For over a decade, a unique sanctuary within the pixelated realms of Minecraft has flourished, thanks to the vision of Stuart Duncan, a devoted father from Timmins, Ontario. When his son Cameron, who is autistic, discovered the captivating world of Minecraft, Duncan quickly recognized a troubling trend: many autistic children were facing bullying on public servers, leaving them feeling isolated and vulnerable.
“Being in the autism community, I saw parents reaching out to one another, hoping to connect their children for gameplay,” Duncan reflected. “Unfortunately, many of these interactions were marred by negativity.” In response to this pressing need, Duncan took it upon himself to create a safe haven in 2013, just two years after the game’s initial launch, by establishing the AutCraft server.
AutCraft was designed with a crucial difference: players required approval from moderators, including Duncan himself, to join. “The biggest difference, obviously, is just that we treat the players with respect,” he explained. “We talk to them, we help them work out issues. They’re never punished for things that they do.” Initially, Duncan anticipated a modest turnout of perhaps a dozen players. However, the response was overwhelming; within two days of announcing the server on Facebook, he found himself inundated with requests from 750 eager participants.
Fast forward to today, and the AutCraft server has welcomed over 17,600 players, each finding a sense of belonging within its virtual walls. The server has become a vital part of the autism community, providing a friendly and supportive environment for children to explore their creativity and connect with others.
Building a world
For Duncan, the significance of AutCraft extends beyond mere gameplay; it has served as a bridge to connect with his son. “There’s a saying in the autism community: ‘Your child is not ignoring you. They’re waiting for you to join them in their world,’” he shared. “In Minecraft, you’re literally building your own world, and that resonates deeply.”
As the years have passed, AutCraft has etched its name into the annals of Minecraft history. A newly published book, The World of Minecraft, by the game’s development studio Mojang, recounts the game’s evolution and highlights Duncan’s impactful server. Additionally, a special edition of Time Magazine dedicated to Minecraft has also acknowledged the significance of AutCraft.
Duncan’s influence extends beyond his own server; he has shared his insights through a TED Talk in 2017, illustrating how Minecraft can be a powerful tool for children with autism. Recently, he has engaged in conversations with a father from Ukraine who aspires to create a similar server for displaced individuals affected by the ongoing conflict with Russia. Duncan hopes that his journey with AutCraft inspires others to embark on their own initiatives, demonstrating that a supportive community can be built, one block at a time.
