A new version of the best-selling video game Minecraft is set to help children dig (quite literally) into Welsh history like never before.
Since its launch in 2011, Minecraft has become one of the most popular video games of all time, selling over 300 million copies. In the game, players explore a vast pixelated world generated from three dimensional blocks, which can be ‘mined’, and then used to construct buildings and tools.
And now, for the first time, fans of Minecraft will be able to explore a selection of Welsh monuments, which have been lovingly recreated in the Minecraft universe in collaboration with Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service.
The first landmark to be added into the special education version of the game – created specifically to be used as a learning tool in schools – is Conwy Castle, with nineteen more sites to be added over the next 18 months. From their classrooms, children will be able to explore these virtual sites in a fun and familiar way, undertaking tours and “quests” to learn more about their historical significance. The launch of each new landmark will be accompanied by training sessions and lesson ideas for teachers, available to access on the Hwb website.
Alongside being able to explore Welsh sites in the Minecraft world, children will also have the option to play the game entirely in the Welsh language for the first time, encompassing everything from the menu options to the in-game text.
Speaking about the launch of the new partnership between Cadw and Minecraft Education, Welsh Government Minister for Culture and Skills, Jack Sargeant, said, ‘This is a huge and innovative programme, and I am delighted to help launch this fantastic new Welsh language version of Minecraft.’
‘Not only does it celebrate the heritage of Wales, but through accompanying resources and activities, it will inspire children to explore their own history and culture, hopefully to research and build their own versions of these historical sites,’ he added.
Learn more about some of our most famous monuments (the real-life versions!), or find out about the thriving video game sector in Wales.