In an exciting development for the vast Minecraft community, Markus Persson (Notch), the original creator of the renowned block-building game, is venturing into new territory with a spinoff that he called “Minecraft 2”, let’s look into the dungeon crawler genre.
The New Game
Markus Persson (Notch), widely recognized for his groundbreaking work with Minecraft, has announced his latest project on social media, taking fan input into consideration for what could be another genre-defining game. This new venture combines the exploration and adventure aspects of Minecraft with the intense, strategic gameplay of classic dungeon crawlers.
I basically announced minecraft 2.
— notch (@notch) January 3, 2025
I thought that maybe people ACTUALLY do want me to make another game that's super similar to the first one, and I'm loving working on games again.
I don't super duper care exactly which game I make first (or even if I make more), but I do know…
The game aims to blend traditional roguelike elements, similar to games like ADOM or NetHack, with the tile-based, first-person dungeon exploration seen in titles like Legend of Grimrock and Eye of the Beholder.
The Concept
The concept of this new game remains shrouded in mystery, but early details suggest a return to the roots of dungeon exploration where players will navigate through procedurally generated mazes, battle unique enemies, and uncover secrets in environments that echo the blocky, voxel art style of Minecraft. A User on X (Formally Twitter) asked notch,
“So you would make a Minecraft 2?”
Markus Persson (Notch) Replied,
No, I’d make a similar game based on what I think the audience that says they want that game might enjoy. Probably do early access to make sure we’re on track.
But I mean I still sort of think I’m just a clown getting lucky in a sea of actual talents, so I have no idea if it actually will be good.
But I’ll try. Yes, you can laugh at me if I fail. I’d prefer it if people would keep in mind I could hurt my ego on comments like that, but, you know, that kind of stuff is kind of hillarious.
Unlike the open-world sandbox of Minecraft, this spinoff will focus on a more linear, yet complex, dungeon-crawling experience, emphasizing puzzles, traps, and combat.
Gameplay and Mechanics
From what’s been hinted at, the gameplay will be a departure from Minecraft’s crafting and building mechanics. Instead, it will delve into character progression, where players might level up, gain new abilities, or find powerful artifacts to aid in their journey.
The roguelike aspect means each playthrough could offer new challenges, with death leading to a restart but with the knowledge of previous runs helping players to progress further each time.
Visual and Aesthetic Appeal
Given Persson’s history, the visual style will likely maintain the charm and simplicity of Minecraft’s blocky world but adapted to fit the darker, more mysterious atmosphere of dungeons. This could mean vibrant yet ominous settings, where the familiar Minecraft blocks transform into the walls, floors, and ceilings of expansive underground labyrinths.
Community and Reception
The Minecraft community, known for its creativity and engagement, has shown a mix of excitement and curiosity about this new direction. Posts on X reflect a vibrant discussion with fans eager to see how the beloved Minecraft aesthetic will translate into a dungeon crawler.
I mean best I've got at the moment is Adventureland, so yeah no idea
— notch (@notch) January 3, 2025
There’s a palpable sense of anticipation as gamers ponder how this spinoff might expand upon or even redefine their expectations from the Minecraft universe.
Future Prospects
While specifics like the release date, platforms, or even the exact name of the game are yet to be revealed, the project has already sparked interest in what could be another seminal moment in gaming history.
If it follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, this dungeon crawler could not only attract Minecraft enthusiasts but also draw in fans of the dungeon crawler genre looking for something fresh and innovative, long time Minecraft player @Alekan2602 commented on youtube video which was covering notch journey into new indie game
Minecraft was one of my first games as a kid and I always wondered if Notch was going to create another awesome game. I hope this new game is something we will be talking about for a long time.
Markus Persson’s new game project is more than just an expansion of the Minecraft universe; it’s an exploration into a different genre with the potential to capture the imagination of a new audience while delighting long-time fans.
As we await more details, the gaming world watches with bated breath for what might be the next big adventure in the ever-evolving landscape of video games.
Keep an eye on official channels and social media for more updates on this intriguing new chapter in Minecraft’s legacy. Whether you’re a dungeon crawler devotee or a Minecraft builder at heart, this spinoff promises to offer something for everyone.