Minecraft is awesome. It’s a sandbox video game that encourages creativity and freedom. The game allows the player to explore, build, battle, and do adventurous things.
There is no doubt that Minecraft has some great benefits. It’s a fun game with plenty of possibilities. But it also has its share of disadvantages too. Let’s look at both sides of the coin and see if we can find a balance.
Pros of Playing Too Much Minecraft
■ Minecraft is a great creativity stimulator. Players can build anything they want with unlimited resources (which they have to find or mine). They can explore, craft, build, farm, and create items or structures used to help fight off enemies or solve puzzles. Minecraft allows players to do whatever they want within a two-dimensional virtual world. It encourages them to use their imaginations and develop problem-solving skills.
■ Minecraft provides unlimited possibilities to the player. When you start a new world, it is entirely blank and ready for you to build on. The possibilities are endless. I can spend hours in Minecraft building anything I want and never run out of ideas. It’s so easy that even a kid could do it.
■ Minecraft allows players to practice designing things before actually building them. This is an excellent method of learning how to design and plan. A good example is a player who went to build a house, made the foundation, and then realized that he would need walls (and they were supposed to be on a slope or in the shape of an arch). Players don’t just draw up their plans right away. They take their time and think about possible designs. It’s a great way to learn how to think outside the box, develop an idea, and then implement it.
Cons of Playing Too Much Minecraft
■ Minecraft can interfere with regular school and social life. Minecraft is a fun game, but there is a time and place. I have seen plenty of players get so into Minecraft that they forget about eating, sleeping, bathing, and going to school. Some kids even skip school to play! It’s not worth it. Playing for hours on end will only leave you drained and exhausted. This can lead to school problems and impaired social skills.
■ Minecraft can take up a lot of time. The game can be addicting. Some players might spend more than 10 hours a day creating things in Minecraft. If you do that, you could easily miss out on important things like friends, family, activities, etc.
■ Minecraft is great for people with patience and perseverance. Players who can cope with the notion that getting stuck is part of the game and not a bad thing will find Minecraft easy and enjoyable. Players who can’t handle this kind of challenge might find it frustrating, annoying, and boring.
■ Minecraft can increase violent or aggressive behavior. If a player has problems in school or in real life, Minecraft might encourage them to act out. Some players have said that playing Minecraft made them lash out at their siblings more often than usual.
■ Minecraft can be addicting. A player might not know when to quit. There is a time and place for everything, and Minecraft takes up too many hours in some players’ minds. Some people have severe gaming addictions and have to be treated for them.
The pros and cons of Minecraft are pretty straightforward. The game has many incredible benefits but also has its disadvantages. If you play Minecraft too much, your life could quickly and easily end up in chaos.
Everything is in moderation, though. Minecraft is a great game. It’s a fun and exciting way to spend free time.
