Realm News

In Episode 69 of Realm News, host Greg Howard, a.k.a. The Dark Lord, takes listeners on a captivating journey into the intersection of Minecraft and academia. Join Greg as he interviews three accomplished scholars from Concordia University’s Milieux Institute for Arts, Culture and Technology, exploring their innovative research conducted within the virtual realms of Minecraft. 

Discover how the Minecraft Bloc Team leverages Minecraft as a powerful tool for scholarly investigation, and learn about their groundbreaking project, SunBloc One. Delve into the project's mission to harness solar energy and rethink gaming's environmental impact, while uncovering the unique challenges and lessons learned from using Minecraft as a research platform. This episode reveals the potential of combining gaming with academia to create meaningful change—and offers a glimpse into future projects. Tune in for an enlightening and entertaining discussion that blends gaming, technology, and sustainability.

Become a Realm News Patreon Member:

https://www.patreon.com/RealmNews?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Sources:

“About - Milieux.” Milieux, 26 Sept. 2024, milieux.concordia.ca/about/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Augustyn, Adam. “Allegory | Definition, Examples, & Facts | Britannica.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2019, www.britannica.com/art/allegory-art-and-literature.

Bart. “What Is SunBlock One? - Minecraft Bloc.” Minecraft Bloc -, 12 Nov. 2024, minecraftbloc.milieux.ca/what-is-sunblock-one/. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

“Bart Simon Archives - Milieux.” Milieux, 2025, milieux.concordia.ca/member/bart-simon/. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

“Education - Minecraft Bloc.” Minecraft Bloc -, 13 Aug. 2021, minecraftbloc.milieux.ca/education/. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

“Gaia’s Riddle.” CurseForge, 2024, www.curseforge.com/minecraft/modpacks/gaias-riddle. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

“MC Bloc.” GitHub, 9 Jan. 2025, github.com/MC-Bloc. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

MC-Bloc. “.Github/Down_in_the_mines.md at Main · MC-Bloc/.Github.” GitHub, 2024, github.com/MC-Bloc/.github/blob/main/down_in_the_mines.md. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Ophélie Queffurus. “How a Solar Minecraft Server Is Changing the Way We Play Video Games - Milieux.” Milieux, 19 Nov. 2024, milieux.concordia.ca/how-a-solar-minecraft-server-is-changing-the-way-we-play-video-games/. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

---. “How a Solar Minecraft Server Is Changing the Way We Play Video Games - Milieux.” Milieux, 19 Nov. 2024, milieux.concordia.ca/how-a-solar-minecraft-server-is-changing-the-way-we-play-video-games/.

---. “UKAI Projects Residency at Milieux Presents “Shipwreck”: An Evolving Exploration of Resilience in a Changed World - Milieux.” Milieux, 24 Mar. 2025, milieux.concordia.ca/ukai-projects-residency-at-milieux-presents-shipwreck-an-evolving-exploration-of-resilience-in-a-changed-world/. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

“Projects - Minecraft Bloc.” Minecraft Bloc -, 13 Aug. 2021, minecraftbloc.milieux.ca/projects/. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

“Sunblock One.” Milieux.ca, 2025, sunblockone.milieux.ca. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

“SunBlock One - Minecraft Bloc.” Minecraft Bloc -, 9 Oct. 2024, minecraftbloc.milieux.ca/sunblock/. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

“The Allegorical Build.” YouTube, www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuHBAtk3wHmFb_meOrJSqg. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Wershler, Darren, and Bart Simon. “The Allegorical Build. Minecraft and Allegorical Play in Undergraduate Teaching.” Gamevironments, no. 15, 29 Dec. 2021, journals.suub.uni-bremen.de/index.php/gamevironments/article/view/148/132, https://doi.org/10.48783/gameviron.v15i15.148.

Join The Dark Lord for an exciting update on Minecraft and upcoming collaborations! In this episode, we delve into the latest snapshot 25w16a, exploring new leash functionalities in Minecraft. We’ll also discuss the current box office performance of "A Minecraft Movie," which is competing against "Sinners" for the top spot.

Additionally, get ready for a sneak peek into Thursday’s episode as we sit down with the Canadian research team, MineBloc, to discuss their innovative Minecraft project, "Gaia’s Riddle," and its integration with solar power technology. Tune in to hear about the fascinating features of their mod and the unique experience it promises.

