Minecraft as Web 2.0: Amateur Creativity & Digital Games

Abstract:     
This chapter considers how the digital game Minecraft has both enabled and benefited from various Web 2.0 practices. I begin with an explanation of the concept of Web 2.0 and then consider how that concept applies to the space of digital games. I then look at Minecraft specifically. As I explain, Minecraft’s surprise success as an “indie” game is largely attributable to the ways in which it draws upon amateur creativity. I conclude the chapter by suggesting that more games like Minecraft may be socially desirable, but noting that current intellectual property laws discourage the creation of these sorts of games.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 19

Keywords: Minecraft, games, intellectual property, Web 2.0, user-generated content

JEL Classification: K11, O34

working papers series