Since its release on the 18th of November, 2011, the iconic world and realm building block-based game has become more than just a video game.
MINECRAFT is more than a world phenomenon. It’s a free space where players have found their canvas to unleash their imagination. Players of all backgrounds have played this video game, met new users, and built incredible structures
MINECRAFT is for everyone
A game that has something for everyone. Since its release, MINECRAFT has sold over 300 million copies. Whether you are a builder, a gamer with the intention to reach the final boss, or a curious newbie, MINECRAFT welcomes you with open arms.
With an overwhelming 204 million monthly active users. MINECRAFT receives players of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. It’s no surprise that one of the key reasons for its success is the freedom that it gives the player to play their own adventure. With no specific rules or goals, MINECRAFT fosters a sense of community that transcends borders.
The sandbox nature of the video game encourages users to explore self-expression, experimentation, and creativity. Sixteen years after its release, MINECRAFT continues to work towards an inclusive environment.
New forms of digital activism in MINECRAFT
Due to this open structure and free rein to creativity, players have begun to use MINECRAFT to raise awareness about social, political, and environmental issues.
Activists and educators are using MINECRAFT realms and servers to build museums, protest sites, and storytelling worlds to spark conversations and meaningful dialogue. These in-game initiatives allow players to interact with complex situations and topics.
MINECRAFT’s activism also extends to organised digital protests, memorials and teach-ins within the game.
MINECRAFT is the perfect example of how digital spaces continue to shape how people connect and express themselves. The rise of activism in MINECRAFT matters and is thanks to the communication and freedom features the video game offers, such as:
Where creativity meets messaging
MINECRAFT’s sandbox nature allows activists to build an immersive experiences that can communicate complex social and/or political issues to the gamers. These MINECRAFT servers resonate emotionally and intellectually within the community and can be a safe space for gamers.
The bridge between virtual and real world
Projects that preserve knowledge and expose social issues fight real censorship in countries where protests and freedom of speech and press are suppressed.
A safe space for all voices
MINECRAFT’s freedom to build, explore, and experiment brings an atmosphere that welcomes all voices. These spaces empower players to express their identity and build a community. In many cases, advancing social justice in meaningful ways.
MINECRAFT servers with activist themes
There are a lot of MINECRAFT servers and maps with activist themes. Whether they are LGBTQ+ inclusive or aimed at raising environmental awareness of the preservation of knowledge. If we have picqued your curiosity and you want to explore some of them, here we have a list of a few of them.
Before Joining
- Rules and moderation: Activist and educational servers often deal with sensitive topics. If you want to join these servers, take a look at their rules. These may include strong moderation to prevent harassment, hate speech or radicalisation.
- Age requirements: Many of these servers require a certain age to ensure maturity in the discourse and better control over who participates. As previously mentioned, some of them address sensitive topics, so setting an age requirement helps protect younger or less mature players from exposure to such content.
- Safety features: It is also important to check the safety features. Plugins for blocking abuse, reporting systems and protective measures for vulnerable players may be in use.
The Uncensored Library
This activist MINECRAFT server is a “library” built by Reporters Without Borders to host writing and journalism banned in certain countries. Players can join the MINECRAFT server or download the map to walk through the wings of this building, which are classified by country, and see and read banned texts.
In this server you’ll access to banned texts from:
- Iran
- Russia
- Vietnam
- Saudi Arabia
- RSF
- Mexico
- Egypt
- Brazil
- Eritrea
- Belraus
The Uncensored Library is a ground-breaking project, launched on 12 March 2020, the World Day Against Cyber Censorship. Using the world’s most played game, Reporters Without Borders sparks the curiosity and conversation about censorship, journalism, and freedom.
How can you join?
- Open Minecraft: Java edition.
- Add the server address: visit.uncensoredlibrary.com
- Join the server and you’ll spawn at the library’s grand entrance.
- Look for the country themed rooms.
- Use right-click to read the books.
- You can also visit interactive exhibitions and memorials.
