A MINECRAFT MOVIE PROMO CUBE

Thanks to Warner Bros Entertainment for sending this Geek Daddy a life-size Minecraft cube filled with goodies promoting the movie based upon the video game. A Minecraft Movie was released at theaters across the USA on April 4, 2025. The film stars Jack Black (Kung Fu Panda / Jumanji) and Jason Momoa (Aquaman / Dune). It is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America. 

Inside this themed box was an adorable Dennis pillow, A Minecraft Movie foam swords and stickers, sunglasses, "I am Steve" t-shirts, movie passes and some branded boxes of poppi soda. 

poppi soda has four A Minecraft Movie decorated cases featuring the characters Creeper, Bee, Sheep and Dennis from the movie. Each of these cubic 4-packs costs $8.99 and if you buy four of these A Minecraft Movie themed cubes in one purchase, consumers can redeem a $15 Fandango Move Reward towards purchasing theatre tickets to see the film. Poppi is available at Kroger, Target and Walmart stores. Visit drinkpoppi.com for more info about this promotion. 

In A Minecraft Movie, four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they'll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected, expert crafter. The film is based upon the popular Minecraft video game published by Mojang Studios. Are you geeked about seeing A Minecraft Movie?

ESSENTIAL ITEMS EVERY GAMER NEEDS

Even if you are pretty new to gaming, you have probably already discovered that it is a fantastic way to spend your spare time. Being able to forget about the world and stay focused on your game provides the ultimate escapism, which is what many people need after a stressful day or when going through a difficult time. While playing video games is an excellent way to unwind, it can be frustrating if you do not have all the necessary items to make the most of your playing experience. 

Having the right gaming equipment can make a significant difference to your gameplay and will undoubtedly impact your comfort levels. If you are keen to make sure you get the best possible gaming experience every time you play, take a look at the essential items that every gamer needs: 

The Right Server 

Spending time playing your favorite games is great, but playing them in a way that perfectly matches your preferences is even better. To ensure that you get to play your games in the way that best suits your choice of gameplay, you need to select the correct server. For Minecraft players, there is a wide choice of servers out there to choose from. Players can choose to use a server designed for their chosen way to play Minecraft, such as minecraft survival servers for those that prefer survivor mode and minecraft creative servers for players that use creative mode. These servers enable players to get more from their gameplay and access features and ways to play that are not available in the original version of the game. So, for gamers that are serious about their gameplay, choosing the right server can make a big difference to their gaming experience and is an essential consideration. 

A Comfortable Place to Sit 

If you plan to play video games for any more than short bursts of time, you will definitely need to consider your seating arrangements. Trying to play your favorite game while hunched over and perched on the edge of an armchair may be OK for a few minutes, but doing this for a long period of time is soon going to take its toll on your back. To ensure that you are sitting comfortably, you need to find a chair that enables you to support your posture and avoid putting too much strain on your back. Choosing to use a gaming chair or even an ergonomically-designed office chair may help you to feel more comfortable when playing your favorite games while also allowing you to sit in a more posture-friendly position that eases pressure on your back. 

The Correct Monitor Setup 

Finally, choosing the correct monitor setup for your gaming style is essential. If your monitor is too small, it can be challenging to see the level of detail needed to get the most from your gaming experience. So, making sure that your screen is large enough for you to enjoy the game to the full is a crucial consideration.

NOBLE COLLECTION ADDS MINECRAFT LICENSE TO ITS PORTFOLIO

From BendyFigs action figures to replica props from the Harry Potter movies, there is a fantastic portfolio of products available from The Noble Collection to be geeked about. I've enjoyed an out of this world game night playing Star Trek Tridimensional Chess, had a Bowtruckle sneak into work with me, and surprised my daughter with a magical present courtesy of The Noble Collection. Now they've added a new brand to the collection that is sure to delight my video game fanatic son ... MINECRAFT!

