Beyond the Block: Examining Minecraft’s Influence on Modern Gaming

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In the realm of gaming, few titles have achieved the iconic status and broad-reaching influence of Minecraft. Developed by Mojang Studios, the sandbox game has transcended its pixelated blocks, becoming a cornerstone in the modern gaming industry. This blog post endeavors to shed light on Minecraft’s significant imprint on contemporary gaming, exploring its innovative gameplay, community engagement, and cross-genre influence.

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A Sandbox of Innovation

Minecraft introduced a novel sandbox experience that provided players with a canvas of boundless possibilities. Unlike many games with linear storylines and set objectives, Minecraft handed the reins of creativity to the players, encouraging exploration, building, and learning through a virtually unlimited gaming environment.

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Community Engagement

A significant portion of Minecraft’s allure lies in its robust community. The game has spawned a plethora of online forums, YouTube channels, and Twitch streamers dedicated to showcasing builds, tutorials, and gameplay. Through these platforms, players can share experiences, learn new techniques, and participate in a global community that continues to fuel Minecraft’s enduring popularity.

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The Birth of a Genre: Survival Crafting

Minecraft was a trailblazer in establishing the survival crafting genre, where players gather resources, craft tools, and build structures to survive against adversities. Its success inspired a wave of similar games such as Terraria and Ark: Survival Evolved, expanding a genre that blends survival instincts with creative crafting.

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Educational Gaming

Minecraft’s potential as a learning tool has led to the creation of Minecraft: Education Edition. This variant emphasizes educational content, allowing educators to harness the game’s interactive environment for teaching subjects ranging from mathematics to history. It’s a shining example of how games can be integrated into educational frameworks, providing a fun, engaging way for students to learn.

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Virtual Reality (VR) Integration

Minecraft’s VR edition provides an immersive experience that’s rare in the gaming industry. By stepping into a blocky, yet boundless world, players can explore, create, and interact in a wholly new way, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming.

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Indie Development Spotlight

The success of Minecraft, initially an indie project, illuminated the potential of indie game development. It showed that with a unique idea and well-executed design, small studios could compete with large developers, opening doors for many indie developers to bring their imaginative concepts to life.

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Cross-Platform Play

Minecraft was among the pioneers in promoting cross-platform play, allowing gamers on different platforms to play together. This inclusive approach has influenced the gaming industry, nudging other developers to provide cross-platform support, fostering a more unified gaming community.

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Modding Culture

Minecraft’s modding culture is a testament to its influence. The ability for players to modify the game has led to a rich modding community, creating everything from simple texture packs to complex gameplay modifications. This culture has set a precedent for other games, showcasing the potential for extending a game’s lifespan and fostering creativity within the player base.

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Game-Changer Recapitulation: Minecraft’s Legacy in Contemporary Gaming

Minecraft’s influence on modern gaming is a multifaceted affair. Its innovative gameplay, strong community engagement, and cross-genre influences have left an indelible mark. The game has not just entertained millions, but it has also opened doors to new gaming genres, inspired indie developers, and showcased the educational potential of gaming. As we traverse through evolving gaming landscapes, the legacy of Minecraft serves as a beacon, illuminating the path towards innovation, inclusivity, and the boundless potential of gaming.

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The profound impact of Minecraft on modern gaming is not just a tribute to the game’s design but a reflection of the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry. As Minecraft continues to grow and influence other gaming titles, it remains a seminal example of how creativity and community can propel a game into a league of its own.

Crafting Worlds: The Endless Possibilities of Minecraft’s Sandbox

In the vast landscape of video games, Minecraft stands as a titan of creativity and exploration. Developed by Mojang Studios, Minecraft is a sandbox game that lets players create and explore virtual worlds made up of blocks. The essence of Minecraft lies in its sandbox nature, where the limitations are bound only by one’s imagination. This post delves into the heart of Minecraft’s sandbox, exploring the endless possibilities it offers.

A Canvas of Blocks

Minecraft provides a blank canvas where players can craft anything from simple cottages to grandiose castles. The blocky aesthetic, far from being a limitation, becomes a source of creative expression. Each block placed is a stroke of imagination, building up to create structures that are as functional as they are artistic.

Virtual Engineering with Redstone

Within Minecraft exists a peculiar substance known as Redstone. Resembling electrical circuits, Redstone opens the door to virtual engineering. Players can create functioning mechanisms, from simple door traps to complex calculators. The logic gates and circuitry mimic real-world electronics, providing a hands-on experience in digital logic design.

