Mojang is planning to release Minecraft 1.7.6 tomorrow. However, this new version won't allow you to connect to the server: you need to stay with us on versions 1.7.2, 1.7.4 or 1.7.5. Make sure to select the correct option in the Minecraft launcher!

As I've posted before, 1.7.6 is the release preparing for username changes. Since many modifications are needed server-side, from both me and mod makers, we won't be updating to that version for a while still.

UPDATE: Minecraft 1.7.7 has been released to fix some bugs. The comments above still apply.

A month ago, I ran a survey asking for opinions on the current state of the server and how it should be expanded next. My thanks go to everyone who answered it, I gained some valuable insights from the results.

Based on this data and the wishes of the community at large, I'm now planning to launch a second server, with mods installed, allowing a different type of Minecraft gameplay that isn't possible with the current server. The list of specific mods is still being worked on, although it will probably involve a few individual options mixed in and an expanded focus on PvP. One of my ongoing goals on the Creeper's Lab is to keep the gameplay as vanilla as possible, with a few changes done for convenience's sake. The new server won't have to do with such limitations.

I'd like to reassure all players that the current server, which is well established, will remain my main priority and focus. The new one is being planned as a bonus, not a replacement to what is now available.

So, when do we get to play this?
Not for some time yet. The upcoming update to Minecraft 1.8 (and, incidentally, to 1.7.6) is preparing the scene to allow username changes. This is a step that will be especially difficult to manage server-side, since everything is currently set to identify the players by their usernames. I will have to update many plugins and rewrite some entirely, along with the whitelisting procedure on the forums and some admin tools, to get us compatible with these new changes. As such, my development time will be focused on preparing this upgrade, and I won't start to do any advanced planning on a second server until all that is cleared up. I can't tell yet how long this will take.

Thanks for your patience!

First of all, congratulations to all participants! This contest has had a large number of entrants and featured a lot of great, original buildings forming a real, although ruined city core. I'm very pleased with the results, and I hope you are, too!

Three judges, Dr. Cossack, iKatze and MediaKlepto went around the city and scored each project from 0 to 10, based on the already known rules: following the ruined city theme in a downtown area, while respecting the limits of the given lot.

THE RESULTS:

First place: Kagato75 - $20 Amazon.com giftcard
Second place: FigsNewton - Dr. Cossack's Favorites
Third place: Anonymous_SoFar - Full iron gear set
Random pick: PhantomLesMis - Fortune diamond pickaxe

You can see the full list of entries, along with scores, screenshots and comments from the judges, on the results page. Thanks to everyone who entered, and here's to more contests in the future!


Now, for a Stone Ville update. As I've indicated before, the city is still opened for building. If you want to do further work on a contest entry, you're free to do so. Likewise, anyone is free to claim a lot, or two, or more, and start building something original! I will personally be working on some additions in the coming weeks. The bigger the city gets, the better! I'll be monitoring additions in order to expand the city and add new lots as needed.

As a reminder, the sewers that run under most of the streets are yours to connect any basements into. They've been built in a pristine condition, you're welcome to make them look derelict with the addition of broken stone, water and anything you see fit.

Last but not least, the city's area is destined to be turned into a zombie uprising area in the future, accessible during Events Night and at large, so it will see plenty of visitors in the future.