The future of Minecraft: Why over 70% of gamers believe Minecraft will still thrive in 10 years
Minecraft has captivated players for over a decade, cementing itself as one of the most iconic and versatile video games of all time. With over 173 million active players, its popularity is undeniable.
Liquid Web’s recent study provides key insights into what has kept this beloved game thriving 13 years after its release. From fostering creativity to helping gamers build lasting connections, Minecraft continues to shape how players connect, create, and experience gaming.
Minecraft player statistics
- At their peak, gamers averaged 26 days of playtime (624 hours) per year.
- Currently, gamers are playing 75% less than they did at their peak.
- Minecraft is the most popular among PC, PlayStation, and Xbox gamers.
- Gamers are willing to pay extra for exclusive updates (47%), better hosting tools (26%), and early access to new features (25%).
- 3 in 10 gamers still have their first Minecraft world saved, and over half feel a sense of nostalgia when revisiting it.
- Over 30% of gamers have made long-term friends through Minecraft.
- Over 70% of gamers think Minecraft will still be popular in 10 years.
Minecraft player trends: Engagement insights, platform preferences, and shifting perceptions
Minecraft’s longevity and widespread appeal have made it a gaming classic. Learn how players engage with the game, their platform preferences, and their views on its legacy.
Despite its age, 5% of gamers said they still play Minecraft daily. PC remains the most preferred platform among Minecraft Gamers, followed by PlayStation and Xbox.
Broader engagement trends revealed that 1 in 4 gamers play the game a few times a week, with similar rates for male gamers. For female gamers, the engagement rate was slightly lower, with 1 in 5 returning to Minecraft more than once a week.
Player loyalty also stood out, with 13% of gamers having played Minecraft since its launch 13 years ago.
1 in 4 gamers have been active players for an average of 1-3 years.
At their peak – when gamers reported playing Minecraft the most – they averaged 26 days of playtime per year. Peak weekly playtime varied across platforms as follows:
- VR: 15 hours
- PC: 14 hours
- Xbox: 12 hours
- PlayStation: 11 hours
- Nintendo Switch: 11 hours
- Tablet: 9 hours
- Mobile: 8 hours
Engagement overall has since declined, with gamers playing Minecraft 75% less than they did at their peak levels.
How nostalgia influences Minecraft’s continued success
Nostalgia plays a key role in the game’s legacy: 3 in 10 gamers said they still have their first Minecraft world saved, and over half felt nostalgic when revisiting it.
Generationally, over 30% of millennials and 25% of Gen Z gamers still have their first world saved.
Among younger players, 2 in 5 Gen Zers felt that Minecraft continues to influence gaming culture as much as it once did. This optimism was felt strongly among tablet players, with nearly 40% sharing this sentiment.
Nearly 1 in 5 respondents believed Minecraft’s best days are still ahead.
In contrast, 60% of players, including 64% of PC gamers, believed the game’s best days were behind it.
From player trends to Minecraft performance: How server reliability shapes enjoyment
Server performance and customization are at the heart of what keeps Minecraft engaging for millions of players. From the technical reliability to creative freedom, these elements shape how players interact with and enjoy the game.
However, when servers lag or crash, it can disrupt the flow of gameplay, leaving players frustrated and disconnected from their creative projects.
Technical issues like slow loading times, server downtime, or limited customization options can stifle creative freedom, making it harder for players to fully realize their vision or collaborate with others.
These challenges highlight how crucial reliable performance and flexibility are to maintain the immersive experience that defines Minecraft.
However, performance issues still remain a challenge for many players. Mobile gamers (which make up 30% of regular Minecraft players) were the most likely to experience lag or crashes. Nearly 50% reported issues. Among consoles, Nintendo Switch users faced the most lag, followed by PlayStation and PC players.
Improvements Minecraft gamers desired the most:
- Faster server speeds.
- Better server stability and uptime.
- Greater customization options.
Reliable, high-speed game servers with excellent uptime are essential for a smoother experience. Hosting solutions that prioritize stability can reduce disruptions so players can focus on exploring and building without interruptions.
Customization and creativity are also important in maintaining Minecraft’s popularity.
