A custom Minecraft game server serves as both a vibrant gathering hub and an immersive philosophical artwork at the heart of Milady Maker, one of Ethereum’s most intriguing NFT projects. Known as Miladycraft, this server was crafted by holders of the Remilia Corporation NFT collections, including Milady Maker and Redacted Remilio Babies, to create a space for community enjoyment.
However, Miladycraft transcends the typical gaming experience of mining diamonds and constructing simple structures. The founders assert that it embodies an artistic endeavor. In 2021, two community members collaborated on the “Milady World Minecraft Server White Paper,” with insights from collection founder Charlotte Fang. The document articulates their vision, stating, “Milady World might seem simple, as it is solely a Minecraft server—factually that is correct—but with it we wish to explore modes of sociality. With Milady World, we intend to harness human impulse unto inner fulfillment.”
This rich white paper is filled with reflections on video game history, personal anecdotes, and earnest claims that may elicit a smile. It boldly proclaims that Minecraft has “stimulated some of the greatest conversations in recent times known to man,” likening it to “the modern digital businessman’s golf.” It even envisions a future where Milady could redefine esports, led by players of unmatched caliber.
In practice, the Miladycraft modpack and server have facilitated social experiments, such as the recent Second Annual Grand Remilia Ball. This event aimed to replicate the ambiance of a real-world ball, hosted in an opulent custom-built hall where attendees’ avatars donned elegant virtual attire, often accompanied by a date.
“The purpose is, ultimately, because it’s fun and funny,” shared Scorched Earth Policy, a pseudonymous co-founder and event organizer. “But deconstructed, a necessity for the structure is due to online events having a natural entropy towards chaos.” To mitigate this chaos, the organizers required each attendee to bring a date, preferably female, to foster a balanced atmosphere and minimize the presence of disruptive elements.
While some community members scrambled to secure dates, the process of finding a partner through online means—termed edating—is strictly prohibited by Milady creator Fang. Instead, community members are encouraged to engage in real-world interactions to find a companion for the virtual ball. Some attendees arrived with long-term partners, while others invited friends, and a few even turned to social media for assistance, including NFT project founder Frank DeGods, who made a public request for a date.
Minecraft as art
To its creators, Miladycraft represents more than just a Minecraft server; it is a work of art. Scorched Earth Policy and Onno found themselves deep in discussions about Minecraft back in 2021, eager to revisit the game. Their dialogue gained momentum when Fang encouraged them to document their thoughts, akin to a contemporary Socratic dialogue.
“Such a distraction could not be justified unless it was made applicable towards propelling Remilia’s financial or artistic merit,” Scorched Earth Policy explained. Thus began their critique of Minecraft, modern gaming, and societal dynamics, culminating in their comprehensive white paper. “Long after Miladycraft becomes defunct or forgotten, the white paper will go on to demonstrate the cultural significance of what we’ve assembled,” he added. “The white paper is the art; the server is the work that makes it art and gives it reality.”
The white paper argues that Minecraft is fundamentally flawed due to mismanagement by Mojang, which has directed the game towards a younger audience. It emphasizes that socialization within the virtual realm is genuine and that the human experience is mirrored in gaming. The authors assert that Minecraft can function as a metaverse, albeit one that has not yet reached its full potential due to years of misdirection. Initially, they envisioned a server devoid of moderators but later reconsidered this approach.
Moreover, the document delves into the connections between reality and the virtual gaming landscape, asserting that interactions in the digital realm can feel as authentic as those in real life. “Minecraft was the first truly open-world, open-possibility game ever created, and its existence marks an extremely important moment in history,” Scorched Earth Policy remarked. The server has become a repository of lore, drawing comparisons to the legendary 2b2t Minecraft anarchy server, with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Minecraft as philosophy
For many enthusiasts of Remilia Corp., Miladycraft embodies a core philosophical tenet of the community: “network spirituality.” This concept, still evolving and challenging to define, reflects a spiritual network woven into internet culture and memes, advocating for a collective digital existence over individual ego.
“Network spirituality is the collective prana of thousands of young artists channeling their artistic vision and manifesting it online,” one definition articulates, with prana signifying “breath” or “life force” in Sanskrit. To many players, Miladycraft exemplifies this philosophy in action, as the server continues to evolve, creating lore and memes that contribute to a collective consciousness. “Miladycraft is network spirituality in practice,” stated Kabuki, a dedicated player of two years.
“Nowhere else have I played with so many talented, bright, interesting, psychologically enigmatic, and spiritual individuals,” he added. “Truly, the Milady community must be one of the hotspots, not only in crypto but in the broader global culture.” Engaging with Milady, according to Kabuki, is akin to exploring one’s innermost self.
As the echoes of the second annual ball fade, the network’s collective spirit continues to flourish. Lore will be shared among collectors, stories exchanged among gamers, and the Miladycraft metaverse art piece will persist in its transformation.
