Minecraft

[JKTrix]

Some of the best loved video games are virtualizations of the real-life experiences or imaginations of the creator. Like Zelda or Pokemon. I guess that can be applied here, but this is kind of like a virtualization of another virtualization--AutoCAD and other 3D design programs--with an additional Lego flavor. It is for sure not *trying* to be AutoCAD, even though some of its users are using it as such, going so far as to take existing 3D models and convert them into a form useable in Minecraft.

Probably not something I'd have picked up on if I never used AutoCAD or 3D Studio Max or something like that, and I'm trying not to make it sound like I'm hating on Minecraft for that. I think Minecraft is a fantastic gateway into architecture or things like that for people who really want to get into that. I don't really care about the more 'gamey' parts of it.

I'm more 'bothered' that he's made so much money on an unfinished product (not that all retail games are released in a finished state, before someone makes that wisecrack), though even 'bothered' is probably too strong a word to use. I've recommended the game to a few people I know, but I would elevate its status to must-play if it was cheaper, finished, or had a free demo (which would probably come when it was finished).

Like Magicka. It's still kind of broken, but it's way fun, is finished, is $10, and has a free demo. Just as an example for another very recent indie game that I would evangelize.

There is just something crafty about saying 'This game is gonna be $30 when it's finished, but you can have an unfinished version of the game right now for $10 cheaper'. That's the evil genius part. It's admirable, and is somewhat similar to a trend that I'd like to see continue in 'bigger' games, but there's still something that puts me off about that part.