“A Minecraft Movie” is now a huge box office hit, surpassing expectations and on track to become the highest-grossing video game movie opening ever, says Deadline. But this should be no surprise since Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, with over 300 million copies sold and nearly 170 million monthly active players of all ages and demographics. Since the game offers endless creativity, social interaction, and educational value with evolving gameplay, it’s no wonder it has captured players’ interest, young, old, and everything in between.
The public was first introduced to Minecraft in 2009, capturing the attention of young minds who now find themselves parents, introducing it to the current generation.
“We’ve been into Minecraft for about 10 years,” shared Caleb Bidwell, a 16-year-old from Brandon, MS. “We started by watching our Dad play at night.” Caleb’s brother, Cambell, now 13 years old, recalls his 4th birthday party being a Minecraft party.
“I’m interested in building and design,” shared Cambell Bidwell. “I like to test out my designs in the Minecraft world and see if they work.”
Minecraft and video games aren’t just for parents and their undergraduates. Many college students still enjoy video games and look for like-minded individuals on their campuses. College gaming clubs are student-led organizations focused on the shared interest of playing video games and building a community around that passion. They offer opportunities for students to socialize, participate in tournaments, and engage with a wide range of games.
Mississippi universities and community colleges have embraced gaming clubs or esports programs, providing opportunities for students to participate in competitive and casual gaming. Belhaven University, The University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, Holmes Community College, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College all offer gaming clubs in some capacity.
The Belhaven University Gaming (BUG) club is bringing its campus to life in an entirely new way with Bellcraft, a fully explorable, student-built Minecraft replica of Belhaven University. This ambitious project is more than just a digital build—it’s an interactive space where students can collaborate, explore, and engage with Belhaven in a way never seen before.
Garrison Owens, a film production and visual art major from Vicksburg, Mississippi, is the current president of the Belhaven University Gaming (BUG) club. Still, his love of video games started early in life.
“I was introduced to the internet around 8 or 9,” shared Owens. “And Minecraft not long after. The endless creativity potential is what captivated my interest.”
Owens and BUG members have dedicated countless hours to meticulously recreating the university inside Minecraft. Every brick, pathway, and landmark is being faithfully constructed, offering students a virtual way to experience campus, whether they’re current students, alumni, or prospective students looking to get a feel for Belhaven before ever stepping on campus.
Bellcraft isn’t just a static model—it’s an interactive environment where students can meet up, play in survival mode, and participate in special events. It offers a unique blend of creativity and community, making Belhaven one of the few universities with a dedicated, student-led Minecraft campus.
Belhaven University isn’t the only school embracing Minecraft. Students and educators in schools and universities worldwide have rebuilt their campuses and hosted proms, graduation ceremonies, and even teacher meet-ups in-game.
But it all comes back to community and fellowship with family and friends that seems to keep families and Universities building in Minecraft.
“It’s also really fun to build a common world, enjoy it together, and invite our friends,” shared Caleb Bidwell.
“Eventually, I hope Bellcraft has dorms where current students can occupy inside Minecraft,” shared Owens. “Another way to meet fellow students and interact online.”
