Minecraft vs. Others (my defense)

What first attracted me to Minecraft over 6 years ago was first, how my children at various ages were connecting through it's gameplay and secondly, how I could utilize it to teach in our Homeschooling.

With the on-slot of FPS (first person shooter) games being promoted by DanTDM and other Youtubers; I felt that small-still-inner voice call me to make a new case for the blocky, pixel world of Minecraft.

My Case: Schools all over the world now utilize Minecraft in the classrooms. The many ways it can engage children in learning academics, social values, and real-life lessons is still amazing.

Not only that, but it encourages Creativity & Imagination. You will not find games like Fortnite in Classrooms across the globe. Not when violence among children and school shootings are occurring more frequently. True, I'm not a fan of violence-for-entertainment and I'm not trying to ruffle feathers of those Homeschooling families who play FPS games. Every home, child, family, and environment is different. I'd be naive to think that; in today's fast-paced, technological gaming industry; growing youth will still choose Minecraft over what's new and popular. (and promoted)

I remember when I first saw Minecraft. Like many parents who grew up in the 80's; Minecraft reminded me of the old pixel video games we played on the Atari. I asked my oldest son, 'why he would choose to play such a pixel-ie graphic game?' He showed me how you could build anything you could imagine and if that wasn't enough; there was still a way to make the game more challenging through the survival aspect.

He knew my next question would be about violent content.

After he showed me the 'weapons' were primitive and that you only needed them for protection from fictional 'mobs' - I approved and was intrigued. These days all of my kids who once delighted in connecting through LAN to play with one another on Minecraft, and who helped me to establish the HG Servers so they could connect and play with other Homeschoolers, have moved on to other gaming. (but I still hold-out-hope they will return)

Roblox is a popular one right now among mine. Many of you know I am not a fan of Roblox, as I once was, due to the pollution of adult content and more violently graphic content they have added to most of the games there. However; My kids know which games I approve of and deviating from those will result in loss of ALL PC game-play. *gasp*

I'll be very honest with you and say there are many days when I am devoting all my hours to running and maintaining the many HG Minecraft platforms, that I reflect on the loss of my 'home' assistance. On those days I ask myself "Why am I still doing this?' My kids have pretty much 'grown-out' of Minecrafting and here I am still letting it consume most of my time." But I think about the many families who find out about us and send messages when they join that says, "We are so grateful to have found your Homeschoolers Only Minecraft Group!'" And that they have been desperately seeking a *safe place* for their homeschooling gamer to play with other gamers. I remember that feeling when mine were younger. It is messages and encouragement from families who appreciate having the HG group, Servers, and Realms that keep me doing what I do for all Homeschooling Gamers.

My Point: Minecraft is a very powerful, wonderful, and unique gameing experience. Perhaps it can't compete with better graphics-gaming and by whatever Famous Youtubers are playing; But Minecraft has a very special place in Education that can never be replaced.

When other 'appealing-to-all ages' games pass MC in popularity; I oft look into what the message ie:(focus) is of those games. Seeing that most of them encourage violence towards others and the entitlement mentality; I get a new-found appreciation for Minecraft.

You Build, You Explore, You Craft, You Survive, You Learn.

And through HG - You Connect with other Gamers who share in that Passion. Bravo Markus Persson & Jens Bergensten!

So That's my defense. For everyone who says 'Well my kids have 'grown out' of such game-play' I'm a 43 year old woman who still loves it along with the many, many Adult & Parent Minecrafters who have groups on Minecraft, Twitter, and Run or Play on Minecraft Servers across the world.

Please; Never 'grow-out' of being Creative.

Never loose your sense of Adventure and your desire to Build a Better World around You. ♥ (one block at a time) =D

Many Blessings, Sara (aka: Server Mom)

P.S. Please, Please don't take offence of this Blog. No offence is intended. There are plenty of Moms who don't approve of Minecraft. There are plenty of Moms who don't approve of Homeschooling.

They don't offend me by disapproving. Joshua 24:15 and that's what I strive to do everyday. ♥