Modding: Expanding the Horizon

One of the game’s profound features is its modding community. Mods, or modifications, allow players to add new content or change existing mechanics. This fosters a culture of innovation and sharing, as players create and distribute mods that range from new creatures and items to entirely new dimensions and gameplay mechanics.

Learning Through Play

Minecraft is not just a game; it’s a learning platform. The Education Edition serves as a tool for teachers, offering a range of lessons in mathematics, science, history, and more. It’s a place where the traditional classroom meets the digital frontier, transforming learning into an interactive experience.

Immersive Storytelling

The sandbox nature of Minecraft also offers a fertile ground for immersive storytelling. Through custom maps and scripted adventures, players can experience narratives crafted by others or create their own stories, complete with dialogues, characters, and plot twists.

Multiplayer: Building Together

Minecraft’s multiplayer mode fosters a sense of community. Players can join servers to collaborate on projects, partake in adventures, or simply hang out in a virtual space. The collaborative aspect enriches the sandbox experience, bringing diverse minds together to create, explore, and learn.

Virtual Reality: A New Perspective

With VR support, Minecraft transcends the screen, offering a truly immersive experience. Players can step into the worlds they’ve crafted, exploring their creations from a whole new perspective. It’s not just playing a game; it’s living within your imagination.

Environmental Simulation

Minecraft’s biomes and weather systems offer a basic simulation of different environments. Players can experience a variety of climatic and geological settings, each with its unique resources and challenges. This simulation sparks curiosity about the natural world, leading to exploration both in-game and in real life.

Sandbox Summation: Unleashing Creativity in the Digital Playground

The scope of what can be achieved within the cubic confines of Minecraft is astounding. The game encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and continuous learning. It’s a realm where players can explore their creativity, learn new skills, and connect with others. The endless possibilities of Minecraft’s sandbox beckon, offering a playground limited only by the bounds of imagination.

In diving into Minecraft’s sandbox, players are not just engaging in a game; they are embracing a platform that encourages creativity, learning, and community. The boundless nature of Minecraft’s sandbox is a testament to the game’s profound impact, creating a space where imagination and innovation thrive. Through every crafted block, engineered circuit, and shared adventure, Minecraft continues to inspire a generation of gamers, creators, and learners.

From Pixels to Play: The Social Dynamics of Minecraft Communities

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Introduction

In a digital universe of cubic landscapes and infinite possibilities, millions of players converge to partake in a shared adventure that transcends the boundaries of the physical world. Welcome to the universe of Minecraft, a game that’s more than just a medley of blocks. It’s a social phenomenon, a community of like-minded individuals who not only play but also interact, collaborate, and innovate. The social dynamics of Minecraft communities unfold within and beyond the game, forging connections that are as real and enduring as any in the physical world. This exploration ventures into the heart of Minecraft’s social ecosystem, shedding light on the interactions that form the fabric of this digital society.

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Minecraft as a Social Platform

At its core, Minecraft is a sandbox game, a blank canvas that empowers players with the tools to create and explore. Yet, it’s the social interactions that breathe life into the pixelated landscapes. Whether you’re embarking on survival adventures with friends or engaging in massive community projects on servers, the game fosters a sense of community and shared endeavor. The ease with which players can collaborate and share their creations makes Minecraft not just a game, but a social platform.

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The Realm of Multiplayer Servers

The advent of multiplayer servers has taken the social aspect of Minecraft to new heights. Servers like Hypixel, Mineplex, and others have become bustling digital metropolises where players can engage in a myriad of activities. From competitive mini-games to cooperative building projects, the array of shared experiences fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among players. The multiplayer realm is where friendships are forged, teamwork is tested, and social dynamics are most evident.

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Community Constructs: The Social Fabric of Minecraft

The social fabric of Minecraft is rich and diverse, mirroring the real world in many ways. Communities rally around common interests, be it a love for medieval architecture, redstone engineering, or competitive PvP (Player versus Player) combat. The game provides a common ground where individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures can interact and learn from each other. This melting pot of ideas and experiences is what drives innovation in Minecraft, leading to astonishing creations and game modifications.

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Virtual Societies and Governance

The organization and governance within Minecraft communities reflect intriguing social dynamics. Large servers often have established hierarchies, rules, and social norms that guide player behavior. Administrators and moderators work to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment, while various social roles emerge within the community, akin to a digital society. The establishment of economies, trade systems, and even political structures in some servers showcases the depth of social interaction and organization possible within Minecraft.