The Noble Collection will explore the world of Minecraft with a unique and intricate line of collectibles including a signature Chess Set and real-world prop replicas that will bring Minecraft to life as never seen before. The new collection will be available for pre-order Holiday 2022, with new products rolling out through 2023 and beyond.

The Noble Collection, known for its high quality collectibles featuring intricate details and superior sculpts, will bring this expertise into the Minecraft collection. Products in the line will showcase a real world interpretation through realistic styling cues, for a new and immersive Minecraft experience. The elevated collector-grade products will allow the Minecraft community to celebrate the world of Minecraft on a new level.

See what is new with The Noble Collection on their Instagram feed. While you are doing that make sure to be following @Geekdad248 on Instagram too. Enjoying the geeky side of life from the 248 here in Metro Detroit!

VIDEO GAMES THAT LET YOUR KIDS MAKE THEIR OWN GAMES

Playing video games is the new normal for children, and as a parent, you are probably overwhelmed by the never-ending requests for new video games. While you can do very little to change this reality besides regulating how much time your children spend playing games, there’s no need to start worrying about your little one's future. This is because there is so much in the store for kids who love these games. 

How Video Games Benefit Your Child’s Learning and Development

Children do not view video games as a channel to enjoy a little escapism. Instead, these games present the perfect opportunities to engage their minds and accomplish a specific objective. It is no wonder that games have been found to have immense benefits for kids, including:

 ● Improving problem-solving skills

 ● Bettering imagination and creative thinking

 ● Enhancing hand-eye coordination

 ● Improving mental health 

● Building on their socialization skills 

A New Horizon for Children Who Love Gaming 

The primary aim of video games is to keep kids entertained, but as your little ones get better at a game, they get to discover a whole new virtual world that arouses their curiosity. Many questions will keep emerging as the urge to know the “behind-the-scenes” concepts of the game eventually get the better of them.

As a parent, this provides the opportune moment to transform your kid’s favorite pastime into a learning platform that might guarantee that great future you always envisioned. Instead of trying to explain the concepts of game designing and programming to your kids (if you happen to have an idea), how about you let them explore this virtual world? 

Yes, you heard that right. Your game-obsessed kid can now do more than play a game and take their interests a level higher by learning how to make their own games. Essentially, doing this will introduce your little ones to the world of coding and game designing. The icing on the cake is that an interest in coding could one day lead to a career in robotics, software development, and computer systems engineering, among other lucrative professions. 

Popular Video Games That Let Kids Make Their Own Games 

A great way to introduce your kids into the world of game designing and coding is by starting with the basics, and video games that allow players to design new concepts are a great launch pad. Some of the most popular games to consider are: 

1. Super Mario Maker 2 

Is your kid a Mario fan? The Super Mario Maker 2 will provide them with a chance to create their own adventures within the Marioverse. Since this is one of the most popular gaming franchises, there are countless user-created levels available for sampling and in-depth tutorials for your kids to follow. The best part is that once your little one creates a new level, they can share it with their friends, making the challenge more fun and worthwhile. 

2. Levelhead 

Levelhead allows your children to dive into the world of game designing by putting their creativity to the test with a range of powerful editing tools that enable them to craft new levels. The tutorials offered might not be as in-depth, but they cover the basics required for your kids to figure their way around and come up with exciting concepts. Your children will also love the daily build challenges, a perfect training ground that enables them to grow their knowledge about how best to use specific tools. 

3. Dreams 

Dreams is a much-more advanced video game that is best for teens who want to explore the world of game designing. It offers a deeper level of game creation as players get to create everything, from the layout to the soundtracks. As such, there is a lot of “groundwork” for designers to do as they will be doing a lot more work if they hope to create an outstanding and exciting new level. 

4. Minecraft 

Minecraft has exemplified the concept of in-game editing for many years and is a choice you can never go wrong with. Since it has attracted a lot of attention, there are endless tutorials and guides available that your kids can go through to improve their skills. 

