SFYP – Minecraft – Shared Futures

Minecraft

Minecraft is one of the most popular games around the world and is the most streamed game in history. It is one of the rare games played widely be players of all ages. Its concept is that many players exist in a 3D world (3D map) and are able to interact with their surrounding to build stuff. We have created a dedicated Minecraft server for this project with multiple worlds that are populated from real life maps from Northern Ireland reflecting real locations in different cities that look a bit futuristic. Players would work alone or in groups to cocreate, build, and reimagine their areas implementing project based on the knowledge they have acquired from the previous tools and discussions about social economy and the different implementations possibilities.

Players would meet at the beginning of every session and will be given a printed map of the world they will be playing in, the server will be set to a world reflecting a known location for the players, normally in the area they live in. The players would learn how to play the game by navigating its using an attached leaflet (link here) (to be printed) explaining the game controls and the quest for the world (example link here).

Equipment

Consoles such as Xbox & PlayStation are very suitable for this tool
Monitors are essential for Consol gaming, the larger the screen, the more players can play at once on a console
Laptops (Windows or Mac), minimum 8 GB Ram (1 per user if using keyboard, more players can play on a single device if using game controllers depending on screen size)
Game controllers are strongly advised for this game (1 per player)
Game Passes/Subscriptions for PC, Mac, Xbox & PlayStation might be needed to be able to play the game online
Minecraft game must be purchased to be able to access the Shared Futures Server. The game is normally available for free as a part of Game Pass/Subcriptions package on different console and PC
Smart Phones with Mincraft installed are possible but not advised due to limited gameplay (1 per user)
Tablets with Mincraft installed are possible but not advised due to limited gameplay (1 per user)
Fast Internet is required for this tool
Headphones (with microphones) are optional for this tool

PC/Laptops:

Minecraft is a standalone game that is independent from Shared Futures, hence, it will require to be purchased to be played on PCs/Laptops and then the game will be playable easily. The game is normally available for free as a part of Game Pass/Subscriptions package on PC such as Xbox pass for PC. There is no need for a special Online Gaming Pass to play the game online on PC

Consoles (Xbox & PlayStations)

The game could either be purchased which would allow for offline play only, or it can be accessed through an online play subscription (such as PlayStation Plus or Xbox Gold) that would allow for online play, or instead, alternatively, a game pass/subscription (monthly paid) could be purchased that includes both the game and the ability to play online, please check the console store for such information.

Server settings

since we are using a custom server, the server details (IP address) have to be added to the game in the servers play section within the game for PC/Laptops.
On Consoles (Xbox/Playstation): before becoming able to add server details, multiplayer game has to be activated in the console settings (please see this video) a video link is attached to the leaflet explaining how to do this by changing the IP address in the console settings, followed by adding the server details in the game itself.

Game map

please avoid updating the game less than 3 days ahead of your workshop, as the latest Minecraft updates require 2-3 days to be implemented on the server. You can disable the game auto update to avoid the game forcing an update too close to your workshop. Feel free to contact the innovation team for further explanation and support.

Game Update

You should communicate with the innovation team (george@belfastinterfaceproject.org) at least one week ahead of your workshop so they ensure that the game map chosen for your workshop is installed on the server. If a map is not yet agreed, you must communicate with the youth leaders and the innovation team to choose suitable map location for the workshops depending on the workshop goals. We normally chose either a green area (ex. A known park), a known shared space, or a peace walls area.

Technical Preparation before sessions

Ensuring that you have access to the devices you wish to use such as passwords and access code
Ensuring that you have internet connection at the location in which the workshops will take place
Ensuring that the game or game pass subscription has been purchased and is activated and tested in an online setting
All devices and controllers to be charged for the workshops and charging equipment to be taken in case a charging is needed on site
Over ear headphones (if applicable) to be ready and charged, if the headphones are wired, please ensure that the wire port is suitable for the devices, otherwise, consider using an adapter.
Server settings are required for Consoles to connect to shared futures server. Please refer to the server settings section above.
VERY IMPORTANT: you should communicate with the innovation team at least one week ahead of your workshop so they ensure that the game map chosen for your workshop is installed on the server. If a map is not yet agreed, you should communicate with the youth leaders and the innovation team to choose suitable map location for the workshops depending on the workshop goals. We normally chose either a green area, a shared space, or a peace walls area

The whole technical setup for all devices must be tested at the location ahead of the session to ensure that all devices/ headphones work together without internet connection interruptions or overload.

We are always happy to support you setting everything up, please do not hesitate to contact us.