Stone Marshall's Blog, page 158
June 10, 2017
Minecraft Switch Edition Review
By Alanah Pearce At this point, Minecraft is such a well-known game that reviewing its content in 2017 seems redundant. (For that, you can check out our reviews of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions and of Minecraft: Pocket Edition.) But with its recent release on the Switch the question that needs answering is how Nintendo’s portable console handles building these fantastic blocky worlds, and the answer is: pretty well.
The Switch Edition of Minecraft takes the appealing portability of Minecraft Pocket Edition and adds the precise, comfortable controls of a console. The convenience of playing Minecraft on the go and easily jumping into online multiplayer with friends on their own Switch devices would make it hard to go back to other versions of if it weren’t missing an essential feature: voice chat. That makes playing with friends who aren’t in the room with you much less fun, since there’s no way to coordinate your efforts with the up to seven other players in a game. You can get that human interaction locally by playing two-player split-screen mode, but this works much better when the Switch is docked, because the screen is a little too small to play in handheld or kickstand mode with multiple people. It’s possible, you just might not be able to see very well.
Like the current PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions (1.5), the Switch’s Minecraft lacks some other features that are on the PC’s 1.9 version, like the reworked combat system. And, unfortunately, Minecraft doesn’t use the Switch’s touch screen for faster inventory management – or anything else – so it’s not quite the best of both the console and Pocket Edition worlds. It does include a bunch of exclusive Super Mario-themed skins, though.
Lastly, I didn’t experience any noticeable slowdowns either in docked or portable modes, though it’s worth noting that Minecraft runs in 720p even while docked. Not that the resolution of these intentionally blocky graphics matters much, of course.
The Verdict
The Nintendo Switch version provides an authentic Minecraft experience that is hugely benefitted by the ability to play it anywhere with physical controls. The one drawback is the lack of voice chat, which makes online multiplayer less fun than on other platforms, so it’s best enjoyed in the same room as your friends.
You can now explore Exeter on Minecraft – here’s how to download and play it
Detailed maps of Exeter have been created on wildly popular world-building game Minecraft.
Four maps inspired by collections at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) will allow enthusiasts to virtually explore the historic Devon city.
Above: Watch an example of a city recreated on Minecraft
With over 100 million users, Minecraft is the second best-selling video game of all time.
Return to Devon Live home page or read next: Glastonbury 2017: Seven important security changes you need to know about
Minecraft maps are virtual environments or games created by players themselves, and made available for others to download and play.
Renowned digital producer Adam Clarke and leading Minecraft build team, Blockworks made the Historic Exeter Minecraft maps.
image: http://www.devonlive.com/images/local...
The famous Caleb Hedgeland model of Exeter recreatedThe project is in partnership with the University of Exeter with funding from Arts Council England.
The first map is based on the model of 18th-century Exeter before the city walls were breached. The three future maps are of the Roman fortress, the Roman city and Tudor Exeter.
The first map is based on a model of Exeter constructed between 1817 and 1824 by Caleb Hedgeland.
One of the earliest surviving models of any town in Britain, it records Exeter in great detail as it was during the late 1700s when the city wall was still intact.
The model, which is on permanent display in RAMM’s Making History gallery, is the only surviving record of many of the city’s buildings and streets.
How to download
The first Exeter map can now be downloaded from Dropbox at http://bit.ly/RAMMHedgelandMap with full instructions in PDF format: FAQ and installation guide for Minecraft Hedgeland map.
On Sunday 16 July, pioneering Minecrafters will lead a Museum Minecraft extravaganza at RAMM.
Young YouTubers, Solly the Kid and Django Moses, will challenge visitors to a special Exeter Build Battle.
Wizard Keen from Wonderquest and guest YouTubers will lead workshops. Minecraft-inspired activities will introduce younger visitors to the magic of Minecraft.
You can now explore Exeter on Minecraft – here’s how to download and play it
June 9, 2017
Minecraft: Story Mode returns for a second season in July
Minecraft: Story Mode, the episodic adventure game based on Mojang’s Minecraft, will continue with a second season next month, developer Telltale Games announced today.
The season premiere, “Hero in Residence,” will begin rolling out July 11. It will be available digitally on Android, iOS, Mac, PlayStation 4, Windows PC and Xbox One that week, and Telltale will release a physical copy of the season this fall.
Telltale said today in a news release that players’ choices from the first season will carry over to the upcoming season. Minecraft: Story Mode debuted in October 2015 and was originally a five-part series that ended in March 2016. However, Telltale extended the season with three additional episodes, with the eighth chapter launching in September 2016. Minecraft: Story Mode – Season 2 is currently scheduled to run for five episodes.