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Online Friendships and Real-world Connections

Minecraft doesn’t just create virtual connections; it often leads to real-world friendships. The shared experiences and interactions within the game create bonds that extend beyond the digital realm. Many players have found lasting friendships, and some even life partners, through their Minecraft adventures. The game serves as a medium for social interaction, bridging geographical and cultural divides to foster genuine connections.

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Educational and Therapeutic Communities

Minecraft’s potential as a social tool extends into the realms of education and therapy. Educators and therapists have utilized the game to create supportive communities where individuals can learn, interact, and grow in a safe and engaging environment. Whether it’s helping students understand complex concepts through interactive gameplay or providing a therapeutic outlet for individuals with autism, the social aspect of Minecraft has proven to be a valuable resource.

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Conclusion: The Social Symphony of Minecraft

Minecraft transcends its identity as a game to emerge as a vibrant social platform. The diverse communities, the shared experiences, and the genuine connections formed within its pixelated realms showcase the profound social dynamics at play. From pixels to play, the journey of Minecraft is a testament to the enduring human desire for community and shared adventure. As players continue to dig, build, and dream together, the social saga of Minecraft is an ongoing narrative, evolving with every block placed, every friendship forged, and every community built. Through the lens of Minecraft, we catch a glimpse of the boundless potential of digital platforms to foster meaningful social interactions in the modern era.

Learning to Draw Cool Things in Minecraft

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Minecraft is not just a game; it’s a canvas where your imagination runs wild. Drawing and creating artistic structures can be an incredible way to express oneself in the pixelated world. This blog post aims to guide you through the journey of creating cool drawings and artistic structures in Minecraft, ensuring you have the resources and knowledge to let your creativity flourish.

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Step 1: Gathering Resources

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Before diving into drawing, gather the necessary resources. Blocks of different colors and textures are your palette. Wool, concrete, and terracotta are great for vibrant drawings.

• Wool: Provides a variety of colors.
• Concrete: Offers a solid color texture.
• Terracotta: Comes with earthly tones.

Consider visiting the Minecraft Wiki for a comprehensive list of materials.

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Step 2: Choosing Your Canvas

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Your canvas could be a flat ground, a large wall, or even the sky. Choose a canvas based on the scale and style of your drawing.

• Flat Ground: Ideal for 2D drawings.
• Large Wall: Great for murals.
• The Sky: Perfect for 3D structures.

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Step 3: Sketching Your Design

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Sketching your design on paper or a digital platform can be a helpful step to visualize your creation.

• Use graph paper to maintain proportion.
• Digital tools like Pixel Art can also be handy.

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Step 4: Starting with Basics

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Begin by understanding the basics of pixel art, which translates well into Minecraft’s blocky world.

• Learn the basics of pixel art from Lospec.
• Understand shading and color theory to add depth to your drawings.

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Step 5: Transferring Your Sketch

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Now, transfer your sketch into the Minecraft world block by block. Take your time and don’t rush the process.

• Use a grid overlay mod to help with precision.
• Start with the outline, then fill in colors.

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Step 6: Utilizing Mods and Tools

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Mods and tools can significantly speed up the drawing process.

• WorldEdit: This mod allows you to manipulate the world with commands.
• VoxelSniper: Useful for creating large-scale art.
• Learn more about these mods on Planet Minecraft.

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Step 7: Experimenting and Learning

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Experiment with different styles, scales, and materials. Practice is the key to improving your drawing skills in Minecraft.

• Join art-focused Minecraft servers to learn and get inspired by others.
• Participate in building competitions to challenge your skills.

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Step 8: Sharing Your Work

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Share your creations with the Minecraft community.

• Post your work on platforms like Reddit.
• Share on Minecraft forums and receive feedback to improve.

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Conclusion: Unleashing Your Creativity

Drawing cool things in Minecraft can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With the right resources, a bit of patience, and a dash of creativity, you can create amazing artwork in this blocky universe. So, pick up your blocks and start drawing; a world of pixelated art awaits you.

