Five years ago this month, Minecraft 1.0 was officially released for download. Who would have guessed that a block-based video game would become one of the greatest gaming phenomena of all time? Although the game has been enjoyed by adults all over the world since its release, many parents have seen their children obsessed with Minecraft for just as long. But why are children so fascinated by this game, even years after they have started playing it?
The simple answer: Minecraft is many different things to many different people. It’s a playground for artists, architects, engineers and computer programmers, where imagination is the limit when it comes to building whatever they want. It can be both social and solitary, relaxing and invigorating. It’s fun and also educational. It is a vast place to explore, where players can venture into grand and unknown worlds, climb mountains and cross oceans. Or they may be stranded on a deserted island and test their survival skills with only the most basic resources. In short, Minecraft is what you want it to be!
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Creativity
Since it is not an objective oriented video game, players have the advantage of using their imagination and building something of their own , digitally. You can accept challenges and build mind-blowing projects. The sky is the limit here!
Improve your problem solving skills as you have overcome many environmental challenges, such as finding resources, gathering food, figuring out how to use tools, etc. Also, when you play with other players, you have to figure out how to defeat your competitors. There are also logistical and creative and creative challenges.
Is Minecraft safe for 7 year olds?
While some recommend the game for older children, Minecraft is very popular with kids aged 6 and up. So, many parents of 7 year olds are allowing their kids to play it. If you allow your child to play Minecraft on a public server that allows them to play with people from all over the world, there may be security issues. We recommend that you keep them safe from cyberbullies and predators. Some parents choose to keep their child in the local game to avoid these problems. This is a personal decision that each parent must make on their own.
Again, taking a look at the game and even playing it yourself can help you determine if you want your child to play it and at what age. Ultimately, you get to know your child best and can make the best decision.
Smart settings for Minecraft
There are several steps you can take to give your children a safer experience with Minecraft. For most of these settings, your kids must be signed in with their own Microsoft user.
- Enable password protection for in-app and game store purchases. Minecraft has many purchase options where you can buy content with real money. For example, cosmetic perks, weapons, in-game extra packs, and content on public servers. You can also block purchases on the Microsoft family page if your children have their own child user.
- Create a “peaceful” world in creative mode if you don’t want your children to be attacked by hostile monsters and animals in the game. It is still possible for kids to hit and attack animals in the game. You can also turn off the option to attack each other from the characters themselves.
- Within Xbox – Live, you can set restrictions on chat and friend requests. As a family manager, you can also set limits for your child’s accounts. Choose whether your kids can add friends to their contact list or play multiplayer games.
- Close public chat/restrict to friends – access page above. Go to privacy. In the settings “You can communicate outside of Xbox Live with voice and text” and “others can communicate with voice, text or invitations”, Select friends or blocks.
- Close friend requests: access the page above. Go to “Online Safety on Xbox One/Windows 10.” Select the setting: “You can add friends.” Select Allow or Block.
- Close access to public servers: access the page above. Go to “Online Safety on Xbox One/Windows 10.” Select the setting: “You can play multiplayer games for friends.” Select Allow or Block.
- Consider paying for a server that your child and friends can play on.