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Minecraft meets science: New online game from Freiberg

Freiberg 25. June 2026 14:01 Uhr 3 Min
Play and explore: “Countdown Freiberg” combines Minecraft with real science.
The new Minecraft game from TU Bergakademie Freiberg revolves around a mysterious crystal. © Screenshot
From: Wissensland
A university in Saxony is getting serious about gaming: The TU Bergakademie Freiberg has released "Countdown Freiberg." This Minecraft game guides young people through a digital version of Freiberg while addressing real-world questions about raw materials and sustainability. It combines gaming and research.

Anyone who wants to explore the “Reiche Zeche” silver mine in Freiberg, examine a mysterious crystal, and learn about raw materials in the process can now do so in Minecraft. The TU Bergakademie Freiberg has developed “Countdown Freiberg,” an online game based on Minecraft that combines science and adventure.

The story begins with a threat. A mysterious crystal is endangering the city. Only those who bring curiosity, team spirit, and smart decisions to the table can solve the mystery. Across 13 quests, players explore digitally recreated locations from real-life Freiberg: the historic mine and Freudenstein Castle, home to the terra mineralia mineral collection.

Along the way, they encounter characters who raise scientific questions about raw materials, the circular economy, and the management of the Earth’s finite resources. The focus is on questions regarding raw materials, the circular economy, and sustainable technologies. In this way, the game addresses topics that are gaining global significance, such as the management of limited resources.

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Bringing Science to Where Young People Are

Instead of bringing young people into lecture halls, the university goes where they are. “With ‘Countdown Freiberg,’ we’re bringing science into the lives of young people—to the places where they play, discover, and make decisions,” says Rector Prof. Dr. Jutta Emes. The goal is to convey issues of the future in a way that allows young people to understand them and actively shape them.

The game is aimed at young people ages 14 and up. Teaching materials are available for educators to integrate “Countdown Freiberg” into various school subjects. The game is played using a standard Minecraft license – that is, the paid version of the game that many young people already own – on a PC, smartphone, or tablet.

Nationwide Reach Through Well-Known Players

With this project, the TU Bergakademie Freiberg aims to reach more than just students in Freiberg. The game is intended to gain nationwide recognition, in part through Minecraft content creators who report on the game. These creators bring a large following on social media. In this way, the university also hopes to reach young people who have had little exposure to research or studying in Freiberg so far.

“Countdown Freiberg” was developed by the Central Transfer Office at TU Bergakademie Freiberg in collaboration with the agency NORDSONNE IDENTITY. The project is funded through the federal-state initiative “Innovative University.”

For more information about the game and how to get started, click here.

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Topics :

Minecraft Freiberg Countdown Game TU Bergakademie Freiberg TUBAF Raw Materials Sustainability Gamification Saxony
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Projekt Saxony Today : Mehrsprachigkeit von regionalen Nachrichten für in Sachsen lebende Menschen ohne deutsche Muttersprache. Projekt wird gefördert durch die Sächsische Landesanstalt für privaten Rundfunk und neue Medien. Diese Maßnahme wird mitfinanziert durch Steuermittel auf Grundlage des vom Sächsischen Landtag beschlossenen Haushaltes.
Projekt Saxony Today : Mehrsprachigkeit von regionalen Nachrichten für in Sachsen lebende Menschen ohne deutsche Muttersprache. Projekt wird gefördert durch die Sächsische Landesanstalt für privaten Rundfunk und neue Medien. Diese Maßnahme wird mitfinanziert durch Steuermittel auf Grundlage des vom Sächsischen Landtag beschlossenen Haushaltes.
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