Minecraft – Guide, Editions, Film & Collectibles
The best-selling video game in history. Here is what to know before buying a gift – the difference between Java and Bedrock, what game drops are, and what is worth owning in Minecraft merchandise.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
Java or Bedrock? Read this before buying
This is the most common mistake made with a Minecraft gift. There are two different editions of the game, and they are not the same thing:
For computers only (Windows, Mac, Linux). The original edition. Supports mods – thousands of community modifications.
For consoles, phones, tablets and Windows. Players can play together across devices – a child on a Switch with a friend on a phone.
The crucial part: a child with Java on a PC cannot play with a friend running Bedrock on a PlayStation. Before buying, ask which device their friends play on – that decides the choice, not the price.
The history: a game with no objective
In 2009 the Swedish developer Markus Persson released an unfinished game in which you broke blocks. It had no story, no missions, no ending.
It became the best-selling video game in history. Microsoft bought it in 2014, and it is played by more people today than ever.
Why this matters commercially: Minecraft has the widest age range of any franchise. It is played by six-year-olds and thirty-year-olds alike, and its merchandise sells across all of it – from Creeper plush to collector pieces.
What "game drops" are
Minecraft used to release one large update a year. It now releases several smaller, themed ones – the "game drops".
2025 was a representative year: Chase the Skies in June, The Copper Age in September – which finally made copper useful after four years – and Mounts of Mayhem in December, introducing the spear and mounted combat.
June 2025 also brought Vibrant Visuals, the largest visual overhaul in the game's history.
The film – and the sequel
A Minecraft Movie, starring Jack Black, arrived in spring 2025 and came close to a billion dollars. It is the second highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time.
The striking part: it gave the game itself a 75% increase in traffic – a film that brought new players to a sixteen-year-old game.
Warner Bros. has greenlit the sequel, targeting summer 2027.
What is worth collecting
- Figures: Steve, Alex, Creeper, Enderman and the other mobs, across several lines.
- Plush: the Creeper is the game's most recognisable design – green, with that face.
- School gear: backpacks, pencil cases, water bottles – extremely popular with primary-school children.
- Apparel: t-shirts, pyjamas, socks.
- Toys & building sets: construction sets and board games drawn from the game.
Gift guide
A Creeper plush, figures, school gear.
The game itself – but check the device first.
Collector figures, building sets, posters.
Keyrings, mugs, socks, small figures.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Java and Bedrock?
- Java is for computers only and supports mods. Bedrock runs on consoles, phones and tablets, and lets players on different devices play together. They do not play with each other – before buying, ask what the child's friends play on.
- What are game drops?
- Smaller themed updates released several times a year, rather than one large annual one. 2025 included Chase the Skies, The Copper Age and Mounts of Mayhem.
- Will there be a second Minecraft film?
- Yes. Warner Bros. greenlit a sequel after the first film's success, targeting summer 2027.
- What age is it suitable for?
- The game is generally aimed at ages 7 and up, and has a Creative mode with no threats, which suits younger children well. The plush and school gear work at any age.
- Where can I find Minecraft merchandise in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
