One of the world's best-selling games is the subject of analysis now that the next-generation of consoles is swiftly approaching. Minecraft is synonymous with video games due to its popularity. Its simplicity, combined with its masterful gameplay elements, give it tremendous replay value.
It's widely debated whether Minecraft would benefit from a sequel. Some believe the game is perfect, and couldn't possibly be improved. Both arguments are valid, which is why it makes sense to compile this listicle. For the sake of giving both cases a fighting chance, here are 5 reasons why Minecraft needs a sequel (& 5 why it doesn't).
10 Lack Of New Content (Needs A Sequel)
At one time, Minecraft provided an abundance of new content to keep players enthralled. Nowadays, the game is stagnant and hasn't changed that much for a while. Small nuances like mini-games keep the game from growing completely stale, but without mods, there isn't enough content.
Sure, Minecraft is a game that inspires creativity, and players will enjoy it regardless. It can be debated that the game is spectacular in its current state. A lack of meaningful content, however, prevents the game from reaching its potential.
9 Timeless Gameplay (Doesn't Need A Sequel)
The argument for a Minecraft sequel is strong, but the debate for Minecraft to be a standalone game might be even stronger. A sequel could tarnish the Minecraft name.
Minecraft: Story Mode is a Minecraft spinoff that many people deemed to be an utter disappointment. The Minecraft name can only take so much tarnishment before people become disinterested. Minecraft is near-perfect in its current state, so why take chances with a sequel? Its timeless gameplay is why Minecraft is a masterpiece.
8 Next-Gen Consoles (Needs A Sequel)
According to EA CFO Blake Jorgensen, the power of next-generation consoles is expected to be "substantially greater" than the previous generation. Minecraft is one of the many games that would benefit from next-gen capabilities.
A sequel or another port is something that needs to happen. We've already seen resolution increases for Minecraft, which were minor tweaks to the game. Minecraft needs a sequel if players are going to get the most out of their newly purchased consoles. In this case, another resolution increase will not suffice and a sequel is needed.
7 A Close-Knit Community (Doesn't Need A Sequel)
Minecraft has one of the most sizeable close-knit communities in the gaming world. Sharing creations with other players has always been an integral part of the game. A close-knit community that is blissfully interacting could become divided if a Minecraft sequel is made. One half of the community might like the sequel, whereas others will prefer the original game. It might be years before there is a Minecraft sequel, and if it does come to fruition, a Minecraft sequel will have massive implications for its community.
6 Dated Graphics (Needs A Sequel)
One of the most apparent reasons why Minecraft needs a sequel is because of its dated graphics. New texture packs improve the overall appearance of the game, but there is certainly room for improvement. A sequel could add more polish, making a meaningful impact on the game's realism. Similar games like Ark: Survival Evolved and Rust worked well with more realistic graphics. However, a Minecraft 2 would have to differentiate itself from games like Eco.
5 Minecraft: Dungeons (Doesn't Need A Sequel)
It's the year 2020, and Microsoft is finally doing something meaningful with one of their biggest IPs. We are, of course, referring to the Minecraft dungeon crawler, Minecraft: Dungeons. Players will adventure through different dungeonesque biomes, combating creatures from the Minecraft world.
Although the upcoming Minecraft: Dungeons is not a direct sequel, it does take place in the same universe as the original Minecraft. Minecraft: Dungeons is not a sequel, but a spin-off. For more news about Minecraft: Dungeons, stay posted.
4 Lack Of Updates (Needs A Sequel)
The majority of Minecraft's updates are free of charge. Aside from the texture and skin packs, the bulk of the game's new content is free for download. The game's devs integrated a series of updates that added mini-games such as Battle and Tumble and even improved graphics.
What we can't overlook, however, is the new Minecraft Realms Plus, which is subscription-based. Dedicated servers could potentially improve gameplay, but players shouldn't have to pay for them. Furthermore, it appears as if Mojang has slowed down concerning updates. Could the creative minds behind Minecraft be at an impasse? Maybe we do need a sequel.
3 The Original Creator Isn't A Part Of Mojang Anymore (Doesn't Need A Sequel)
The person who founded Minecraft is no longer a part of Mojang. Microsoft and Mojang have since distanced themselves from the original creator after he made a series of controversial comments. According to businessinsider.com, "Microsoft seems to be distancing Persson's creation from its creator: the company notably removed mentions of Persson from its main screen earlier this year."
A Minecraft sequel might not be as spectacular as the original due to having different developers. However, Mojang has talented new developers with an expanded team. They may not need Minecraft's original creator for a sequel.
2 Too Few Items (Needs A Sequel)
There appeared to be an abundance of items in Minecraft when we first played the game. That number seems smaller now that we've logged hundreds and thousands of hours. To the credit of Minecraft's community, mod developers had added mods that expand the game's list of items. This gives the game immense replay value for PC players but leaves console players out in the cold. A simple fix would enable mods for console players. If not, a sequel is needed. At the moment, Mojang has failed to address the issue.
1 It Can Be Ported (Doesn't Need A Sequel)
Minecraft may not need the sequel that people from the community are suggesting. The game has been ported numerous times to platforms such as the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Android, PC, iOS, PlayStation 4, macOS, Linux, Nintendo 3DS, and the list goes on.
Now, with Microsoft at the helm of Minecraft, we can be assured that the IP is in good hands. Looking at the past, we can tell Microsoft is interested in porting the game to more gaming platforms. As long as it is ported to new consoles, Minecraft has a future in gaming.