You don’t have to limit your drawings to the world of Minecraft. You can also draw buildings and creatures from the game in the old-school way: with pencil and paper. I learned how to draw an axolotl for this digital drawing that I made:

And I also learned how to draw a creeper for this spooky forest scene:

Building Blocks of Creativity: An In-depth Exploration of Minecraft’s Educational Potential

Embarking on a digital adventure through the pixelated realms of Minecraft, players are not just engaging in a game of survival or creation; they are stepping into a world brimming with educational potential. Minecraft, a sandbox game developed by Mojang Studios, has become a tool for educators and learners alike, fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. This blog post delves into the multifaceted educational essence of Minecraft, unearthing the potential it holds to transform traditional learning paradigms.

Exploring the Education Edition:

Minecraft: Education Edition is a classroom-friendly variant that empowers educators to incorporate gaming in a learning environment. With its tailored features like Classroom Mode and a companion app for teachers, managing a digital classroom has never been more interactive and fun. Lessons span across subjects—be it mathematics, science, history, or coding, Minecraft serves as a vibrant learning platform.

The World of Mathematics:

Minecraft’s block-based nature is a fertile ground for mathematical exploration. Students can grasp concepts of geometry, measurement, and spatial reasoning in an engaging environment. Building structures require a foundational understanding of dimensions, area, and volume, making Minecraft a practical tool for learning mathematics.

Coding and Redstone Engineering:

Delving into the realms of Redstone engineering opens up a window into basic programming concepts. The logic gates and circuits mimic real-world electronics, providing a hands-on experience for students. Moreover, with platforms like Code.org integrating Minecraft-based lessons, students can learn coding in a familiar and enjoyable setting.

History Comes Alive:

By recreating historical landmarks and exploring world cultures through Minecraft, students can experience history firsthand. Teachers can curate lessons that transport students to ancient civilizations, enabling a deeper connection and understanding of historical events.

Collaboration and Social Skills:

Minecraft promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. In a multiplayer setting, players work together to achieve common goals, mirroring real-world collaborative scenarios. The game cultivates a community of learners, enhancing social interaction and shared learning experiences.

Educational Horizons: Unveiling Future Learning Through Minecraft:

Minecraft’s educational potential is boundless. It breaks down the walls of traditional classrooms, paving the way for an immersive learning experience. The fusion of education and gaming in Minecraft is a testament to how interactive digital platforms can enhance learning, making education a captivating adventure rather than a mundane task. As we continue to explore the integration of gaming in education, Minecraft stands as a pioneering force, redefining the way we perceive learning.

Adventuring into the Nether at Sunset

I decided to take a quick trip into the Nether at sunset after a long day of enchanting. Here I am in front of the portal just as the sun is about to set in the Western sky. It’s the end of the day in the overworld.

Once inside the Nether, I head over to a lava waterfall. It’s hot over there!

Next, I wander over to a group of glowstone blocks. I like collecting these for use as decorations in the Overworld.

Here I am deep in the Nether. The red landscape makes me feel like I’m in the Upside Down from Stranger Things.

Inside the Upside Down?

I better arm myself with my Netherite Sword. There’s no telling what evil awaits me deep here in the red forests of the Nether.

Let’s Enchant, Part 1

I started a new game of Minecraft in Survival Mode with just one goal in mind: get an enchanting table up and running as soon as possible.

I started out on a small island. This isn’t good news because to eventually get an enchanting table, I’m going to need plenty of space to farm cows, which provide the Leather to make the books that you turn into bookshelves to make your enchanting table more powerful. But I have time, and with a boat I can find some cows.

The good news? There’s plenty of sugarcane right here and you need that for paper (also to make books).

My starting location in a new world in Minecraft. It’s enchanting!

Just like any other new survival mode game, the first objective is to get some wood and create a safe space for when night falls. I needed to chop the wood from the trees near my starting spot and rather than try to build a house, I’m just going to dig a tunnel deep underground. That’s because sooner or later I need to get to the bottom to start looking for diamonds, which I’ll need to craft the enchanting table.

My small little hidey hole underground. It’s simple, comfortable, and safe.

I created a small “hidey hole” underground and placed a crafting table and furnace there to get started.

Oh and this is an overhead view of my starting island. As you can see it is not very big. Later on, I will terraform it a little bit to make it more suitable.

Looking down at my little starting island at night.

The next thing I needed to do was to find some chickens and cows and transport them to my small little island. I built a boat and started exploring the nearby ocean. Eventually I found some mainland and it had a ruined Nether Portal right there. Cool! Later, when I get my diamond pickaxe, I can mine that and re-use the obsidian for the enchanting table.

A ruined Nether Portal on a nearby shore.

