A remarkable initiative has unfolded in the realm of gaming, as a dedicated team of specialists from Wrexham University has meticulously crafted a block-by-block replica of the 2025 National Eisteddfod within the popular game Minecraft. This innovative project aims to provide an immersive experience for those unable to attend the festival in person, allowing them to explore a virtual Maes, which translates to “field” in Welsh.
Crafting a Virtual Experience
The endeavor is set in an expansive “open world,” where players can unleash their creativity by constructing various elements that contribute to the festival’s replica site in Wrexham. Senior lecturer in games media, Matthew McDonald-Dick, 26, shared insights about the project, revealing that a team of four has dedicated approximately three weeks to bring this vibrant festival to life. “I’ve personally probably put in about 40 to 50 hours just building it, and the last week moderating it has probably been a good 30 hours or so as well,” he noted.
Since its launch last Saturday, coinciding with the festival’s commencement, around 50 to 60 participants from Wales, England, and Ireland have engaged with the Eisteddfod server. Within this virtual space, players can navigate through a meticulously designed village, exploring performance stages, craft stalls, and even contributing their own creative designs. McDonald-Dick remarked on the community’s involvement, stating, “We’ve had people build a nice big Welsh dragon, daffodils, and the two tractors that are near the reception of the Maes, and they’ve both been built by outside people, not from the university.”
A Cultural Celebration
The National Eisteddfod stands as Europe’s largest cultural festival, hosted in various locations across Wales each year. The developers of this virtual Maes aspire to foster the use of the Welsh language in a natural and playful environment. Seren Nia Edwards, 23, a game art graduate from Wrexham University, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Being able to take part in the Minecraft Eisteddfod project has been really fun; it merges my excitement for building digital worlds and for Welsh culture.” She described the experience as “amazing,” highlighting the excitement of seeing Wales replicated in such an inclusive manner.
Edwards is one of five moderators overseeing the server daily, ensuring that the virtual environment remains safe and enjoyable for all participants. “It’s so nice seeing the creativity that everybody has put into it,” McDonald-Dick added. “It’s just seeing the community come together to build something, and that’s what we wanted—the people who can be here that can go home and play it, but also the people who can’t be here today and throughout the week.” The server is set to remain active for another month, inviting further exploration and creativity from players of all ages.
With Minecraft’s widespread popularity since its initial release in 2009, it has become the best-selling computer game of all time. The game’s accessibility, particularly through educational licenses provided by schools, has made it an ideal platform for this innovative cultural project. McDonald-Dick noted, “We’ve had kids and adults having a go. One mum even sat down for a turn. With Minecraft being a kid’s game, it’s so easy to use.” This initiative not only showcases the power of gaming in cultural representation but also reinforces the sense of community and creativity that thrives within the gaming world.
