The World's Favorite Game
Minecraft is the most popular game of the millennium, and as it celebrates its 15th birthday, TIME examines what made it such a runaway hit. This special issue tells Minecraft's origin story, recounts key moments in its history, and breaks down its latest update, Tricky Trials. It also reports on the world of Minecraft media, including its top YouTube stars and A Minecraft Movie, starring Jack Black. Find out more about the coolest mods and the most amazing constructions, including the record-setting Build the Earth project, and learn why this is the rare video game that might actually be good for you.