Why Is Minecraft So Addictive?

There are a few things that immediately spring to mind when you consider what most kids enjoy: TV, video games, and Lego. All three of them come to mind when you think of Minecraft. In fact, the aim of the game is to create, and Minecraft looks a lot like Lego components. 

The above picture aptly shows the dilemma almost every kid faces in a wide variety of scenarios. As per a recent study, Minecraft is the market’s most addictive game. This study evaluated a selection of games and assigned each game a level of addictiveness. More than 1,500 gamers and their habits were tracked for the study. 

Read on as we go through a few of the reasons why Minecraft is so addictive!!

1. The Game Has No Set Goals

There cannot be a more prominent reason to get kids hooked on gameplay than it being one of the simplest games to play without worrying about an end goal. This implies that no particular set of objectives must be met in order to “win.” Some games, like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, include a set time limit for finishing a level. Minecraft doesn’t have a time limit or objective that “ends” the game, allowing kids to play it endlessly. Due to this, it can be challenging for children to recognize when enough is enough.

2. Imagination Knows No Bounds In Minecraft

The opportunity to let your imagination run wild, gather materials, and see what you have imagined come to life are just some of the intriguing challenges that Minecraft offers. Its fascinating journey of turning concepts into objects while one meticulously builds and alters the environment in front of them is what makes it so addictive.

You are given the ability to build any concept into reality within this virtual sandbox, leaving behind an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment.

3. The Dopamine Effect

Dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter, is released when you play video games, according to a 1998 study that appeared in the scientific journal Nature. The amount of dopamine released when playing video games was comparable to that observed following intravenous injection of stimulant drugs such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. This is also seen in the case of Minecraft and it’s endless gameplay.

What happens when one suddenly stops playing after spending long hours playing a game like Minecraft? There is a need for another surge of dopamine, like a drug addict looking for the next hit. Before they know it, they’re addicted, and can’t live without it and thus spend longer hours playing the game.

4. Tremendous Peer Pressure

Kids’ obsession with Minecraft is also fueled by their friendships. They experience peer pressure to play online, much like they would in a social setting, to keep up. Children compete with one another, and they play games for longer periods to develop new skills. Peer pressure might be a major factor in your child’s Minecraft addiction.

5. An Escape

Video games like Minecraft have evolved into a means of escaping reality. Playing Minecraft is a common way for kids to relieve stress, avoid difficult feelings, or divert their attention from real issues happening in their daily lives. Minecraft’s simple yet intriguing blocky graphics, soothing music, and immersive action may produce a relaxing and engaging experience that keeps players hooked for a long time.

How does it affect kids?

Approximately 9 out of 10 children play video games like Minecraft and that is close to 64 million!! Surprisingly, some of them start using keyboards or smartphones before they can even form complete sentences. Researchers are worried most about teens who obsessively play games before they are even 21 because they believe it may change the neurological structure of their brains.

Children who become addicted to Minecraft may face a number of negative consequences that may affect multiple aspects of their lives, such as:

• Feeling sleep deprived
• A decline in academic performance
• Struggling to cut back on screen time or quit playing games
• A lack of interest in other activities or social life

It’s crucial to remember that, despite the fact that Minecraft can be addictive for kids, it is up to the parents to mix cautious moderation with a healthy gaming lifestyle. Setting limits, taking breaks, and giving priority to other facets of life, including work, school, and connections with other people in the real world is always recommended.

Moonpreneur is also offering a free $10 Minecraft e-gift card for attending their game development or robotics trial class for kids between the ages 7-16 years.

Minecraft is one of the most popular games among kids, and Moonpreneur is now turning this fun gameplay into an opportunity to learn how to code. Minecraft Coding course will help kids learn the skill of coding the fastest and in the most fun way ever possible! Book a free class today!