Stuart Duncan, a father of two, believes its because its a perfect union of two opposites.
On the other hand, it gives the player infinite freedom.
Theres no story, no levels, no bosses presenting participants with quests to complete.
Duncan has autism, as does his oldest son.
About six years ago, the family started playing Minecraft, and loved it.
But there were challenges.
Players would destroy everything they tried to make, steal their resources and kill them over and over again.
He bought a $2.50 starter server and called itAutcraft.
Today, the game is so popular that Duncan manages it full-time andgave a TED Talkabout it.
What makes Autcraft unique is that its whitelistedyou mustapply to play.
The server is intensely monitored by volunteers who understand autism.
They know how to defuse arguments, solve problems and spot bullying.
Before selecting admins, Duncan watches them play.
Autcraft has its own ranking system.
You earn titles by being helpful, kind and respectful to everyone on the server.
Within the game, Duncan has created calm rooms, modeled afterSnoezelen Multi-Sensory Roomsto ease anxiety.
Some are bright with flashing lights, while others are very dark with tiny star-like white dots.
Players can choose what jot down of sensory input they need in that moment.
The in-game chat is disabled so theres nothing to read and no one to bother you, Duncan says.
You get to stay in the game but also take a break from the game at the same time.
Some parents have told Duncan that Autcraft been able to do what years of therapy has not.
Even those who are nonverbal can communicate through chat.
I know video games or technology can feel foreign to parents but honestly, its not that bad.
Youll laugh, be creative together, work as a team and dream together.
Theres just nothing like it.
Some children come to my server and behave very much the same way that bullies had treated them elsewhere.
This allows the child to feel important, confident, in control and useful, Duncan says.
The role reversal really allows both the child and the parent to see things from each others perspectives.
Duncan advises parents to look out for new behaviors at home.
Reward those good behaviors, and talk about the bad ones.
Encourage more of what you want to see.
Remind them that anything someone says online is never personal.
How can it be?
They dont even know you.
Its an important lesson to learn.