Autcraft
Autcraft is a MINECRAFT server created as a safe space with a moderated environment for children and individuals with autism. It was founded in 2013, by Stuart Duncan, also known as @autismfather, after he observed the bullying and exclusion autistic players experienced in mainstream MINECRAFT servers.
Autcraft has several features explicitly designed and applied for the functioning of the server and its accessibility for players with autism:
- Custom filters check chat, books and signs.
- Helpers (admins) monitor the server.
- It has its own augmentative and alternative communication system (icons, picture boards, etc.)
- This server has a whitelist system.
This last one means that players must apply and be approved. It allows the server to maintain safety and control over who joins. As of today, Autcraft has over 18,000 approved players on the whitelist.
How can you join?
- Join the Autcraft website and fill out the registration
- Wait for the approval ( up to 2 weeks, depending on the server load)
- When approved, open Minecraft: Java edition
- Add the server address: mc.autcraft.com
Queercraft
Queercraft is a MINECRAFT server and gaming community built as a safe space for LGBTQ+ players and allies. Founded in 2013, it was one of the first communities to explicitly center queer identities and community values.
It was created as a space where players will not face the harassment LGBTQ+ players often experience in mainstream games. In Queercraft, players can be themselves, whether it is building, hosting parades, or just hanging out with online friends.
The staff and moderators on this server are highly active and dedicated to moderation, ensuring that players will follow the rules and guidelines. In Queercraft you’ll find a vibrant community filled with social events and Strong support networks. Some of their community events are:
- Build contests
- Trivia nights
- Parades
- Themed celebrations around LGBTQ+ observances
How can you join?
- Open Minecraft: Java edition.
- Add the server address: mc.queercraft.net
- Join the server, you’ll spawn at the Queercraft hub
- Choose between Survival, creative and minigames worlds
Climate hope city
Built by BlockWorks and commissioned by The Guardian, Climate Hope City is a downloadable MINECRAFT map. It imagines a low-carbon future, showcasing a real-world green-tech city. This map uses real world technology that already exists, bringing together environmental education and game-based storytelling.
Unlike other MINECRAFT cities built with an aesthetic purpose, Climate Hope City is developed around environmental sustainability, in this city you’ll find:
- Solar-powered transit systems
- Green rooftops
- Vertical farms
- Kinetic sidewalks
Used as a powerful tool for educators and activists, this map blends creativity and science. This map invites players to walk through an immersive vision and encourages conversations on how cities could change or adapt to the demands of climate action.
How can you join?
- Download the map for Climate Hope City here
- Extract the map folder
- Relocate it to your saves folder
- Open Minecraft: Java Edition
- Click on Singleplayer and you should be able to see Climate Hope city in your worlds list.
When activism and creativity overcome all barriers, incredible ideas emerge.
Block by Block (UN Project)
Block by block is a global initiative launched in 2012 by UN-Habitat, in partnership with Mojang Studios (the creators of MINECRAFT). It is not a server you can join or a map you can download, but an incredible initiative that involves people in the design of public spaces.
That is why block by block has an honourable mention in this ranking.
Block by block has worked in over 55 countries with more than 30,000 participants from all backgrounds. Their approach to urban design has improved public spaces through tier design workshops.
Several case studies show real improvements in:
- Creating new public spaces
- Lightning underpasses
- Redesigning playgrounds
- Making safer public spaces for women and girls
Block by block is the achievement of community empowerment through digital tools and activism. The democratisation of urban planning and the rise of awareness about the importance of public spaces.
Find your community, join the change
MINECRAFT is much more than a game. It is a platform for creativity, connection and activism. From global initiatives to defend freedom of speech and climate emergencies, to safe spaces for diverse communities.
All around the world players are using virtual blocks to address real-life issues, and especially for those in marginalised communities this use of MINECRAFT offers much more than a gameplay.
Log in, have a look around. Don’t be afraid to get involved. MINECRAFT is for everyone and its powerful platform teaches the world that change also begins by our actions in the digital world.
If you are looking to make a difference or simply connect with other players who share your values, you’ll find your space in MINECRAFT, one block at a time.
Game on!