The adventures of Jesse (Patton Oswalt or Catherine Taber, depending on the gender chosen by the player) and their pals will continue in the second season. Here’s the synopsis from Telltale:
Now that Jesse and the gang have vanquished the Wither Storm, saved the world, and become totally super famous heroes, life has gotten a bit more…complicated. With more responsibilities and less time for adventure, old friendships have started to fade — at least until Jesse’s hand gets stuck in a creepy gauntlet that belongs to an ancient underwater temple. Together with old pals and new comrades alike, Jesse embarks on a brand new journey filled with tough choices, good times, and at least one temperamental llama.
In addition to Oswalt and Taber, Ashley Johnson and Scott Porter will return for the second season. Once again, Telltale will bring in members of the Minecraft community such as Stampy Cat and stacyplays for cameos. The season will support Telltale’s Crowd Play feature, which allows for up to 2,000 people to participate along with the player.
For a closer look at Minecraft: Story Mode – Season 2, check out the screenshots below.
Story Mode Season 2: Coming Soon!
Telltale’s adventure continues this summer
That’s right! A new five-part Story Mode saga arrives on July 11th. Jesse’s tale didn’t end with merely becoming the world’s greatest living hero – if anything, life just got more complicated. There are responsibilities! Emerging rivalries! Unmeetable expectations of friends new and old!
As a simple treasure hunt goes wrong, trapping Jesse’s hand in a cursed prismarine gauntlet, we discover that maybe there are other downsides to fame, too – like having a dark and ancient power know your name.
A new adventure beckons, sending Jesse on a quest to the darkest depths of the world – and beyond! Joined by a motley band of familiar faces, fortune hunters, sometime enemies and one deeply disobedient llama, there will be tough choices, peril aplenty and no shortage of People Who Will Remember That.
Patton Oswalt, Catherine Taber, Ashley Johnson and Scott Porter are among the currently announced cast – with more details to follow! Watch out for cameos from Youtubin’ heroes Stampy Cat and StacyPlays, too.
If you’re a returning player, the game will keep a track of all those weighty decisions you made in Season 1 – but new players should find it an easy place to jump on, too. You can even join in the fun with friends thanks to Telltale’s “Crowd Play” feature, which lets you help to direct the action from any online mobile device.
Episode 1, titled “Hero in Residence”, will be downloadable on July 11, for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, iOS, and Android-based devices. We’ll be bringing you more details and ELITE INSIDE INFO in the coming weeks, but in the meantime keep an eye on Telltale’s website!
June 8, 2017
Dad Creates Free Minecraft Server Specifically Dedicated to Kids With Autism
Children can already be overwhelmed and bullied in the real world, but maybe the internet can offer some solace. That’s what this dad created when he built an entire Minecraft server for children with autism.
Stuart Duncan, also known by his online alias AutismDad, created Autcraft: a server that has garnered over 8,000 players since it was created four years ago.
He recalled its genesis when he wrote, “In 2012–2013, I saw parent after parent after parent posting on social media: ‘Do you have a child with autism that loves Minecraft? Would they be willing to play with my child?’”
“These parents were all reaching out because they were tired of seeing their children being bullied on the servers that they tried. Their children were breaking their keyboards, crying and feeling terrible. They felt powerless to help. So, Autcraft was my way of helping.”
Since Duncan himself has been diagnosed as autistic, he understood how vital it was for children to have safe spaces to play. Autcraft has become his day job, with all his time dedicated to maintaining the server alongside a team of volunteers. He currently asks for donations via Patreon.
“I have made it my mission to help as many children with autism as I can which means ensuring that Autcraft remains a free server for those who need it. It is my belief that those who need a safe place like Autcraft most are also the ones least likely to be able to afford a membership fee.”
“[Autcraft] gives children with autism and their families a place where they can play the game they love with people just like them, and they can feel safe and confident to just be themselves,” said Duncan. “It’s not about getting other people to accept them but getting them to accept themselves.”
Dad Creates Free Minecraft Server Specifically Dedicated to Kids With Autism
Building a shared future in Minecraft at Castle Ward
Children at two Downpatrick primary schools have been building a shared future, albeit a digital one.
Children from Downpatrick Primary School and St Brigid’s Primary School visited Castle Ward on Monday for the launch of a new education programme, Minecraft at Castle Ward.
The cross-curricular project uses the game to encourage children to explore the National Trust-owned property.
Most schools participating in the pilot were supported by Shared Education.
Shared Education supports children in separate schools engaging in joint classes or projects.
The project is the result of a collaboration between the National Trust and iTeach, a Belfast-based education programming development company.
What is Minecraft?
Minecraft is a computer game in which you build things using cubic blocks.