Don’t forget to check out our Patreon for early access to episodes and exclusive content. Happy Crafting!

Join Realm News Patreon: patreon.com/RealmNews

Sources

“A Minecraft Movie - Box Office Mojo.” Box Office Mojo, 2025, www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl746096129/weekly/?ref_=bo_rl_tab#tabs. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Austin, Sophie. “Unleash Your Imagination.” Minecraft.net, Minecraft, 15 Apr. 2025, www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/unleash-your-imagination. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

“Blocked Page.” Minecraft.net, 2025, www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/minecraft-snapshot-25w16a. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

D’Alessandro, Anthony. “Box Office: “Sinners” Opens to No. 1 with $45M over Easter Frame.” Deadline, 20 Apr. 2025, deadline.com/2025/04/box-office-sinners-a-minecraft-movie-1236371775/. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

“Gaia’s Riddle.” CurseForge, 2024, www.curseforge.com/minecraft/modpacks/gaias-riddle.

Gandhi, Lakshmi. “How Mexican Vaqueros Inspired the American Cowboy | HISTORY.” HISTORY, 24 Sept. 2021, www.history.com/articles/mexican-vaquero-american-cowboy.

“Lead – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2023, minecraft.wiki/w/Lead. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Join host The Dark Lord as he welcomes a brand new guest, NightSteak, to the show.

A prominent player on Minecraft's oldest SMP server, minecraftonline.com, NightSteak runs the largest museum in Newport, Freedonia. In this episode, he shares insights into his extensive Minecraft experience, his role in the community, and the fascinating history of the server. Discover the stories behind his museum, the Freedonian Historical Society, and the massive rail network on the server. Tune in for an engaging conversation about Minecraft's history and culture.

Join Realm News:

patreon.com/RealmNews

Find NightSteak9's work here:

https://www.minecraftskins.com/profile/3271439/nightsteak9

https://newport-museum.org

“Newport Museum.” MinecraftOnline, 2021, minecraftonline.com/wiki/Newport_Museum. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

“NightSteak9.” MinecraftOnline, 2020, minecraftonline.com/wiki/User:NightSteak9. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

“Page Restricted.” Minecraftonline.com, 2025, minecraftonline.com. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

“NightSteak9.” Block-Display.com, 2024, block-display.com/author/nightsteak9/. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Welcome to the latest episode of Realm News Flash hosted by The Dark Lord, where “I put the Real in Realm and expand your mind one block at a time!” This week, we delve into fascinating discussions about physics in the Minecraft universe, explore iconic music making headlines, and news on the enchanting world of 'Torvengi in the Village of Alp.'

Join us as we unpack the latest insights from Mojang's Senior Creative Director, Torfi Frans Olafsson, revealing the theoretical physics behind Minecraft's blocky universe. We'll also celebrate the induction of Minecraft's music into the National Recording Registry, highlighting its cultural significance alongside legendary artists like Elton John and Mary J. Blige.

Stay tuned for a sneak peek into our upcoming Thursday episode featuring an exclusive interview with NightSteak, the owner of the largest museum on Minecraft's oldest SMP server. Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of this virtual world, from currencies to massive rail networks.

Tune in for an episode that intertwines science, music, and the magic of Minecraft. Don't forget to spread the word, join our Patreon for access to exclusive content, and keep crafting! Listen now on Spotify or Goodpods.

Become a Member: patreon.com/RealmNews

Sources

“Cuboid - Formula, Properties, Examples.” Cuemath, www.cuemath.com/measurement/cuboid/.

“How Big Is a Minecraft World? | Scale of the Universe.” Scaleofuniverse.com, scaleofuniverse.com/en/universe/minecraft-world.

News, PBS. “Elton John, Mary J. Blige, “Minecraft.” Here Are All the New Inductees to the National Recording Registry.” PBS News, 9 Apr. 2025, www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/elton-john-mary-j-blige-minecraft-here-are-all-the-new-inductees-to-the-national-recording-registry. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

Olafsson, Torfi . X (Formerly Twitter), 2025, x.com/torfi_F_Olafss/status/1911048686701883468. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

“Why Are Planets Round? | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids.” Nasa.gov, 2019, spaceplace.nasa.gov/planets-round/en/.

