One of the first elements of Minecraft’s design that stands out is its cover. While there have been different versions of the cover depending on the console, they all feature Steve, the main character, exploring the vast cubic world. The textures on the cover are smoother than what is actually seen in the game, but players can achieve similar textures by using the “bare bones” texture pack. The cover showcases different biomes, tools, monsters, and even the female version of the basic skin, called Alex.
The most prominent textual element on the cover is the logo, which has evolved over time. In 2009, the logo simply consisted of the word “Minecraft” formed using blocks of stone from the game. However, this logo is now considered outdated and cheap-looking. In 2011, a new logo was introduced, featuring a smoother design with black cracks on the text and a black outline. The letter “A” in the logo even incorporates the head of a creeper, a popular enemy in the game. The logo has been refined over the years, with thicker outlines, more cubic cracks, a slight gradient for a realistic play of light, and a softer contrast on the lower part of the logo. This evolution has resulted in the most visually accomplished Minecraft logo to date.
To access the game, players must launch a launcher, which resembles a website with navigation menus and an animated banner promoting new features. From the launcher, players can choose the version of Minecraft they want to play. The launcher visually represents the Minecraft universe, but the focus is on the game itself.
Comparing the home interface of the current version (1.20.2) and the oldest version available (1.0), there are noticeable differences. In the older version, the background is simple and blurred to allow players to focus on the foreground buttons. However, in the current version, there is no background blur, allowing players to enjoy a flowery landscape. The buttons have remained relatively consistent throughout the versions, with simple rectangles, a black outline, a shadow at the bottom, and a light at the top. The hover animation, however, has changed. In the older versions, hovering over a button would cause a bluish layer to appear and the text to turn yellow. This created a reminder effect with the small yellow text at the top. However, this combination of yellow over blue affected readability. In the current version, a white outline is used instead, preserving the readability of the text.
Overall, Minecraft’s design is captivating and has evolved over time to meet modern design standards. The game’s cover, logo, launcher, and in-game interface all contribute to its unique and visually appealing experience. Minecraft’s design has played a significant role in its success and continues to attract players worldwide.