Minecraft is a popular sandbox video game that was created by Markus Persson and developed by Mojang Studios. It was released in 2011 and has since become one of the best-selling video games of all time, with over 200 million copies sold across multiple platforms. The game allows players to explore and create their own virtual world made up of blocks in a 3D procedurally generated environment. The world is vast and consists of various biomes such as forests, mountains, deserts, and oceans. Players can gather resources from the environment like wood, stone, and ores to craft tools, weapons, and structures. Minecraft offers multiple game modes to cater to different playstyles. In survival mode, players must gather resources, build shelter, hunt for food, and protect themselves from monsters that appear at night. Creative mode allows players unlimited access to resources and the ability to fly freely around the world while focusing on building and creating elaborate structures. The game also features an adventure mode where custom maps created by other players can be explored. Additionally, there is a multiplayer mode where players can join servers or create their own worlds to collaborate or compete with others. One of the most appealing aspects of Minecraft is its extensive modding community. Players have created countless modifications or "mods" that add new features, gameplay mechanics, or even entirely new dimensions to the game. This has significantly expanded Minecraft's replayability and contributed to its enduring popularity. # License Restrictions Can one use free versions of Minecraft client to access self-hosted Minecraft servers? ## ChatGPT Answer As of my last update in April 2023, whether you can use a free version of the Minecraft client to access self-hosted Minecraft servers depends on several factors, including the version of Minecraft you are referring to and the type of server being hosted. ### Official Minecraft Versions - **Minecraft: Java Edition** and **Minecraft: Bedrock Edition** are the two primary official versions of Minecraft. Accessing most self-hosted servers with these versions typically requires a purchased copy of the game. Mojang, the developer of Minecraft, requires a valid account that has purchased the game to connect to multiplayer servers, including self-hosted ones. This is to ensure that each player has a unique identifier and to help manage player authentication and security. ### Cracked Servers and Clients - Some self-hosted servers are set up to allow "cracked" clients to join. Cracked servers disable the authentication check that ensures a player has a legitimate copy of the game. While it is technically possible for users with free or non-official versions of the client to join these servers, it's important to note that using or hosting cracked clients and servers is against Mojang's terms of service. It poses significant security risks, can expose users to malicious software, and undermines the game's development. ### Educational and Other Special Versions - **Minecraft: Education Edition** is a version of the game designed specifically for educational purposes, which schools and educational institutions can purchase. While it's not a "free" version, it operates under different licensing terms than the standard Java or Bedrock Editions. Access to self-hosted servers with Minecraft: Education Edition is restricted to educational purposes and requires specific setup and permissions. ### Third-party Modifications and Launchers - There are also third-party launchers and modifications that claim to allow access to Minecraft or custom servers without purchasing the game. However, these also often violate Mojang's terms of service and can pose security risks. ### License info summary In summary, accessing self-hosted Minecraft servers typically requires a purchased copy of either Minecraft: Java Edition or Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. While there are ways to access servers without a purchased copy, they are not supported by Mojang and often involve legal and security risks. Always consider the implications and risks of using unofficial or cracked versions, and support the game developers by purchasing and using official releases. # Conclusion Overall, Minecraft offers a vast virtual sandbox for players to explore their creativity, survive challenging environments, embark on adventures with friends, or simply relax and build impressive structures in an open-ended world. # References ```dataview Table title as Title, authors as Authors where contains(subject, "Minecraft") ```