„Uncensored Library“: Online Game Campaign against Censorship

The goal of the campaign launched in March 2020 was to reach young people who have no access to free media due to national internet censorship. But how? Through one of the most successful online games: Minecraft! More than 145 million people from all over the world play it every month. But the most important advantage in this context: even in countries where all undesirable media are blocked, Minecraft is accessible. A loophole to circumvent censorship.

Together with DDB Group Germany, DaHouse Audio, Blockworks and MediaMonks, Reporters Without Borders built a Minecraft library of freely accessible censored articles. The first articles were written by journalists from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Mexico and Vietnam. But the library is to remain open, grow steadily and gain influence.

Because of the world-political theme, the team spent a long time on the design and its symbolism. This is how a huge dome made of over 12 million blocks came into being. It took over three months and 24 employees to complete. Probably the most important symbol is in the park in front of the building: a clenched fist with a fountain pen.

(Editiorial text and project. Please contact us for change requests.)