In class last week we talked about player created content in games.  One of the examples we looked at was Minecraft. Minecraft is an amazing example of this because the whole point of the game is for players to unleash their imagination and create new worlds of their own.  The creativity and imagination of players is truly inspiring. Personally, it motivates me to want to play and build my own worlds in Minecraft.  Player created content reminds me of fan fiction in a way because the creators of the game provide a world in which players can create what they want. For fan fiction, people take inspiration off of pre-existing things and create their own things with it. Minecraft is a pre-existing game that provides the players with the tools they need to create whatever they would like.  This is what makes Minecraft very different from a lot of other mainstream games because every player’s experience will be unique and tailored to them.  Another game that is tailored to player created content is Jackbox.  The humor and entertainment that steams from the game comes from the players themselves.  This is really cool because any person can play these games and have completely different experiences with them.  It appeals to all different kinds of people.

There are many games that have an option for players to host their own custom game. In a custom game, players are able to alter the rules or mechanics of their game to create their own versions for them and their friends.  When I would play Halo Reach all the time the main reason would be for custom games.  That was because my friends and I would make unique maps and alter the mechanics of the game to create new game types.  Even many years after the game was released, my friends and I would still play just for the custom games.  There is even a forge mode within the game that allows players to create their own unique maps.  This allows the players to make their own maps from the pre-existing material provided within the game. This allows players to personalize their play experience and it makes it more appealing.  Overwatch has a custom game browser where players can look for games that other people have made.  Players are able to create their own versions of games and share them with anyone who is interested.  I personally believe that having a creative aspect added to any game is a bonus and can be one of the most exciting things to do that keeps players interested.

Overall, games that allow for player created content encourage players to take control of their play experience.  Players can include a piece of their identity in the games they play, and that can be shared to many others who play the game as well.  These games bring a new wave of inclusions and inspiration into the gaming industry.  The main restriction would be the imagination and creativity of the players themselves.

Works Cited

Minecraft. Java ed. for Mac, 2017.