Why don't make an original sandbox game (but still inspired by MC), instead of cloning?

[InterPotato]

So yeah, I just watched MC Live 2024 and I was a bit disappointed, but that's off-topic.

However, it made me think "why don't someone create an actual game better than Minecraft" instead of the clones? I mean, they're great, but people will rather pirate MC than play one of these clones (which is illegal, but that's another topic), or if they're broke and are against piracy, they will rather play a more popular ripoff, buy MC or just don't care and deal with it.

And, I know VoxeLibre changed direction, but it still resembles MC too much. Mineclonia and VoxelForge are trying to be complete clones, on other hand.

We need something similar to Hytale/Vintage Story, aka the Minecraft killer. With original features, content and design, yet still being a Minecraft-like game. I know about Repixture, but is there something else? Most of other sandbox games are just MTG mod soups, with notable exceptions like Exile or NodeCore. Mesecraft is more like a similar mod soup, but still a good one.

These games might've been also distributed seperately on Steam, itch.io or others, with a modified MT menu designed for that game.

That being said, I still love MT and these Minecraft clones tho, it's nice to have more options.

So yeah, what do you think?

[LMD]

However, it made me think "why don't someone create an actual game better than Minecraft" instead of the clones?

The simple answer to this is "many people are trying and there are many great things out there, but it simply takes a lot of work and commitment".

Making a clone at least "frees" you from the game design work, though eventually many clones choose to go their own way (like Mineclone, which is now VoxeLibre).

[InterPotato]

Yeah, I know. Still, I'm looking forward for such project to appear, most of the sandbox games are just MTG + mod soup, with some notable exceptions.

[TenPlus1]

We have quite a few games already that aren't copying minecraft, I did enjoy Glitch and Super Sam, and Block Bomber looks pretty good too.

https://content.minetest.net/packages/?type=game

[Astrobe]

We need something

Who is "we"? What problem are you trying to solve?

[InterPotato]

We have quite a few games already that aren't copying minecraft, I did enjoy Glitch and Super Sam, and Block Bomber looks pretty good too.

Yeah, but they aren't sandboxes, that's why I said "sandbox game".

What problem are you trying to solve?

I think I said which one. Besides, I use "we" in essays like this, idk why, I just got used to.

[v-rob]

You'd have to specify what kind of sandbox you're looking for. You mentioned Repixture, but didn't say anything about what makes it unsatisfactory for you.

A sandbox could be about survival and fighting, or resource gathering, or building and creativity, or playing in a story, or a mixture thereof. For instance, if I were to make a sandbox, it would likely err on the side of extreme minimalism that emphasizes being creative in the presence of strong limitations.

[InterPotato]

Yeah, I know. Basically my sandbox would have just same goal as MC, but made differently.

[TenPlus1]

So MC with different biomes, look, feel, mobs, mechanics ?

[InterPotato]

Exactly. Kinda what Hytale was supposed to be.

[ErrorNull]

the game I'm making (survival story) has completely redone player models, inventory, and survival mechanics. it's goal is to be a survival game like in 7 days to die, valheim, and project zomboid, keeping only the blocky minecrafty terrain.

[kuboid]

So yeah, I just watched MC Live 2024 and I was a bit disappointed, but that's off-topic.

However, it made me think "why don't someone create an actual game better than Minecraft" instead of the clones? [...]
I know about Repixture, but is there something else? Most of other sandbox games are just MTG mod soups, with notable exceptions like Exile or NodeCore. Mesecraft is more like a similar mod soup, but still a good one.

These games might've been also distributed seperately on Steam, itch.io or others, with a modified MT menu designed for that game.

Maybe you could ask for participation in one of the projects, or create own mods for one of them in order to turn them in the direction you are anticipating?

Exile I find quite complete and can hardly think of a good way to modify.

Repixture has a very promising mob engine, you may have read the thread about it. I like it, but the game is just way too easy and a bit dull, although the villages habe improved a lot. What about adding challenging mobs, or hazardous environment?

Maybe a mixture of Repixture and Nodecore could be interesting, because both are based on simplicity, but with huge possibilities. Combine the inworld build system and the mechanics of NodeCore with Repixture's biomes, tools, weapons and especially the mob system sounds really promising.

Distribution is second thought. First, someone needs to find the time and power to accomplish a game like this. Can you do it?

[Mantar]

Exile I find quite complete and can hardly think of a good way to modify.

I wish I had that problem, my todo list is massive! :D

[Wuzzy]

I like that Repixture was casually name-dropped here. :D

[TumeniNodes]

Yeah, I know. Basically my sandbox would have just same goal as MC, but made differently.

but, what exactly is the goal of Minecraft?
other than to keep kids busy and out of their parent's hair, and make some people A LOT O MONET!!?
Some claim it's The End,
.. but is it?? really??

[rstcxk]

MC is about the friends we made along the way

[hunter0one]

Mesecraft scratches that itch for me. Gives me MC Beta vibes rather than adding a bunch of mods to MTG but is different enough to stand on its own.

[kuboid]

Mesecraft scratches that itch for me. Gives me MC Beta vibes rather than adding a bunch of mods to MTG but is different enough to stand on its own.

Yep, Mesecraft I also like pretty much. It has a few downs, like the old-style 3x3 crafting grid. The finite-liquid also malfunctions quite a lot (place a block in the near-shore sea and watch the flood). But it has a very nice atmosphere (I love the wind sound when you stand on a cliff), volcanos, challenges like torches burning out after a day or so, interesting mobs and other crazy stuff to discover.
It's "the other Minecraft" that is an own game while basically having the same goal, if there is any goal at all.

[hunter0one]

Yep, Mesecraft I also like pretty much. It has a few downs, like the old-style 3x3 crafting grid. The finite-liquid also malfunctions quite a lot (place a block in the near-shore sea and watch the flood). But it has a very nice atmosphere (I love the wind sound when you stand on a cliff), volcanos, challenges like torches burning out after a day or so, interesting mobs and other crazy stuff to discover.
It's "the other Minecraft" that is an own game while basically having the same goal, if there is any goal at all.

Oh yeah, it's challenging like old school Minecraft which is nice but I can't help but get agitated by the torches burning out. The alternative sources of lighting are clunky which make me get tired of it after a little while but I always do come back since its one of the only non-Voxelibre/Mineclonia survival games still around.

[ShallowDweller]

you mean something like stonecraft?

[kuboid]

you mean something like stonecraft?

looks nice, but I don't see why you would need to fork Luanti for this. Maybe for MT 0.4 compatibility?

[ShallowDweller]

you mean something like stonecraft?

looks nice, but I don't see why you would need to fork Luanti for this. Maybe for MT 0.4 compatibility?

probably. i remember being unable to get that game to run when i tried it years ago, some time before i found minetest. took me a while to view that page again after i begun to use MT and somethings sounded familiar.

[hunter0one]

I was inspired to make Delver's Realm by this topic.