Researchers created a special version of the popular video game Minecraft called NutriMine to help people learn about eating healthy foods. They tested it with 20 people and asked them questions about whether the game was fun, easy to use, and engaging. Most people said yes to all three questions. The game seemed to work well and could be a fun way to teach people about nutrition and help them make better food choices. This is exciting because it shows that video games might be a useful tool for fighting obesity and helping people stay healthy.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can a nutrition-themed Minecraft game help teach people about healthy eating and encourage them to make better food choices?
  • Who participated: 20 people from the target audience tested the game. The study also included input from 11 people in an earlier pilot test and feedback from nutrition experts.
  • Key finding: About 75% of players rated the game as easy to use and engaging. Most players enjoyed the experience and felt it was a good learning tool, though some found certain parts challenging depending on their Minecraft experience.
  • What it means for you: Playing educational games like NutriMine may be a fun and effective way to learn about nutrition and develop healthier eating habits. However, this is early research with a small group, so more testing is needed before we know how well it works for larger populations.

The Research Details

Researchers created NutriMine by modifying Minecraft based on advice from nutrition experts. They first tested it with 11 people to work out the bugs and get feedback. Then they had 20 people from the target group play the game and answer questions about their experience. The researchers used three different questionnaires to measure how engaged players were, how easy the game was to use, and how much fun they had playing it. This step-by-step approach helped them understand what worked well and what needed improvement.

Testing a game with real users before releasing it widely is important because it helps developers understand if the game actually teaches what it’s supposed to teach and if people enjoy using it. Getting feedback from both nutrition experts and players ensures the game is both accurate and fun. This approach increases the chances that the final product will actually help people change their eating habits.

This study is a preliminary evaluation with a small group of 20 people, which means the results are promising but not definitive. The researchers used established measurement tools (questionnaires that scientists use regularly), which makes the results more trustworthy. However, because the group was small and the study was short-term, larger and longer studies are needed to confirm whether the game actually changes eating habits over time.

What the Results Show

The game received positive ratings from most players. About 75% of participants scored the game as easy to use and user-friendly on a standard usability scale. Similarly, about 75% rated the game as engaging and fun to play. Players reported enjoying the experience overall and felt the game successfully taught them about nutrition. The game’s design was generally well-received, suggesting it has potential as an educational tool. These results indicate that the game achieved its basic goals of being accessible and enjoyable for the target audience.

Some players reported challenges with certain aspects of the game, particularly those who weren’t very familiar with Minecraft. Specifically, some players felt less confident about their abilities in the game (competence), had trouble getting into a flow state where they were completely focused, and didn’t feel fully immersed in the experience. These issues were mainly related to how much experience players already had with Minecraft, suggesting that the game might need adjustments to help new players feel more comfortable.

This research builds on growing evidence that serious games—games designed to teach something—can be effective educational tools. Previous studies have shown that games can help people learn and change behaviors, but most have focused on other health topics. This study is one of the first to specifically test a Minecraft-based nutrition education game, making it a novel contribution to the field. The positive results align with what researchers have found with other educational games.

The study tested only 20 people, which is a small group. We don’t know if the results would be the same with hundreds or thousands of players. The study was short-term, so researchers couldn’t measure whether the game actually changed people’s eating habits over weeks or months. The group tested may not represent all types of people, so results might be different for different age groups or backgrounds. Finally, the game was tested in a research setting, which might be different from how people would use it at home.

The Bottom Line

NutriMine shows promise as an educational tool for learning about nutrition and may help encourage healthier eating habits. The evidence is moderate at this stage—the game performed well in testing, but larger studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. If you’re interested in nutrition education games, this appears to be a well-designed option worth trying, especially if you’re already familiar with Minecraft. However, don’t expect it to be a complete solution for changing eating habits on its own.

This game would be most useful for people interested in learning about nutrition through gaming, particularly those who already enjoy Minecraft. It may be especially helpful for younger people who prefer learning through games rather than traditional methods. People who are new to Minecraft might find some parts challenging at first. This tool is best used as part of a broader approach to healthy eating, not as a replacement for professional nutrition advice.

You might notice increased awareness about nutrition and food choices after playing for a few weeks. However, actual changes in eating habits typically take several weeks to months to develop. The game is best used regularly over time, similar to how you’d use other educational apps or tools. Don’t expect overnight changes, but consistent use may help reinforce healthy eating knowledge and habits.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track which nutrition topics you learn about in NutriMine each week (such as food groups, portion sizes, or balanced meals) and note one healthy food choice you made based on what you learned.
  • After playing NutriMine, try to identify one meal or snack you can improve based on the nutrition lessons from the game. For example, if you learn about adding more vegetables, try adding one vegetable to your next meal.
  • Keep a weekly log of nutrition topics learned in the game and corresponding real-world food choices made. Review this log monthly to see patterns in what you’re learning and how it’s affecting your actual eating habits. Share progress with friends or family who are also using the game for accountability.

This research describes a promising educational game tool, but it is not a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice. The study involved a small group of 20 people and measured short-term engagement rather than long-term health outcomes. Before making significant changes to your diet or your child’s diet, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. If you have concerns about weight, nutrition, or eating habits, speak with a qualified health professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your individual health needs.