Minecraft continues to be a unifying force in the lives of teenagers.

By GRACE LARSON, Staff Writer

Generation Z’s culture is constantly being shaped by online trends in the media, with one of the biggest beginning in 2011 when Mojang Studio released the video game Minecraft. The game’s increasing popularity allowed it to grow beyond expectations and virtual limits, being so influential it is still prevalent among youth today. Targeting a younger audience across the nation, students at Stanton College Preparatory School are no exception to this iconic pastime. Not only are students united by their immense love for the game, but also by their fond memories of playing it.

Teenagers, like those at Stanton, appreciate the game’s original graphic design seen in its variety of blocky terrains, such as Mushroom Island, the Jungle, the Savanna, and the Icy Tundra. Each area contains various interactive elements that correspond to its scenery, including creepers and other common enemies. These aspects encourage players to engage in fun quests related to each region, such as fighting the Ender Dragon in the Ender World. Players must also keep an eye on their health bar while fighting these mobs to ensure their own safety. While it is known for being a survival game, Minecraft also promotes creativity among users by granting them the opportunity to build unique structures that showcase their architectural ideas.

“[Minecraft’s] limitless possibilities make it a creative outlet,” said junior Aaron Samson. “It is a place where I can let my stress out and do what [my] heart feels like doing.”

Other students share Samson’s perspective, claiming the game gives them the chance to express themselves. When faced with everyday stressors, students can turn to Minecraft as a means of relaxation where they can create their own world. This use of imagination allows players to decompress as they escape reality and navigate an ideal virtual world.

“Minecraft is more of an escape game that relieves stress and does not require much thinking,” said junior Adieb Hashimi.

Students like Hashimi frequently go on Minecraft to release their negative emotions, eventually resulting in a greater appreciation for the game. This sentiment is often heightened by the nostalgia they feel while online. Despite newer updates, the game continues to have the same spirit it did 12 years ago. As a result of this nostalgic appeal, the game has maintained its original audience, allowing users to reminisce and embrace their childhood memories while playing Minecraft.

“When I was younger, I played Minecraft with my cousins and I always associate happy memories and feelings with the game,” said sophomore Tommy Nousaath.

Similarly, this feeling of joy is connected to teens’ memories of watching Minecraft YouTubers growing up. When the game rose to fame in the early 2010s, players began posting videos that showcased its limitless possibilities, garnering greater appreciation for it. Creators like renowned YouTuber Stampylonghead used the game’s creative aspects to design a world for his friends and young viewers to watch. This resulted in a widespread love for the game and its vast capabilities. In more recent years, a newer set of streamers, such as Dream, have stepped into the spotlight, repopularizing the game with storybased videos.

“[Minecraft YouTubers] inspired me to be a lot more creative and ambitious in the game,” said senior Tyler Stafford. “I would stop playing casually, and start playing for hours on end.”

Having fun in survival, juniors Dani Samkutty (left) and Samuel Salib

Like Stafford, players often felt their love for the game was intensified by encouraging content creators. This resurgence in the game’s popularity spread beyond YouTube’s limits with the rise of newer digital video apps. Platforms like Twitch allow viewers to engage with players in real time as they livestream their gameplay. These upgrades boosted online interaction between viewers and gamers by allowing them to communicate rapidly, further strengthening players’ connections with their favorite Minecraft streamers. Opportunities like these, along with the game’s steady status, enhances users’ admiration for the game.

Minecraft’s creative capabilities can be seen in creations like sophomore Ritvvika Guleria’s rustic cabin.

“Minecraft has allowed me to appreciate the longevity of certain games, and how they evolve over the years,” said senior Jiro Ordonio, officer of Stanton’s eSports Team.

“[Minecraft merchandise] gave me a new sense of understanding for the concepts behind it,” said sophomore James Pierce. “They could be used as a learning tool more than anything.” in their homes. Feeling isolated from the outside world, people often turned to Minecraft to connect with other players. This option brought gamers together, providing a sense of comfort and relief during difficult times.

Similar to Pierce, players often feel encouraged by these products to improve their in-game skills. Items like Minecraft guide books feature a variety of tips that inspire players to test out new ideas. Along with this book series, the company released a wave of toys that mimicked the game’s pixelated graphics. Fans quickly gained interest in creating their own replicas of popular Minecraft items, adding an artistic element to the game and further boosting players’ creativity. As they attempted to recreate these common ingame objects, a deeper connection was formed between fans.

“[Minecraft] allowed me to do things with my friends when I wasn’t able to hangout with them physically,” said sophomore Maxim Drexler. “During quarantine, I was able to play with my friends despite being locked in my house.”

Not only did the game bring strangers together during the pandemic, it also connected Stanton students like Drexler. With the release of a virtual tour in 2021, Stanton’s Leadership group introduced new students to the school’s layout. In the video, characters help students navigate through a Minecraft replica of the school. In addition to aiding students on their first day, the video familiarized them with the new environment. Though they were unable to visit the school itself, the tour welcomed students to the Stanton community.

Over the years, Minecraft has evolved beyond a video game, serving as a force that connects modern youth through shared experiences. The game has remained a constant throughout the lives of teenagers who grew up playing it. Not only are

The game’s growing but loyal fan base gave it the necessary support to expand beyond users’ screens. While Minecraft originally spread through the use of digital media, the recognition it received from the public allowed it to leap past virtual barriers. In 2012, not long after the game’s initial launch, the company released a line of clothing, toys, and books based on the game’s online concepts. This new merchandise showcased the game’s prevalence among Generation Z, as it appeared in stores worldwide. The release of these items not only raised public awareness of the game, but also greatly impacted gamers by increasing their knowledge.

In addition to bonding over their unique creations, players are unified by Minecraft’s global play feature, which lets them face off in a series of challenges against opponents from around the world. Some of these games include Minecraft Bed Wars, where participants look to capture the opposing team’s bed, and Hunger Games, a battle royale challenge where individuals fight to the death. These minigames connect gamers of all ages, who must interact with one another to meet their objective. Options like these shape how teenagers engage on a global online scale.

“[Minecraft taught] me how to interact with people online,” said senior Ethan Emmanuel, officer of Stanton’s eSports Team. “Its competitive atmosphere introduced me to the gaming community, which is what drew me towards [the world of] eSports.”

Minecraft introduced several students to gaming, creating a new hobby for these individuals. This interest became more widespread with the start of the coronavirus, when people were stuck

87% of Stanton students have played Minecraft. 39% of Stanton students say their favorite biome is Jungle.

Stanton students attached to the game because of its nostalgic appeal, but also because of the creative freedom it grants players. Gamers often feel uplifted by these qualities, strengthening their connection with both the game and other players. Though it was released over a decade ago, Minecraft remains a fan favorite among Generation Z, marking a pivotal staple of their youth.