Minecraft: Story Mode

***Minecraft: Story Mode*** is an episodic video game released in 2015. Due to the shutdown of Telltale Games on June 25, 2019, it is no longer available on most consoles.

## History

_Minecraft: Story Mode_ is an episodic, narrative-driven video game based on the world of _Minecraft_, developed by Telltale Games in collaboration with Mojang. Unlike the traditional _Minecraft_ sandbox experience, where players build and explore without a specific goal, _Minecraft: Story Mode_ offers a structured storyline with character development, decision-making, and adventure elements. The game is notable for merging the open-world, blocky aesthetic of _Minecraft_ with a cinematic, interactive narrative, appealing to both fans of _Minecraft_ and those who enjoy story-driven games.

### Development

The idea of creating a story-driven experience set in the _Minecraft_ universe was first revealed by Telltale Games in 2015. Telltale was known for its success with episodic titles like _The Walking Dead_, _The Wolf Among Us_, and _Tales from the Borderlands_, games where players' choices shaped the narrative. The partnership with Mojang to create _Minecraft: Story Mode_ marked a new venture into the _Minecraft_ universe, which had already achieved massive success with its open-world gameplay. Mojang, the Swedish developer behind _Minecraft_, saw potential in expanding the _Minecraft_ brand into a more structured, narrative-driven format, and Telltale’s reputation for creating emotionally engaging stories made them a perfect fit.

The first season of _Minecraft: Story Mode_ debuted on October 13, 2015. It was released episodically, with a total of five episodes that followed the story of a group of characters as they set off on an adventure to save the world of _Minecraft_ from a great threat. The game featured both familiar and new characters, including the protagonist Jesse, who players could customize as either male or female. Jesse and their friends embark on a quest to find the “Order of the Stone,” a legendary group of heroes who once defeated the dangerous Ender Dragon. Along the way, they must contend with betrayals, rivalries, and a powerful villain known as the Wither Storm, all while solving puzzles, completing challenges, and making choices that affect the outcome of the story.

### The plot of _Minecraft: Story Mode_

The core story of _Minecraft: Story Mode_ revolves around Jesse and their friends, who are members of a group of adventurers known as the "New Order of the Stone." The game opens with Jesse participating in a local _Minecraft_ building competition with their friends Axel, Olivia, and Petra. However, the competition quickly turns into a larger adventure when Jesse and their friends are thrust into a quest to stop a powerful force known as the Wither Storm, a monstrous creature that threatens the world.

As the story unfolds, the group is joined by new characters, such as Reuben, Jesse’s pet pig, and several members of the original Order of the Stone, including the warrior Gabriel, the mage Ellegaard, and the architect Magnus. The first season of _Minecraft: Story Mode_ explores the themes of teamwork, bravery, and friendship, as Jesse and their friends face increasingly dangerous challenges. Along the way, players make critical decisions that influence the story, leading to different outcomes depending on their choices.

The ultimate goal of the story is to stop the Wither Storm, which is the result of a failed experiment involving the manipulation of “withers,” a dangerous and unstable creature in _Minecraft_. In the finale of the season, Jesse and their friends face the Wither Storm in a dramatic battle, using their knowledge of the world and their skills to destroy the monster and save the world.

### The legacy of _Minecraft: Story Mode_ and subsequent seasons

The success of _Minecraft: Story Mode_ led to the development of additional content and a second season, which was released in 2017. The second season introduced new characters and plotlines, with Jesse and their friends facing new challenges and exploring new realms, such as the mysterious "Underworld." In this season, Jesse is confronted with a new enemy, the mysterious and malevolent figure known as "The Admin," who seeks to control the world of _Minecraft_. As in the first season, players’ choices once again shaped the direction of the story, adding replayability and encouraging players to experience different outcomes.

Despite its popularity, _Minecraft: Story Mode_ was eventually canceled due to the closure of Telltale Games in 2018, a devastating blow to the gaming industry that affected the completion of many of their projects. However, the first two seasons of _Minecraft: Story Mode_ remain a beloved part of the _Minecraft_ franchise, with a strong following of fans who appreciate its unique blend of storytelling and _Minecraft_ mechanics.

In addition to the main episodes, _Minecraft: Story Mode_ also received special "bonus episodes" and was made available on a variety of platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. The game’s success led to the development of a spin-off game, _Minecraft: Story Mode – The Complete Adventure_, which bundled all episodes into one package for players who wanted to experience the full narrative from start to finish.

### Impact and conclusion

_Minecraft: Story Mode_ made a significant impact on both the _Minecraft_ and adventure game genres. It demonstrated that the _Minecraft_ universe, which was originally built around creativity and exploration, could also serve as a rich setting for storytelling. By incorporating Telltale's signature narrative style, the game allowed players to experience a more structured adventure in a world known for its freedom and limitless possibilities. For many players, _Minecraft: Story Mode_ was their introduction to the power of choice-driven narratives in video games.

Though the game was discontinued after its second season, its legacy endures. The character of Jesse, for instance, remains a fan-favorite, and the _Minecraft_ community continues to celebrate the game's contributions to the larger _Minecraft_ franchise. Whether through fan art, online discussions, or replays of the episodes, _Minecraft: Story Mode_ holds a special place in the hearts of many players.

In conclusion, _Minecraft: Story Mode_ is a testament to the adaptability of the _Minecraft_ universe and the potential for new forms of storytelling within video games. By combining the sandbox world of _Minecraft_ with a compelling narrative and memorable characters, Telltale Games and Mojang created an adventure that captured the imagination of players and contributed to the evolution of _Minecraft_ as a global cultural phenomenon. Despite its eventual cancellation, _Minecraft: Story Mode_ remains a key part of the franchise’s history and continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

## Related pages

- _Minecraft_
- _Minecraft Legends_