Following a hiatus during the pandemic, Minecraft Mania is returning to Blakely Hall under new leadership.
Incoming sixth graders Emmett Roughgarden and Eli Feduff wanted to form a community group that encourages teamwork and collaboration within a multiplayer Minecraft server. The two Pacific Cascade Middle School students, 11, claim to have played the online game for most of their young lives.
Minecraft Mania will return on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month—beginning Sept. 14. The group will meet at Blakely Hall from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Participants are urged to bring a laptop computer, iPad, tablet or cell phone to play. Additionally, players will need to install Minecraft Java Edition on their device. Emmett said a mouse and charging cable will be useful as well.
“People can expect to play with other participants, have fun, and play video games,” Eli said.
Minecraft is the modern, digital equivalent of Legos. Using 3-D blocks, players can unlock their architectural genius to create structures or entire cities across different environments and terrains. Eli and Emmett both prefer the aspect of building within the game.
“The purpose of Minecraft is to survive the day and night, find food and shelter, explore things, build and survive,” Eli said.
A large focus of the sandbox video game developed by Mojang Studios is aimed at resource gathering, crafting items, building structures and combat. Minecraft is an excellent way for young individuals to learn about the value of creativity and teamwork.
People can play together, Eli said, but nobody can help with your Minecraft world or destroy/ruin any of the things you created.
“The purpose of multiplayer is so you can play with friends, communities and people around the world,” Emmett said. “Playing in a Minecraft server can be more fun than playing by yourself.”
The multiplayer mode is a popular function for young players between 6-13 years old, according to resources on webwise.ie. It’s ideal for those who enjoy playing with friends and helping each other build new creations.
Other useful skills include problem solving, computer literacy, basic programming and design as well as understanding of mathematical, spatial and analytical aspects.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Minecraft world, join fellow elementary and middle school enthusiasts on the second and fourth weeks of each month at Blakely Hall. For more information about the group, visit the calendar listing.
Emmett lives in the Central Park neighborhood, and Eli lives in the Daphne Park neighborhood.