I found some chickens and lured them to the boat with some seeds. It’s pretty easy to tame a chicken and I was able to transport them one at a time across the ocean in my boat. Once I have two adult chickens on my starting island, I’ll breed them to make hundreds!

Luring some chickens into my boat. Here chicky chicky!

Off we row into the wild blue sea. Just me and my little chicken friend.

Later on I did the same thing, but with cows.

We’re mooving across the water.

After a while, I have three separate pens set up on my island. One is for chickens, one is for cows, and one is for sheep. A few of the cows wandered into the sheep’s pen.

I’m focusing mostly on the cows, because after I breed enough and then kill them, they’ll drop the leather that I need to craft the books. In turn, the books are used for the bookshelves that will surround the enchanting table.

Three different animal pens for chickens, cows, and sheep.

And that’s where we are. More to come in Part 2.

Temple of the Bees

Welcome to the Temple of the Bees, a tiny little temple on a small island. It celebrates the arrival of bees in Minecraft, which happened a ways back in version 1.15 – Buzzy Bees.

It’s a simple temple, made of stone bricks. It has been around long enough for moss to grow around it. The temple is built on the top of a hill that is (of course!) covered in flowers. There are bee nests in most of the nearby trees, owing to the very large number of bees that buzz about.

Someone constructed two bee hives inside the temple, and long ago, a simple wooden pier was built at the bottom of the hill. A narrow path leads up the hill to the steps of the temple.

View of the Temple of the Bees island from above

The front of the Temple of the Bees

Temple of the Bees at night

Halloween in the Graveyard

(a short Halloween story created with the help of AI Dungeon)

It was a dark and stormy night…

You were born on a cold and snowy night in a small insignificant village. The village was picture perfect, but you were the only one to survive an outbreak of influenza during the winter. Due to your young age, it was easy for you to be taken care of by the local government. The schools were closed for the winter months, so to keep you entertained the Mayor put you in the care of three Snowflakes, whom the citizens affectionately called the Sunshine Girls.

You say “I wonder where I am?”
It was the most wonderful time of your life. Every day was a school day/ party day.

You look around.
You are in a dark forest, deep within the branches of a large black Oak. The night’s sky has cleared, and there are no signs of any human life.

You pull out a match and light your lantern.
You take out a lantern, and place it on the ground.
You look at your surroundings, and frown. There’s nothing but trees around you, and their branches cover the sky. There is no moon or stars in the sky, and the darkness feels oppressive.

You look for a path out of the dark forest.
You find a path, and your spirits brighten. It’s narrow and overgrown, but it leads out of the forest. You take small steps, and follow the dark trail through the forest.

You leave the forest.
You find yourself exiting the forest, onto a road. You are startled by the sudden transition, and watch the trees silently pass you by.
Slowly, you realize that you are watching a whole street of headstones. You watch a horse draw carriage pass you by, it’s red paint marring the monotony of the eternal stones.
Then, your eye is caught by a child’s grave stone.

You examine the child’s grave stone.
Your eyes scan the grave stone, and your heart skips a beat when you read the child’s name.
“Rita”, the grave stone reads.

You say “Rita?”
A cold wind blows, rustling the grave stones.
“Rita?” you repeat.
“Rita’s dead.”
Rita was the name of one of the three Sunshine Girls. You cannot be certain, but you feel an overwhelming sense of gloom and despair, and you believe this grave marks her final resting place.
You turn around, to leave the graveyard, and you hear laughter. The sound startles you, and the wind dies down. You do not see anyone, but the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.
You decide to leave the graveyard, and quickly make your way towards your house. As you walk down the street, a black carriage comes into view.

You wave at the black carriage.
You wave at the black carriage. It slows down, and the passenger window lowers. You hear a voice from the carriage, but it’s too far away to make out the words. “Who are you? Where do you think you’re going?”
You look around you, to find a house key hanging off a nearby tree. You rush over to take the key, but the carriage speeds off.

You grab the house key from the nearby tree.
You grab the house key from the nearby tree. The carriage speeds off. You are about to run after it, but a man is standing in front of your path.
You recognize him as the gravedigger, and past experience has taught you to trust no one.
“Who are you?” he asks.
“I’m Julia. The girl who just died.”

A few more scenes from my new village

Just sharing a few more scenes from my new village spawn.

Zombie at night in the village.

A villager standing guard in front of a building. Two different looks!

The sun sets over the village at the end of the day.