It is a bit like Lego but you never run out of blocks and they never fall over.
Players can walk among their own creations, and play online with other people who are in the same world.
This is the first programme of its kind to feature to a National Trust property and the trust hopes to develop the programme across more of its sites.
National Trust co-ordinator, Geoff Magill, said: “The 18th Century Corn Mill at Castle Ward is being brought to life on Minecraft as schools combine the latest technology with the outdoors.
“They will learn about the history of the Corn Mill, the engineering aspects and traditional milling processes in an interactive tour which will culminate in pupils actually constructing the building in Minecraft.
“We are also pleased to announce that the programme will be available in conjunction with the Shared Education initiative which enable schools from diverse communities to come together and share the experience.
“The programme is currently in its pilot stage and will be available to schools from September,” he added.
June 7, 2017
Minecraft Is Successfully Replacing Chemistry Lessons In Schools
When you combine two items correctly in Minecraft, it makes a new item – a bit like chemistry. So it isn’t surprising really that a modded version of the game is successfully being used to replace certain elements of chemistry lessons in schools.
Students are inadvertently learning traditionally tricky topics such as polymer synthesis (making plastic) and refining oil with greater ease.
Imagine a class without lessons, tests and homework, but with missions, quests and teamwork,” Lead researcher Dr Ronald Smaldone ponders. “Video games offer an attractive educational platform because they are designed to be fun and engaging, as opposed to traditional approaches to teaching through lectures and assignments”.
Dr Smaldone says that holding the attention and focus of students, and providing information in a meaningful way, is a significant challenge for online education (and all education for that matter).
“Imagine having educational content that would not only command the complete focus of students, but even excite them so much that they would consume it without needing to be assigned it,” Dr Smaldone says.
Dr Smaldone points out there are “many advantages” to providing educational content in a computerised game format, one of which is that it allows learners to move at their own pace.
“A horizontal learning approach allows students who understand the material quickly to move on to more challenging material, whereas those that need extra time can take it, making it truly personalised,” Dr Smaldone says. “Management of the pace of learning is extremely important when interacting with students remotely. Educational content must be provided in such a way that they do not become bored (the material is not challenging enough) or frustrated (the material is too challenging)”.
The Minecraft mod used for these lessons integrates concepts of chemistry and engineering into the gameplay. Called Polycraft World, the development of the mod maintained two main goals — the science must be accurate, and it must add something fun to the game.
In one of many trial classes, over a period of 12 months Dr Christina Thompson taught a one hour general topics class entitled “Video Games and Learning” to a small (thirteen students in each class) group of students of mixed subject background and age, through the Honors College at the University of Texas at Dallas. No in-class science instruction was given, but a non-graded part of the class was to play Polycraft World.
Without ever being asked to learn or remember anything from the game, students were given a pop quiz written in entirely scientific language which asked them questions ranging from identifying the chemical components of polymers based on their acronyms, to drawing a distillation tree for crude oil given a blank piece of paper.
Despite this, five of the thirteen students could correctly draw a crude oil distillation tree to three levels of distillation, with three more able to draw it to two levels of distillation. And they learned this entirely from playing Minecraft.
This is just another example of the way that video games can be a positive contribution to a child’s development, countering the traditional negative stigma gaming has carried for far too long.
Minecraft Is Successfully Replacing Chemistry Lessons In Schools
There’s A Minecraft Festival Coming To Sydney Opera House
“Minecraft at the Sydney Opera House” is an epic two day festival, and host to Australia’s first Minecraft competition.
Held in the Concert Hall on July 2 and 3, the event brings to life one of the best-selling video games of all time, its 120 million-plus players captivated by a world of limitless exploration and creative possibilities. Described by organisers as “a true choose-your-own-adventure experience” the festival will be unbeatable school holidays entertainment for children, families, and Minecraft devotees of all ages.
“The Sydney Opera House is about creativity in all its forms. We encourage makers, builders and artists of all kinds,” Sydney Opera House Senior Producer for Children, Families and Creative Learning, Jamie Dawson, said. “This event is about bringing Minecrafters together to share ideas, challenge each other and to meet the creators of one of the world’s most popular games. And where better to do it than the Opera House.”
The Opera House’s grand Concert Hall and Northern Foyers will be transformed into a Minecraft extravaganza spanning three sessions over two days. Attendees can come and go between the main competition on stage and the activities in the foyer.
Minecraft at the Sydney Opera House is designed for everyone: from dedicated players of all ages (who can compete to win an Xbox One), to parents and educators who can understand and unpack how the game can be applied in an educational setting – and even younger gamers who can meet (and challenge) new friends.
