Minecraft Library Created to Combat Censorship in Oppressed Countries

Reporters Without Borders and Blockworks have created The Uncensored Library, a Minecraft map that includes hundreds of virtual books containing articles that have been censored in countries across the world. Many countries censor blogs, newspapers and websites that run counter to their ruling regimes' views and laws - but those same regimes don't block Minecraft. Reporters without Borders contracted Blockworks – a company that builds custom experiences inside the game – to build a library full of virtual books, filled with the same banned writing. Launched today, the library currently contains 200 books, with more to be added as time goes on, including articles by censored, jailed, and even murdered journalists. Space has also been left on the map to add more sections to the library. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-uncensored-library-images-from-the-minecraft-anti-censorship-map&captions=true"] Blockworks had 18 virtual builders take three months to design a huge neo-classical library made up of 12.5 million blocks. Rooms are themed after specific countries, including sculptures and exhibits along the theme of censorship and freedom of expression. You can visit the Uncensored Library website to learn more, watch a Making-of video, and, most importantly, download the latest version of the map here. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter.