BBC Earth Builds Partnership with ‘Minecraft’ for ‘Frozen Planet’

BBC Earth and Minecraft Education have created five free “Frozen Planet II” worlds, featuring immersive landscapes, animals and game-based learning resources, inspired by stories in the new series from BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit. 

The educational “Frozen Planet II” content has been made available for free to “Minecraft: Education Edition” users globally in 29 different languages accompanied by lesson plans for teachers. The five worlds will also be provided free to Minecraft: Bedrock Edition players everywhere via the Minecraft Marketplace. 

For the first time ever, “Minecraft” players will be given the chance to play from the perspective of an animal including the penguin, bumblebee and polar bear, letting players experience the frozen worlds from their view such as a killer whale using a wave washing technique to brush the seals off an ice floe and into the sea. Players can even try their hand at being a natural history film-making researcher on location where they are tasked to document key animal behavior and information to inform environmental research. 

“One of the great things about the natural world is its power to engage and enthrall viewers young and old,” says Elizabeth White, series producer, “Frozen Planet II.” “We are delighted to partner with ‘Minecraft’ on this range of educational computer games which will enable children to interact with stories inspired by the series through gameplay and learn more about the challenges of these habitats through the additional lesson content.” 

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“We’re excited to partner with BBC Studios in this unique venture – we’re bringing a whole new perspective to Minecraft and, collaborating with the great minds behind Frozen Planet II, a truly authentic experience of some of the most fascinating and important areas of our world,” says Allison Matthews, head, Minecraft Education, “It’s never been more crucial to educate players everywhere about the effects of climate change and inspire a new generation of young people around sustainability. We believe it’s our responsibility to do so, and this partnership is the next big step in that direction.” 

The first Frozen Planet II Minecraft Education World is available now with further games launching weekly.