After all these years, Minecraft is still one of the most popular games around, and that popularity doesn't seem to be waning. In fact, with Mojang now saying it will not support NFTS or blockchain technologies, the game is only probably to remain in good standing with the community. Perhaps the biggest reason why so many are still playing is the near-infinite number of things that can be created, and while build projects are limited by the 1x1 blocky aesthetic of the world, it is possible to make something a bit more realistic.
Take Reddit user Frost_Beer as an example. Recently, they posted a couple of images which depict an impressive looking black panther that's been created in the Minecraft style. While it seems as though they have created it using additional software, it's still a pretty realistic rendition of one of these big cats, especially considering it's done in blocks. The user has even made it available for download for those who want to get up close and personal with it.
Mojang's open world sandbox IP does have a distinctive look about it. Many feel that there may be some restrictions, given that the game only really allows for very angular shapes. However, increasing the size of a construction can assist in giving the player more opportunities to add in details which can look more "rounded" and true to life from a distance. Good texture packs and ray tracing can also help, as this one person discovered when they managed to make a realistic-looking city in Minecraft. In fact, at a cursory glance, it's even possible to mistake the image for a photograph.
Additional images can be found on Reddit.
The opportunity to build is what keeps people coming back. Not to mention the sheer number of Redstone contraptions that can be made in Minecraft. Everything from alarm clocks, to vending machines, to complicated door systems, and even entire games can be made or recreated in the game. After more than a decade, fans are still using their creativity to imagine and design all sorts of things.
For this reason, it's hardly surprising that Minecraft is one of the highest-selling games of 2022, despite it coming out in 2011, with the alpha version releasing before that. With the Wild update going live not long ago, the studio is evidently not running out of ides just yet, and judging by what fans like Frost_Beer are showing off, neither is the community.
Minecraft is available now for Mac, Mobile, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Planet Minecraft