Alongside the competitions, Lead Creative Designer of Minecraft, Jens Bergensten, will participate in the interactive sessions. Lydia Winters, Brand Director of Mojang, the studio behind Minecraft, will share her Minecraft tricks and tips and answer fans’ questions.
You can grab a ticket here.
June 6, 2017
Scholastic pulls fan-fiction Minecraft book that compares Indian name to a fart
Scholastic says it will stop distributing a fan-fiction Minecraft book that compares an Indian character’s name to a fart.
A Toronto mother of a page in Diary of a Minecraft Zombie, accusing the book of “modelling racist behaviour for my kids.”
‘I was really troubled by the idea that my children, who have long and complicated names, might end up reading something like this.’ – Sailaja Krishnamurti, St. Mary’s University
In the passage, the protagonist’s mom tells him he’s about to room up with foreign exchange student Rajit Venkatanarasimharajuvaripeta — an Indian name also famous for being the longest railway station name in India.
“It sounded like my mom farted,” the boy reacts.
Sailaja Krishnamurti says she worries about how her own children would react to reading a passage like the one in Diary of a Minecraft Zombie. (Sailaja Krishnamurti/@DrSailajaK )
When Halifax’s Sailaja Krishnamurti first came across the passage on Twitter, she became concerned about her own kids.
“Certainly my son loves to play Minecraft, and they’re of an age where they could be reading on their own without my looking over their shoulder,” Krishnamurti told As It Happens host Carol Off.
Krishnamurti is a religious studies professor at St. Mary’s University in Halifax who studies representation of South Asian culture in children’s literature.
“And so I was really troubled by the idea that my children, who have long and complicated names, might end up reading something like this on their own and not really know how to process how that might make them feel.”
The book, which has no named author, is part of the Zack Zombie series, described online as “an original work of fan fiction which is not sanctioned nor approved by the makers of Minecraft.” It is sold online via Amazon, and distributed through Scholastic.
Contacted for comment, Scholastic at first denied responsibility for the book’s content, noting it was not published in-house, but rather by a company called Herobrine Books.
‘We are grateful for letting us know about this issue and want to apologize for any offence or harm it may have caused anyone.’ – Nicole Zaccagnini, White Water Agency
However, the company later responded to say it would no longer be shipping the book.
“Our partnership with Canadian schools and families is a privilege, and one that we take very seriously,” Scholastic told As It Happens in an email.
“The author has been made aware of your comments and is deeply troubled that the text has been construed as racist, as this was never intended, and he is eager to make editorial changes to be sure the text is corrected. Further on in the story, the character recognizes and apologizes for his bad behaviour and the two characters become friends, with Zombie learning a valuable lesson in friendship, diversity and acceptance. ”
But Krishnamurti said the story’s positive ending “doesn’t excuse the racism that’s being enacted right at the start of the book.”
Nicole Zaccagnini, publicist for the Herobrine series, apologized for the passage and told As It Happens they have “already made steps to remove the offending statements from our book so that no one will be hurt by this in any way.”
“We are grateful for letting us know about this issue and want to apologize for any offence or harm it may have caused anyone,” Zaccagnini, an account executive at the public relations firm White Water Agency, said in an email.
“We believe that all cultures, religions and groups in which people identify with are all special in the building blocks of our society.”
Krishnamurti, meanwhile, said this whole debacle just shows the importance of diversity in children’s literature.
“I think it’s an instructive moment for all of us as parents and as people who are thinking about children’s literature to really advocate for more diverse representations in the books our children are reading.”
Minecraft: Pocket Edition Discovery Update adds Marketplace in-game store and more
The long-awaited Discovery Update for Minecraft: Pocket Edition has gone live for Android users. This is a huge new update for Mojang’s popular sandbox game, with a bunch of new content and features. The biggest new addition is the Marketplace, an in-game store where players can purchase new content provided by talented Minecraft creators.
As we previously reported, the Marketplace offers a way for players to buy new in-game skins, texture packs, maps and more to help extend their Minecraft experience. It will also help Minecraft creators earn money for their efforts. Marketplace items are purchased with Minecraft’s new in-game currency, Minecraft Coins, which in turn are bought using real-world money.
Adding an in-game store would be big enough for Minecraft, but there’s tons of additional new items and content included as part of this Discovery Update. As the title suggests, players will be encouraged to explore the game world to find new maps, monsters and puzzles, including finding treasures in the Woodland Mansions. You will also encounter new creatures, including helpful llamas that will carry much of your found treasure for you. You can check out the entire change log for the Discovery Update at the official Minecraft site.
What are your impressions of the Minecraft: Pocket Edition’s Discovery Update? Do you like the new Marketplace feature? Let us know in the comments!
Minecraft: Pocket Edition Discovery Update adds Marketplace in-game store and more
