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Minecraft's massive open worlds are part of the reason the game has such an immense draw, but their empty spaces can sometimes leave players a bit unnerved. This was exemplified by a Reddit post on January 5, 2024, by u/MrKristijan, who remarked that they felt as though they were being constantly watched while playing the game.
Much to u/MrKristijan's relief, many Minecraft players shared their own feelings of paranoia in the game's empty spaces. This is understandable, as even though Mojang has introduced several in-game mobs and structures to populate the game world, game worlds are so vast that there are stretches of emptiness where only the player resides. This can undoubtedly create a sense of dread.
Minecraft fans discuss their paranoid feelings about empty spaces in their worlds
In the comments to u/MrKristijan's post, Minecraft fans regaled their own stories of roaming their worlds, feeling as though they're being watched at every corner. This was only amplified by players pointing to aspects of the game, like the endgame poem after beating the Ender Dragon in Minecraft, which insinuates that a being is watching the player during their adventures.
Throw in the ambient sounds that occur when exploring caves, and it's no real surprise that Minecraft fans are looking over their shoulders as they explore. Even if they create massive builds, towns, and cities, some still feel as though they've caught the notice of some other entity out there, leaving them to their own devices and observing their progress in the world.
Sure, Minecraft has traditional horror elements like creepers surprising players with explosions or locations like the Nether or deep dark biomes, but it's the silence and emptiness that can cause existential dread. What placed the player's character in their game world? Why did they do it? Are players simply the plaything of some entity that watches their every accomplishment and mistake?
It's no surprise that Minecraft players keep so busy in their game worlds, as roaming the empty portions of the vast expanse gives them plenty of time to think, and not always in a positive sense. The game can certainly be relaxing and therapeutic, but taking a closer look at the lore of Minecraft and why players are roaming their worlds in the first place can be a little harrowing.
Redditor u/SirJackieStew pointed out in a comment that fear is inherent to the human condition. We have an irrational fear of the unknown, so we attempt to fill the void with known quantities, which translates in-game by creating builds and settlements, as well as conquering the many hostile mobs and bosses of the world. It creates a sense of power and control where none truly exists.
All things considered, Mojang's sandbox title is an enjoyable and comforting one, but there are plenty of moments to be had that can be a little unnerving. Perhaps it's best if players spend their time building, crafting, and exploring as much as they can to keep the intrusive and harrowing thoughts at bay.
