Think kids are wasting time playing Minecraft? I’m sure all parents have thought this from time to time. What if Minecraft could do something good, like real-world good or beneficial? They actually are and it’s a shame there isn’t more press about a fantastic partnership Mojang has with UN Habitat.
While viewing the live stream of Minecon 2013, I stumbled across a great concept. Minecraft is being used to involve young people in the creation of urban spaces in economically challenged areas. Mojang has partnered with UN Habitat for a 4-year program to upgrade 300 public spaces by 2016. What a great idea!
Basically, Minecraft stations are hosted and people are invited to come work on public spaces for their community. Maybe it’s creating a new playground or updating an existing area. Minecrafters work within a Minecraft world to build their dream spaces. Then UN Habitat will actually work from a Minecraft submitted design to create/update the real-life area/space.
How cool is that? Who needs 3D Architectural software when you can just use Minecraft?!? This is a terrific way to “give back” to communities and involve young people in the development of their own neighborhoods. It’s also great showing our children that a video game can be put to good use and to illustrate first-hand how beneficial it is for everyone to help others. Truly the Minecraft way!
You can read more on and more about Block by Block, including before/after and in-game pictures here: http://blockbyblock.org/. Check out information about Mojang’s partnership with UN Habitat: https://mojang.com/2012/09/mojang-and-un-presents-block-by-block/.
Minecraft Mom2Miners 