Friction isn’t just for sandpaper.

The Creeper is arguably one of the most recognizable villains in video gaming, alongside classics like the murloc and goomba. However, recent insights from the Minecraft team suggest they might reconsider its presence if designing the game according to today’s principles.

According to a recent development blog (thanks GamesRadar+), Minecraft is guided by several core principles: fairness to players, accountability for bad outcomes, appropriate levels of destruction, and avoiding features that could disrupt players’ creations.

In a related video, Chief Creative Officer Jens Bergensten stated, “If you followed the rules we have today, you would probably not add the creeper, because it would actually be so controversial to have a monster that would show up and just destroy what you built.”

Why the Creeper Remains Iconic

While the Creeper’s design might conflict with modern gaming principles, its enduring popularity suggests that games shouldn’t shy away from creating friction. Practical advice aimed at reducing frustration is valuable, but a little inconvenience can lead to memorable gaming experiences — a notion exemplified by games like Dragon’s Dogma 2, where unpredictable events can lead to laughter and excitement.

So while Mojang may choose not to introduce another creature like the Creeper, its place in Minecraft remains essential and cherished.