 5. Trials Fusion 

This racing game allows your children to get away from the racing tracks and focus on creating more challenging levels for them to tackle. Die-hard gamers have already created millions of tracks, and your kids have more than enough samples to try out and give them better ideas for their creations. 

6. Tynker 

Tynker primarily focuses on teaching children programming concepts, and most of these lessons have to be paid for. Nevertheless, it also has several games that your little ones can play, discover how they work, and learn how to make new levels or create similar ones from scratch.

Conclusion 

Video games are a lifeline for children, and as a parent, it is best to view them as a productive platform that you can use to educate your little ones and introduce them to coding even as they have fun.

CAN FANTASY VIDEO GAMES HAVE REAL LIFE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

When many of us think of video games, immersing ourselves in the exploration of fantasy worlds is probably one of the first things that come to mind. Games like Final Fantasy for instance allow us to explore incredible fictional settings. While video games like Minecraft allow players to build our own fantasy worlds to interact in. Just like reading a great piece of fiction, there’s a time and a place for these kinds of experiences, particularly when we wish to enjoy a little escapism.  And there’s nothing wrong with that.

However, can fantasy video games help us fantasize beyond just having fun imaginary adventures? In other words, can games help us fantasize outside of fantasy? Can there be practical applications in the real world created through fantasy simulations in video games?

Of course video games and digital simulations can have practical implications in real life! From virtual reality crash dummies assisting engineers to statistical simulations assisting physicists the benefit of computers to society is fantastic. But there are also computer programs that can be used on video game consoles and people's home PCs that that provide more practical benefits than some fun escapism. Here are three examples of how video games having people escape from reality actually provide a creative lens that can can have real life implications from home improvement projects to driving tips.

Home Design & Creativity 

Home design and creativity can be tremendous tools in helping us express ourselves and personalize our homes, but did you know that these are popular topics for video game content? From games such as House Flipper and Stardew Valley to crafting games like My Time In Portia reorganizing digital spaces with furniture placements and managing aesthetics can truly help us feel engaged in something other than digital conflict. It also provides skills and insight for applying what is learned in the digital sphere to your own living spaces.

Vehicle Simulations 

The digital racing scene has become so realistic that automobile manufacturers are incorporating video games into car shows and other marketing events to showcase both current vehicles and concepts to consumers without having to have the liability of people actually doing test drives.  These video games have become so advanced that finding the best drift car in Forza Horizon 4 or tuning cars in Gran Turismo can give car fanatics or even mild petrol-heads a means to explore their passion and drive cars that they may never even touch in real life.  Fantasy driving allows consumer to learn more about how vehicles actually work, create an expanded interest in car and truck brands as well as create an interest with real life motor sports. So what may seem just a video game can impact someone purchasing a particular car or want to actually go in person to see an Indy or NASCAR race.

Job Simulators 

Some games are even curated to help you make better purchasing decisions or learn new skills though making what someone might otherwise consider a boring chore as a fun activity. For instance, PC Building Simulator has performed very well on home computers. The game has you pretend to run your own computer repair business diagnosing and fixing broken equipment. 

Players use products from actual manufacturers and real dimensions in order to complete a construction project. The game mechanics focused on running your own repair shop can be beneficial to do it yourselfers as well as people interested in tech careers.  Gamify your education to make learning and improving skills both educational and entertaining!

In that respect, losing hours to titles like these is hardly overly indulgent, it can quite literally help you with developing practical skills in the real world. Keep this in mind when choosing games to play and how much time is being spent in these fantasy scenarios. Remember playing these fantasy games may actually provide an experience that could assist you with something that you may not usually do outside the digital space.

MINECRAFT BIRTHDAY PARTY

My kids love playing the video game MINECRAFT which lets them build their own customizable fantasy worlds from pixelated three dimensional blocks that can be moved and transformed. So I'm sure they would go bananas over a Minecraft themed birthday party like this one shared with me by Wholesale Party Supplies.  With ideas like these, you can have a fun celebration at home rather than feeling as if you need to host birthday parties at a restaurant or entertainment venue. That could save you some serious dough compared to going to someplace like an arcade, roller rink, or water park.

