Minecraft! A Beginner's Guide...

From left: Ernie C, Nick D, Yanick B, Carter W, and Aidan B show off their Minecraft Handbooks

If your child isn't an active fan of Minecraft (it's a video game), you've most likely still heard confusing jargon such as 'mods', 'mobs', 'skins' and 'blocks' echoing down the halls of his/her school, or caught a glimpse of some theatrical display involving children adorned in cardboard boxes and anything else that keeps to Minecraft's strict visual rule of right angles. On a trip down to Buckman elementary recently, we found ourselves unexpectedly lost in this world of "Minecraft", as we sat down at a table with Aidan B, Ernie C, Yanick B, Nick D, and Carter W – all engrossed in their 'Minecraft Official Handbooks'. We asked them the simple question of "What are you up to?", not knowing that our heads (particularly Lauren's) would soon be spinning with details of this mysterious and seemingly complex digital world...

Chelsea began to try and rehash the unique graphics, creepers, crafting and survival before ultimately conceding. It was there and then that we decided this information could be valuable to families who'd like to be 'in the know' about the infectious phenomenon, or at least to be able to hold up a conversation on the subject without glazing over, as Lauren did.

Minecraft – The Basics

Though not specifically designed for children, the game's creativity and mechanics appeal to a younger generation much in the way that their parents might have enjoyed Legos and other toys centered around imaginative building.

The famous Creeper - one of the most well-known elements of Minecraft

Minecraft began as an indie game developed by one man, Markus Persson, better known as Notch (a name somehow well known by all the children we spoke to). In 2011, it was handed over to Jens Bergensten (or "Jeb") who has been taking care of it ever since. What started as a little indie game in development has grown into a world-wide epidemic with approximately 30 million games sold – if not more – between PC/Mac, tablet, cellphone and PlayStation/Xbox. There has also been mainstream sales of Minecraft merchandise including apparel, Lego sets, accessories and toys.

Chelsea went into the android app, called Minecraft Pocket Edition, to take a quick look around.

All of the necessary/available items are here in infinite amounts in creative mode.

That's just the logistics. The real heart of Minecraft rests in the game play. The easiest way to describe Minecraft is probably just to say that it is complete creative freedom. When asked why this game was more special than others, a starry-eyed Aidan gushed "Because you can do ANYTHING." The internet is covered with millions of pictures and videos of elaborate creations designed in Minecraft, including scale models of cities, 'working' rollercoasters, statues, recreations of art and architectural masterpieces and fantastical landscapes. Many creations took hundreds of hours worth of work and dedication.

Building the foundation of a house. Not necessary.

Removing the foundation and putting in wood flooring.

If you can dream it, you can build it in Minecraft. Whether or not you want to fend off antagonists while you build is up to you. In Creative mode, there are unlimited building materials available and no Creepers or other opponents to fight off. It is a solo experience that affords the opportunity to build and create without fear of things being destroyed by foes. It also gives the ability to fly - making building that much easier!

The finished product. It took approximately 10 minutes to build.

Inside of the house.

For those kids who crave an adventure that's a little more adrenaline-laden, there is also a Survival mode which pits the creative mode against Creepers and other challengers seeking to do harm. During Survival mode, specific items needed for building and battling Creepers must be collected from the world around you: gaining resources through mining, chopping trees, and crafting. If this seems a little daunting to you, the Internet is also chock-full of Minecraft wikis that can help keep track of the finer logistics of the game, including crafting and mining.

Survival mode is filled with different creatures, including cows, pigs and these chickens.

Showing off the pretty terrain and some pigs.

For older children, the remaining mode known as 'multi-player' allows them to interact with other users across the globe to make creations together. In addition to multi-player, there are also endless "mods" aka modifications that can be installed to expand the game with new items, "skins" (the look of the character) or game play options.

So now you're equipped to carry on Minecraft conversations with know-how and flair! You can also visit the Minecraft website to help stay in the loop. At least until the next trend takes hold, we're on top.