Block by Block: The Use of the Video Game "Minecraft" as a Tool to Increase Public Participation

Abstract

<p>Mojang and UN Habitat have formed Block by Block, an organization with the sole purpose of using Mojang's game, Minecraft, to increase community input in planning projects around the world. This use of Minecraft in such a tangible way is fairly new in gaming and urban planning contexts, as previous games that may have been useful in the urban planning field weren't necessarily powerful enough to be of use to planners.</p>

<p>The purpose of this research project is to explore the Block by Block program in order to examine whether the methodologies employed by the Block by Block team can increase participation in marginalized communities. This research project analyzes the Block by Block program through a review of manuals and other materials released by the program itself, and finds preliminary evidence that the program may be useful in increasing participation in marginalized communities.</p>