2 in 5
Gamers said mods or custom servers are essential to their enjoyment, personalized experiences, and gameplay opportunities.
1 in 2
Gamers credited player creativity and user-generated content as the biggest factor keeping Minecraft popular.
This blend of technical reliability and limitless creativity thrives on the flexibility of VPS or dedicated servers. These solutions provide the power and control needed to support mods, custom servers, and the vibrant user-generated content that keeps Minecraft engaging.
Minecraft’s next chapter: Exploring its evolving role and unlimited future potential
Minecraft has grown from a simple game into a versatile platform for creativity, connection, and innovation, securing its lasting appeal and influence.
Some players use Minecraft in non-traditional ways. Its capacity to inspire creativity and problem-solving can make it a valuable tool across various fields, with 1 in 5 gamers having utilized the game for education, workplace projects, and even therapy.
“Minecraft’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend creativity, connection, and reliability. Players not only cherish the ties they’ve built. They crave advancements that elevate their gaming experience.”
Josh Liston
Senior Director of UX, Liquid Web
Minecraft has also fostered deep social connections among users. Over 30% of gamers have made long-term friends through the game, with 33% of male gamers and 28% of female gamers reporting lasting bonds formed within Minecraft’s collaborative spaces.
Looking ahead, players are optimistic about Minecraft’s future.
Over 70% of gamers, including 4 in 5 Gen Z players, believed Minecraft would remain popular for the next decade.
Gamers were also ready to invest in Minecraft’s continued evolution, with 47% willing to pay extra for exclusive updates and 25% for early access to new features.
Over 1 in 4 (26%) were also willing to spend more on better hosting tools, such as a Minecraft VPS. These would include solutions that provide faster server speeds, improved uptime, and greater customization options, which are needed to support mods, custom servers, and other creative elements.
Looking ahead: Minecraft’s enduring legacy
As the gaming landscape evolves and player interests shift toward new and engaging titles, Minecraft’s lasting success in the video game industry lies in its ability to evolve while staying true to what players cherish most – creativity, connection, and infinite possibilities.
From strong player engagement to the need for reliable servers and flexible hosting solutions, the game continues to set a high standard for gaming experiences.
With players eager to invest in better tools and customization options, Minecraft is likely to remain a favorite for years to come.
“By investing in server performance, fostering social connectivity, and delivering inspiring customization, Minecraft can evolve and thrive as a cultural and technological phenomenon for generations to come.”
Josh Liston
Senior Director of UX, Liquid Web
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Minecraft glossary
- Minecraft world
A procedurally-generated environment where players can build, explore, and survive, tailored to their unique preferences. - Mods (modifications)
Player-created enhancements that introduce new features, mechanics, or visuals, allowing for customized gameplay experiences. - Mobs
Mobs in Minecraft are any living entity in the game, such as animals, monsters, or NPCs, that interacts with players or the environment. - Custom servers
Player-hosted servers with specific rules, gameplay modes, and modifications, offering unique and personalized Minecraft environments. - Server lag
Delays or slowdowns in gameplay caused by poor server performance or network issues, disrupting the gaming experience. - Server downtime
Periods when servers are unavailable, preventing players from accessing their worlds or continuing their projects. - Server stability
The ability of a server to operate without crashes or interruptions, crucial for maintaining a smooth and immersive experience. - VPS (virtual private server)
A hosting solution providing players with dedicated resources for running Minecraft servers, enabling enhanced performance and customization. - Dedicated server
A physical server exclusively used for hosting Minecraft worlds, offering high performance and control for advanced players or large-scale projects. - User-generated content
Creations by players, such as mods, skins, and maps, that expand the game’s possibilities and enrich its community. - Player creativity
A defining feature of Minecraft, where players design, construct, and solve problems within the game’s open-ended sandbox environment. - Rage quitting
Abruptly leaving the game due to frustration, often triggered by technical issues or gameplay dissatisfaction. - Platform preferences
The devices players use to access Minecraft, such as PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, tablets, and mobile phones. - Hosting tools
Services or software designed to optimize server performance, improve customization, and enhance accessibility for players. - Peak playtime
The period when players were most actively engaged with Minecraft, often used as a metric for tracking trends in popularity.
