Rules

What is the Minecraft Cymru League?

The Minecraft Cymru League is an educational esports initiative in Wales, designed to combine competitive gaming with creativity, cultural learning, and teamwork. It is primarily aimed at schools and colleges, offering a structured league format where learners compete in themed building challenges within Minecraft Education.

The league is supported by Esports Wales, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), and Hwb Cymru, and forms part of a broader effort to integrate esports into education. Its goals include:

  • Promoting digital skills, creativity, and problem-solving.
  • Encouraging teamwork and communication.
  • Providing an inclusive space for learners who may not engage with traditional sports.
  • Celebrating Welsh heritage and culture through themed challenges.

How is it Played?

The league uses a structured match format that blends competitive and educational elements:

Team Composition

  • Teams usually consist of up to 10 members, with roles such as builders, researchers, and shoutcasters (commentators).
  • Matches are organised for Primary, Secondary, and Post-16 leagues, ensuring age-appropriate competition.

Match Setup

  • Matches are hosted via Discord, where schools connect virtually.
  • A judge oversees the match, introduces teams, and confirms the technical setup.
  • Each team joins a Minecraft world and prepares for the build challenge.

Build Challenges

  • Each match has a theme, often linked to Welsh culture, history, or major events (e.g., St Dwynwen’s Day, Six Nations Rugby, or Welsh myths like Mari Lwyd and Cantre’r Gwaelod).
  • Teams have a time limit (usually 30 minutes) to create a 4D structure that reflects the theme.
  • Players narrate their build process to judges, explaining design choices and cultural significance.

Judging and Scoring

  • Judges use a rubric to score creativity, relevance to the theme, teamwork, and presentation.
  • Screen-sharing and live commentary help judges assess builds fairly.

Progression and Finals

  • Regional matches lead to national finals, often held at iconic venues like the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
  • Finals feature advanced themes and a festival-style event celebrating esports and Welsh culture.