Find a theme the birthday boy or girl will be thrilled about and combine your own creativity with items from Wholesale Party Supplies to transform a space into someplace special. In this case that is a Minecraft world complete with decorations, treats and activities that let kids imagine they've stepped inside the video game. These party suggestions from Wholesale Party Supplies are sure to delight young Minecraft fans:

DECORATIONS

Transform a wall of a room into the blocky façade of the Minecraft world with a stone wall backdrop. Drape a jointed banner across the façade with a “happy birthday” message on it. Tip: separate it to create a double line. Use fishing line and command hooks to display it.

Create a desert space under the banner by decorating a table with boxes made to look like Minecraft blocks. Add a Minecraft Creeper Pinata that can serve both as a decoration and an activity. Toss on some favors like these party hats to add some flair.

Next create a place to eat with a Minecraft tablescape. Drape a tablecloth base, top it with a personalized activity mat, and add  themed plates and cups as well as your own DIY touches. Then cover party goers seats with no-sew DIY Minecraft chair covers of the creeper character using fabric and hot glue. Tip: Click here for DIY instructions on how to craft these Minecrafter creeper chair covers.

DESERTS

Brownies with green icing look a lot like grass blocks within the video game. Throw in some Hershey’s nuggets to represent gold and powdered donuts for snowballs. Of course you need a birthday cake so make a square one decorated with smaller red block shapes made from fruit roll-ups. Tip: add some fruit into the mix like watermelon slices to balance out the sweets and give a healthy alternative for guests to snack on.

ACTIVITIES

Minecraft's vibe is all about blocks and pixels. With that in mind put together a melty bead station where guests can build based on pixels. Download printable design sheets, lay out clear boards, plenty of bead colors and let everyone complete their favorite Minecraft character or icon. Tip: have an adult using the iron to avert arguments and injuries.

Break out the piñata that was decorating the desert table after the craft project. Each guest holds a string and they all pull it at the same time. Only one opens the door to release all the treasures inside, but no one will know who actually gave it a go! This avoids anyone getting batted in the head, stomach or other um sensitive places but the kids still have fun opening the piñata.

Finally it is time to send your birthday party guests home. Send them off with some nice party favors. Fill a Minecraft Tote Bag with a few of the suggestions below and tie on it a personalized tag thank you message:

Minecraft stickers – shift them left or right to see a hologram design;

Minecraft tattoos – they will be able to show off being fans of the video game for everyone to see;

Minecraft inspired pencils and pencil toppers – if you got to do homework might as well make it fun!

PixARK

My kids have been off school this week for Spring Break and are having a great time being some of the first people to play the new open world voxel-based sandbox survival video game PixARK on our Xbox One. Thanks Snail Games for sending a free early access pass our way! In PixArk,  players find themselves on a mysterious island filled with dinosaurs and mythical creatures where everything is built out of three-dimensional voxel cubes.  To survive you must hunt, grow crops, build shelters and craft items to overcome vicious creatures and natural hazards.

Being a sandbox style game there isn't a structured script to play through; but rather players make their way through open worlds tackling randomly generated landscapes and challenges which makes every time someone plays unique. You start off the game with just an animal skin to wear and your wits to rely on. By developing resources and skills though, players can learn to build high tech and magical tools as well as design structures they can build that can range from basic shelters to avoid the elements to magnificent fortresses to serve as a home base. Plus there are over 100 dinosaurs and other creatures that can be tames, trained and ridden.  PixARK can be played either as a single player game or in online multi-player mode where you can work cooperatively as a team to take on opposing tribes of other players to be rulers of an island.



Player characters can be customized to be male or female with different available selections for hair styles, facial features, clothing outfits and more.  My daughter liked pig tails were an option to choose from when creating her character.  As you progress through the game, there are ongoing ways to enhance the functionality and styling of the outfit your character wears.  Acquiring new abilities, clothing and tools allows players to begin crafting their own dream world with infrastructure and structures to civilize a game map's wild environment.

