Minecraft fans are understandably concerned and dismayed about news of Microsoft’s purchase of the company that makes the game, Mojang. One brave ten-year-old wrote a personal letter to Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella.
10 year old Sabrina Lane made an impassioned plea to Nadella not to make any changes to the game. Sge described the things that she enjoyed about the game, described game elements, such as growing food and building things, and dealing with the Creepers. In the end, she makes the case that the game is perfect the way it is, and that is why she wants it to stay the same.
There are older Minecraft fans too, and in public online platforms such as Twitter and reddit, they let their opinions be heard. Our cover image itself comes from a fan on Twitter.
Among the concerns fans express are:
· That Microsoft will cut off the modding, as well as the YouTube vlogging communities.
· That Microsoft will make the game an Xbox exclusive.
· That Minecraft will become a monthly paid service.
· That Minecraft updates will no longer be free.
· That Minecraft updates will decline in quality
· That Minecraft will get new fees on top of what they already have.
· That Minecraft will lose a significant number of players.
Now, many of these concerns have been addressed from the start. However, it is still important for companies like Microsoft and Mojang to listen to the fans. Mojang themselves have stated that fan feedback will be a huge part of determining Minecraft’s feature.
If you are a Minecraft fan, what are your concerns with this purchase? Share your thoughts in the comments. In the meantime, you can read the full text of Sabrina Lane’s letter to Nadella below.
So I’ve heard the news that Microsoft might buy Minecraft, one of my favorite games. Kids like me — and teens — love the game, so I have a message for you and everyone at Microsoft: please don’t change it.People like me love Minecraft the way it is — educational (parents really like that part), and really fun.Minecraft is educational because you have to earn your stuff. If you want milk, you milk a cow. If you want diamonds, you start mining, and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find some.Yes, you really mine in Minecraft — it’s just like the real world. You have to grow your own food to eat, too, and you have to sleep every night to fill up your energy. You shear sheep to make carpets and beds, and you chop down trees for wood so that you can build things. And you mine things like gold and iron to make very strong swords and armor.Swords and armor are important because of the Creepers, which come out at night. In Minecraft, Creepers can kill you unless you kill them. That’s part of what makes Minecraft so fun!You can choose to play Minecraft in two different modes: “Creative” and “Survival.” The Creative mode lets you build anything you want (it’s like being in the Lego Movie. You feel free as a bird — it’s awesome). In Survival mode you have to earn your materials and fight with Creepers to survive. It’s about risk-taking, and it’s totally cool!That’s why Minecraft is perfect the way it is: You can choose to build any way you want, making amazing creations, or you can build like you’re in the real world, and do amazing things.Everyone I know, both boys and girls (except for Ruth), loves Minecraft the way it is. So, Microsoft, you should know that we all want to keep Minecraft the same!Thanks for reading!Sabrina.
