Minecraft can be played alone or with other players and has different modes of play such as ‘Adventure’, ‘Creative’, and ‘Survival’ modes. In Survival mode for example, players must collect resources, build structures and defend themselves against mobs to survive.
There are different versions of Minecraft, which vary in price. In some versions, a player can buy in-game items or pay a monthly fee for a personal ‘server’ to play in worlds with friends. Servers have a chat function where players can interact. Players can also send private messages to each other.
A Microsoft account is needed to play Minecraft. Microsoft requires a parent to use their own Microsoft account to approve an under-13 account.
Parents can set up a Microsoft family group or Xbox family account to set parental controls on Minecraft. This will enable them to manage things such as preventing in-game spending or setting a time limit. Parents can turn off chat or multiplayer features and safety settings include the ability to hide chat or block and report other users. Parents can also set controls on the platform the game is being played on, such as Nintendo Switch.