If you are interested in playing the game now it is available for $24.99 on Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview.  Snail Games will be using this early access period to gather feedback for eliminating potential glitches and making additional improvements before the PixARK's final release later in 2018.  The game will eventually be available via retail and digital distribution for PC, Microsoft Xbox One, Sony PlayStation 4 entertainment system and the Nintendo Switch.

Even though it is a pre-release version of the game, PixARK has still been a real hit with our family.  My kids have really been excited to explore the various landscapes that include arctic ice fields, deserts, jungles, mountains and swamps that are filled with amazing animals and monsters to discover.  They've been thrilled about taming dinosaurs and riding them all about.  That is probably their favorite part of the game.  Plus they've been having a lot of fun imagining up and building their own unique castles.  The kids are only in the early stages of the game too so there is much more things to discover and excitement to come!

As a parent, I appreciate that pixARK involves problem-solving, has strategic elements, promotes STEM concepts, and its sandbox format provides a lot of freedom to utilize one's creativity and imagination within its gameplay. You won't achieve success in this game just with brawn, players need to flex their brains to get ahead. Though there is some battling and dueling that takes place as part of the action in the game's adventures too.  In the end though this game isn't about winning or losing but rather having fun exploring and building your own fantasy world.    

For more information about this new video game from Snail Games, head over to pixark.snail.com or follow the video game's Twitter feed @OfficalpixARK

Best Buy has Minecraft games & toys you're looking for!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

From talking to the other parents at my children's elementary school while we congregate during the daily drop-offs and pick-ups, it seems that Minecraft video games and toys are the hot items that the girls and boys have been asking Santa for this year.  Kids love this game because it allows them to create personalized virtual worlds that are only limited by a child's own creativity.  Players start off placed in a randomly generated land without any supplies and must collect materials from the world around them to craft tools and structures necessary to survive in a wilderness that has hungry monsters lurking around at night.  As additional resources are obtained more complex building blocks can be constructed allowing players to shape the world within their game creating almost anything they can imagine.  The great thing about Minecraft is that it isn't a mindless action adventure, but rather stimulates kids to think constructively and problem solve while they play it.

When it comes to Minecraft, Best Buy has the games and toys you are looking for.  Whether you are looking to pick up a video game for a first time player or want to pick up a fun collectible for a diehard fanatic, Best Buy has you covered with a variety of Minecraft products available at retail stores and on its website.  Here are a few of my kids favorite items that they have in stock:

Xbox One S Minecraft Favorites Bundle (500GB) features everything you need to build, survive, and explore! Get full game downloads of Minecraft for Xbox One and Windows 10, plus thirteen of the most popular content add-on packs, including Halo Mash-up and Festive Mash-up. Plus craft new Minecraft worlds together with friends on the advanced Xbox Live multiplayer network.

Mattel mini figures have authentic features and accessories modeling characters with in-game accuracy so that you can recreate your favorite video game scenes with these toys.

Minecraft mini figures collectors case provides a great way to organize and display Mattel mini figures.  Flip it over to discover a Minecraft world layout complete with a playtime portal that will entertain creative minds.  This lightweight case also includes six starter characters and can transport up to 32 figures.

Minecraft Flying Ghast Quadcopter lets you bring a favorite nether-dwelling creature to life. Fly the Ghast in all directions through the air just like in the video game using the included remote control. If you are like me and have a habit of crashing these types of toys don't worry because this Minecraft Flying Ghast also has an automatic landing feature to safely get the toy back on the ground.

Minecraft is family friendly fun that parents and kids can enjoy together.  Plus moms and dads can feel comfortable allowing their children play this game without parental supervision as well.  Don't miss out on the Minecraft fun! Check out all the Minecraft products you can get at Best Buy:  http://bby.me/e7cb