building community Archives

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

Hytale shows that Minecraft needs to stop being complacent — Mojang should see this release (and its subsequent success) as a major kick in the butt

Minecraft has expanded significantly over the years, introducing new biomes, enemies, enchantments, and ores, yet major updates have been infrequent despite generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue. The RTX update, announced in 2019, took six years to reach consoles and was rebranded as Vibrant Visuals. Hytale has gained attention in the world-building community, showcasing potential that may prompt Mojang to reconsider its approach. The gaming landscape is evolving, with competitors like Battlefield 6 and Arc Raiders gaining traction, emphasizing the need for innovation. Mojang manages both the Java and Bedrock versions of Minecraft, facing challenges in implementing significant changes without compromising performance. As 2026 approaches, the demand for innovation in Minecraft is increasing.

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

‘My recreated Minecraft university is helping autistic students’

De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester has created a virtual campus in Minecraft to support students with autism, allowing them to socialize and build friendships. Eden Turner, a 23-year-old student, has reconstructed parts of the university, including the library, to create a welcoming environment for autistic students. Clare Squires, DMU's autism officer, emphasized the initiative's role in fostering community and belonging, particularly for new students. The project helps reduce anxiety by familiarizing students with the campus layout and providing a low-pressure space for interaction. Plans are in place for Eden to expand the virtual campus further.

AppWizard

February 6, 2025

LORD OF THE RINGS Fans Have Spent Years Recreating Middle-earth on MINECRAFT

The Minecraft Middle Earth project began in October 2010 and has become one of the longest-running building communities within the game. It features a vast virtual map measuring 29,000 by 30,000 blocks, comparable to the size of Dallas, Texas. The community has recreated various iconic locations from J.R.R. Tolkien's universe, including cities like Minas Tirith and Dol Amroth, as well as landscapes such as Isengard, Rohan, and Moria. Players can explore these sites, including the dangerous lands of Mordor, in a safe environment. The community continues to evolve with advancements in building techniques, and there is still much of Tolkien's world left to construct.