Introduction
Minecraft, the popular sandbox game, has been captivating players for over a decade. Since its creation, Minecraft has made a significant impact on YouTube, with countless videos showcasing the game’s unique features and gameplay. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane, exploring Minecraft’s history on YouTube and how it has evolved over the years.
The First Minecraft Video on YouTube: A Humble Beginning
In May 2009, Minecraft was officially released to the public. On that very day, a user named dwop uploaded the first-ever Minecraft video to YouTube. The video was a simple showcase of dwop’s dirt creation in his Minecraft world, devoid of any commentary. However, just five days later, a small YouTuber named Carl’s or posted the first Minecraft video with his own commentary, marking the beginning of a new era for Minecraft on YouTube.
Minecraft Let’s Plays Gain Traction: Seananners and PewDiePie
As Minecraft continued to receive updates, it became more enjoyable for players. In August 2010, well-known YouTuber seananners started a survival Minecraft Let’s Play, gaining significant recognition. His videos quickly became some of the most viewed Minecraft content at the time. It’s worth noting that in October 2010, PewDiePie, who would later become YouTube’s biggest star, also uploaded his first-ever video, which happened to be a Minecraft video.
Minecraft’s Rise in Public Interest: 2011
The year 2011 marked an upward trend in Minecraft’s popularity both as a game and on YouTube. During this time, many YouTubers focused on creating survival Minecraft Let’s Plays, as it was the only option available. Notably, popular YouTubers such as SkyDoesMinecraft, TheSyndicateProject, and TobyGames began their journeys by making Minecraft survival Let’s Plays. At the same time, the Yogscast, one of the first channels to introduce mods and custom maps into Minecraft, gained massive views due to their innovative content.
Minecraft Mods and Custom Maps Take Center Stage: 2012
In 2012, Minecraft saw a surge in public interest, particularly on YouTube. This year witnessed an increase in variety and original Minecraft content, surpassing the traditional vanilla survival Let’s Plays. YouTubers like SkyDoesMinecraft and TobyGames saw a massive boost in views due to their modded Minecraft videos and custom map playthroughs. Minecraft songs, including parody songs, also gained popularity during this period.
The Golden Age of Minecraft: 2013-2015
From 2013 to 2015, Minecraft experienced an explosion in popularity, making it the Golden Age of Minecraft on YouTube. Minecraft videos were ubiquitous, and viewers could find an abundance of enjoyable content. Modded Minecraft videos remained a major draw, captivating audiences with their creative gameplay. Additionally, collaborations between popular YouTubers became increasingly common, offering entertaining experiences on custom parkour courses and game modes.
Decline and Controversy: 2016
In 2016, Minecraft on YouTube faced numerous challenges. Views started to decline, and vanilla Let’s Plays no longer attracted as much attention. Additionally, the rise of clickbait and trending challenges on YouTube affected the Minecraft community. However, the most significant blow came from the controversy surrounding Minecraft YouTubers LionMaker and BasherVerse. Their controversial actions tarnished the reputation of the Minecraft community and led to the departure of prominent Minecraft content creators.
2017-2018: A Shift in Tides
The years 2017 and 2018 were challenging for Minecraft on YouTube. Views continued to decline, leading many content creators to leave the Minecraft scene in search of new interests or different types of videos. The emergence of Fortnite as a popular game further impacted Minecraft’s viewership, as some content creators shifted their focus to Fortnite content. However, a few YouTubers managed to adapt and maintain Minecraft viewership during this period.
The Resurgence of Minecraft: A Nostalgic Return
Despite the decline in popularity, many players and viewers began to reminisce about the good old days of Minecraft. As Fortnite garnered criticism and backlash, some individuals longed for the beloved game of their past. Minecraft started to make a nostalgic comeback, with people realizing that nothing could compare to the legendary gaming experience it offered.
Conclusion
Minecraft’s journey on YouTube has been a rollercoaster ride, from its humble beginnings in 2009 to its resurgence in recent years. The game has left an indelible mark on the platform, with countless videos showcasing its creativity and limitless potential. Regardless of the challenges faced along the way, Minecraft continues to captivate audiences and remains an iconic game in the world of YouTube.