Join The Dark Lord, your guide to all things blocky and mind-expanding, in this special episode of Realm News. This week, we dive deep into the world of "A Minecraft Movie" with our guest, NightSteak. After catching the film with Gaia Devine on opening night, The Dark Lord returns to share an in-depth analysis and discussion. Beware of spoilers as we explore characters, settings, and the film's unique take on translating the beloved game to the big screen.

We’ll explore everything from Jack Black's portrayal of Steve to the intriguing design of the Overworld, Nether, and iconic mobs. NightSteak shares his experience watching the movie and his thoughts on the crowd and atmosphere. Together, we unpack the storyline, discuss the film's pacing, and whether it faithfully captures the essence of Minecraft.

Listeners, grab some popcorn and a comfy spot as we explore the movie scene by scene. Don't miss our chat about the McDonald's Minecraft merchandise and exciting movie tie-ins. Whether you’ve seen the movie or are just curious, this episode is packed with insights and fun. Happy crafting, and see you on the other side of the portal!

Realm News Patreon: patreon.com/RealmNews

Find NightSteak Here:

https://x.com/NightSteak9

https://www.reddit.com/user/NightSteak/

“A Minecraft Movie.” Rotten Tomatoes, 4 Apr. 2025, www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_minecraft_movie.

Murphy, J Kim. ““Minecraft Movie” Box Office: Biggest Opening Day of 2025.” Variety, 5 Apr. 2025, variety.com/2025/film/box-office/minecraft-movie-box-office-opening-day-1236360109/. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Tassi, Paul. ““Minecraft” Movie Reviews Are In, and a Billion Dollar Haul Is Nigh.” Forbes, 3 Apr. 2025, www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/04/03/minecraft-movie-reviews-are-in-and-a-billion-dollar-haul-is-nigh/.

Join me, The Dark Lord on my personal review over "A Minecraft Movie". I recorded this live, late Friday night, just a couple hours after I watched it in theater. I hope you all enjoy it and look for the upcoming Thursday full length Realm News episode where I have an in depth discussion with special guest NightSteak over this movie.

Happy Crafting!

Join the Patreon!

patreon.com/RealmNews

Welcome to a brand-new episode of Realm News, hosted by The Dark Lord! In this episode, join the lively discussion as we dive into Poll Time, where we engage with the vibrant Minecraft Reddit community. This week's intriguing question centers around the crafting and stealing of iron golems from natural villages.

Explore the fascinating results of our poll, and hear captivating stories such as The Dark Lord's personal experiences with iron golems, including his adventures in Wallachia and his thriving iron farm. Listen in as we share insightful comments from our listeners, including their strategies and mishaps in crafting or stealing these mighty protectors.

Don't miss this engaging episode, featuring shout-outs to our dedicated Patreon members who make this show possible. Tune in for an enriching Minecraft experience and happy crafting!

Join Patreon: patreon.com/RealmNews

Sources

“Reddit - Dive into Anything.” Reddit.com, 2025, www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft_Survival/comments/1ifehjz/do_you_craft_or_steal_iron_golems/. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

In this episode of Realm News Flash, your host, The Dark Lord, takes you on a whimsical journey through the memorable April Fools' pranks of Minecraft history. As the day rolls in with its playful spirit, discover the epic stunts Mojang has pulled over the years—from the infamous "Poisonous Potato" update to the intriguing "Steve Co." store prank and beyond. Dive into the quirky dimensions of the 20w14∞ snapshot and marvel at the imaginative landscapes crafted just for a laugh. But that's not all! Prepare for the Realm News segment as The Dark Lord shares insights on the upcoming "Minecraft Movie" and an exciting collaboration with Concordia University’s Minebloc team on a groundbreaking project powered by solar energy. Tune in for a special clip and get the inside scoop on "Gaia’s Riddle," an innovative SMP mod that’s set to redefine your gaming experience. Don't miss this engaging mix of humor, innovation, and community news.

Realm News Patreon: patreon.com/RealmNews

Sources

“April Fools’ Day Jokes – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2015, minecraft.wiki/w/April_Fools%27_Day_jokes#cite_note-2. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

“Box of Infinite Books – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2016, minecraft.wiki/w/Box_of_Infinite_Books. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

“Gaia’s Riddle.” CurseForge, 2024, www.curseforge.com/minecraft/modpacks/gaias-riddle.

