an excellent space for them to explore their imagination. It has something for everyone whether it’s PvP, first-person action, coding, or simply having a good time. Minecraft is a great place for all of it.
Some may say that games are not good and limit your creativity, and that might be true—many games are made for you to be addicted to them. Minecraft is not like that, though. Minecraft is a game to express your own creativity. Minecraft is made to be engaging, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. It can be used for many good reasons, such as learning how to code or testing out ideas in a simpler manner. Minecraft is also a great example of something a kid could use to test out their theories or something they are trying to create.
Minecraft is a 3D block sandbox game. We know Minecraft has many benefits. In this video game, you can learn how to code, learn about electrical circuits, and express your creativity in any way you want. People say that it’s not good for you because it’s addicting, but it’s the way we use Minecraft that allows us to truly learn something. In conclusion, Minecraft is a great game for anyone, and while games can have downsides, the amount of support and benefits you get from Minecraft far outweigh any cons. Ultimately, when played with purpose, Minecraft is less of a distraction and more of a powerful tool for learning.
Isaias Gonzalez Rodriguez – De La Salle Institute – DMSF Class of 2030
Photo Credit: poppystyle – Adobe Stock