“Minecraft Is Experiencing Some Problems.” Archive.org, 2025, web.archive.org/web/20140401120035/mojang.com/2014/04/minecraft-is-experiencing-some-problems/. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Https://Minecraft.wiki/W/Java_Edition_20w14∞.

Https://Minecraft.wiki/W/Java_Edition_20w14∞#Bridges_dimension.

In this episode of Realm News, we dive into the evolution of Minecraft with a focus on "Seecret Fridays," exploring key updates from versions v1.0.11 to v1.1.1, released between July and September 2010. Delve into the introduction and impact of features like clay, reeds, paper, books, slimes, and bricks in Minecraft’s development. Discover surprising poll results on favorite block types, and explore historical details about Jukebox music, minecarts, chickens, eggs, fishing, and paintings. Join me, The Dark Lord, as we combine real-world history with Minecraft lore, expanding your mind one block at a time!

Become a Realm News Patreon Member: patreon.com/RealmNews

bio.link/realmnews

Sources:

“Book – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2015, minecraft.wiki/w/Book. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

“Bricks – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2023, minecraft.wiki/w/Bricks. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

“Clay – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2017, minecraft.wiki/w/Clay. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

“Disk – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2024, minecraft.wiki/w/Disk. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

“Java Edition Alpha V1.0.11.” Minecraft Wiki, 2022, minecraft.wiki/w/Java_Edition_Alpha_v1.0.11.

“Seecret Updates – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2016, minecraft.wiki/w/Seecret_Updates. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

“Slimeball – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2021, minecraft.wiki/w/Slimeball. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

“Sugar Cane – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2023, minecraft.wiki/w/Sugar_Cane. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

“Blocked Page.” Minecraft.wiki, 2025, minecraft.wiki/w/Egg. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

“Java Edition Alpha V1.0.14 – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2019, minecraft.wiki/w/Java_Edition_Alpha_v1.0.14. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

“Jukebox – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2022, minecraft.wiki/w/Jukebox. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

“Minecart with Chest – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2015, minecraft.wiki/w/Minecart_with_Chest. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

“Minecart with Furnace – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2022, minecraft.wiki/w/Minecart_with_Furnace. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

“Seecret Updates – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2016, minecraft.wiki/w/Seecret_Updates. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

“Fence – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2022, minecraft.wiki/w/Fence. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

“Java Edition Alpha V1.0.17 – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2019, minecraft.wiki/w/Java_Edition_Alpha_v1.0.17. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

“Minecraft (Alpha).” Tigsource.com, 2025, forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=6273.msg418236#msg418236. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

“Seecret Updates – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2016, minecraft.wiki/w/Seecret_Updates. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

“Skeleton.” Minecraft Wiki, 2016, minecraft.wiki/w/Skeleton.

“Spider Jockey – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2025, minecraft.wiki/w/Spider_Jockey. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

“Blocked Page.” Minecraft.wiki, 2025, minecraft.wiki/w/Compass. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

“Java Edition Alpha V1.1.0 – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2019, minecraft.wiki/w/Java_Edition_Alpha_v1.1.0. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

“Seecret Updates – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2016, minecraft.wiki/w/Seecret_Updates. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

“Minecraft (Alpha).” Tigsource.com, 2025, forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=6273.msg201207#msg201207. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

“Seecret Updates – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2016, minecraft.wiki/w/Seecret_Updates. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

“Sneaking – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2025, minecraft.wiki/w/Sneaking. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

“X.com.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2025, x.com/lunasorcery. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Zwiezen, Zack. “Minecraft Alpha 1.1.1, an Extremely Rare Version, Was Finally Found after 10+ Years of Searching.” Kotaku, 26 June 2021, kotaku.com/minecraft-alpha-1-1-1-an-extremely-rare-version-was-f-1847179654. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Join The Dark Lord as he brings you the latest highlights from Minecraft Live Spring 2025 in this episode of Realm News Flash! This lively recap dives into the exciting announcements made during the event, including the unveiling of "Spring to Life," which will enhance biomes with unique personalities, and "Vibrant Visuals," which promises improved game visuals with realistic lighting and reflections. Fans will be thrilled about the new rideable ghast and the upcoming Minecraft movie featuring Emma Myers. Experience firsthand the passion shared by Minecraft creators worldwide and stay updated on the thrilling new features set to release soon. Tune in to catch all the excitement and look forward to the innovative updates coming to Minecraft!