Realm News

In this episode of Realm News Flash, The Dark Lord dives into major updates from the Minecraft universe, including the transition from OpenGL to Vulkan for enhanced visuals and cross-platform compatibility, the conclusion of the Baby Mob Drop, and speculation around the upcoming Minecraft Live Spring Event. We also explore Microsoft's new gaming CEO, Asha Sharma, her AI background, and plans for reviving the Xbox console. Lastly, we preview Part 2 of an engaging discussion with pixel artist MickeyJoe, covering creative processes, passion projects, and the intersection of Minecraft with real-world biology and history. Tune in for all the latest...

In this episode of Realm News Podcast, we sit down with the talented Mickey Joe, a pixel artist and YouTuber from the Netherlands, to dive deep into the colorful world of Minecraft. Join us as Mickey Joe shares his journey as a content creator, his passion for Minecraft modding, and the artistry behind pixel art.

We explore the evolution of Minecraft's texture packs and resource features, reflect on the game's cultural impact, and discuss the creative tools that fuel the community. Plus, hear our take on the direction of official game updates, community feedback...

In this episode of Realm News Flash, The Dark Lord dives into the controversial launch of osu.ai, a generative AI tool developed by TSM that automates Minecraft builds, raising concerns over the erosion of creativity in gaming. The episode also explores TSM's shift from esports to SaaS models following financial struggles post-FTX collapse. Additionally, the show uncovers a troubling issue with Minecraft Realms double-charging customers for years. Wrapping up, there's an engaging sneak peek of an upcoming interview with pixel artist and Minecraft content creator Mickey Joe, discussing his creative journey and insights into the Minecraft community.

Join me in the latest dystopian story created by yours truly. This story falls in with the Copperverse that I have created starting with Copper Bot.

Description:

In a world where optimism is mandatory, Employee 2487’s life revolves around digging for copper and reporting his daily "level of optimism." A routine performance review triggers revelations about labor, compliance, and autonomy’s erosion. This dystopian tale explores how hope can be weaponized, reducing people to mere metrics within the Copperverse.
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In this episode of Realm News Flash, The Dark Lord covers the 2026 Minecraft Realms Map Maker Awards, highlighting the artistic contributions of Mickey Joe, and delves into the controversial reactions to the "Good Trouble" DLC, emphasizing the importance of civil rights education in gaming. He also discusses the formation of the Minecraft Safety Council, aimed at enhancing player safety, and provides updates on MichaelTBH's dual-wielding campaign. Wrapping up, The Dark Lord offers an exclusive sneak peek into "The Employee," his dystopian audiobook exploring themes of labor, compliance, and the manipulation of optimism.

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Join me, The Dark Lord for this short episode where I cover the latest baby madness and then provide you a clip into another original audiobook that is part of the Realm News Copperverse. I hope you all enjoy The Employee. Narrated by yours truly.

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https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/babies-gone-feral

In this special 2nd anniversary episode of Realm News, charismatic host The Dark Lord celebrates the podcast’s journey with over 4,000 listeners across 60 countries. Reflecting on milestones like interviews with Kristoffer Zetterstrand, Concordia University's Minecraft Bloc team, Jigarbov, and Randy Bishop, plus the debut novella "Torvengi in the Village of Alp," we also present "Copper Bot"—an original Minecraft-inspired sci-fi story. Written and narrated by Greg Howard, it follows Winston, a copper automaton awakening after a millennium to navigate a changed world and lost memories. Stay tuned for more immersive tales like "The Employee," and thank you for exploring the...

In this part 2 episode, I, The Dark Lord, engage in a captivating conversation with Mauvais Garcon. Together, we delve into the intricacies of content creation, particularly within the dynamic Minecraft community. Mauvais shares valuable insights on building a thriving community, shedding light on the impact of YouTube’s algorithm changes, and emphasizing the importance of consistency and quality in content production.

Our discussion also explores the potential of utilizing AI in scripting and the exciting possibilities of expanding into platforms like TikTok and Spotify. As a listener, you can look forward to gaining practical advice on navigating th...

In this impromptu episode of Realm News Flash, The Dark Lord delves into the latest Minecraft updates, expressing mixed feelings about the "Babies" drop featuring new baby mounts like donkeys, mules, and zombie horses. He critiques the update's lack of depth compared to previous drops and discusses community reactions. The episode also explores intriguing Minecraft trivia, including the "arrow trees" theory and Microsoft's data privacy policies. Plus, enjoy a heartfelt clip from part two of The Dark Lord's interview with former Minecraft content creator Mauvais Garçon, reflecting on his creative journey and aspirations. Tune in for news, opinions, a...

In today’s Part 1: Exploring the Cinematic Forever World with Mauvais Garçon, we delve into the captivating story of Mauvais Garcon, a former self-proclaimed “bad boy” who has transformed into a celebrated Minecraft content creator. We’ll explore the origins of his unique gaming persona, his cherished memories of the Xbox 360, and how his children introduced him to the world of Minecraft. Additionally, we’ll follow his journey of building a successful YouTube channel and discuss the intriguing role of AI in content creation. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or an aspiring content creator, this captivating conversation is sure to le...

In this episode of Realm News Flash, The Dark Lord dives into the latest Minecraft updates, including the buzz around baby mobs, the UK’s new age verification requirements, and community reactions to recent game features. Plus, enjoy an exclusive clip from an engaging conversation with content creator MauvaisGarcon, where they discuss his transformative journey from a self-proclaimed "bad boy" to a celebrated Minecraft influencer. Tune in for unscripted insights, captivating stories, and a sneak peek at Thursday’s full interview. Happy crafting!

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Work Cited

MIchealTBH. “Age Verification UK.” X (Formerly...

Realm News presents: "Poll Time: Do You Like the Parched and Camel Husk?", host The Dark Lord delves into the Minecraft community's reactions to the newest desert mobs, the Parched and Camel Husk. With 139 votes, a striking 80.5% of participants expressed their love for both mobs. The episode features compelling community feedback, including strategies for tackling these mobs—like using ranged weapons against the Parched's poison-tipped arrows and managing the Camel Husk’s spear attacks. Listeners share insights on mob synergies, combat tips, and creative gameplay approaches. Plus, discover Realm News' expansion into the Hytale universe with a new podcast, Real...

In this episode of Realm News Flash (#68), "Tiny Mobs, Big News: The First 2026 Minecraft Drop,” The Dark Lord dives into the first Minecraft drop of 2026, introducing adorable new baby farm mobs like piglets, lambs, and even baby mooshrooms with unique textures and sounds. The episode also covers the exciting update that name tags are now craftable, eliminating the need to fish for them. Additionally, The Dark Lord discusses a recent Realms outage, sharing personal experiences and how it led to the creation of a fresh new world. To wrap up, listeners get a sneak peek into Thursday's episode focusing on...

In Episode #98 of Realm News, "The Dark Lord’s Guide to Armor Trims: Real and Realm Reflections”

The Dark Lord—"the one who puts the Real in Realm and expands your mind one block at a time"—dives into the intriguing world of Minecraft’s Armor Trims. This episode blends historical insight with in-game exploration, starting with a fascinating look at real-world armor decoration techniques from ancient civilizations to medieval times. Then, it’s "Poll Time," revealing the community’s thoughts on Armor Trims, with vibrant comments from players like ThatDiamondMC, Parallax-Jack, and AllanTaylor314. The Dark Lord then shifts to...

Join me, The Dark Lord, in Episode #99 of Realm News as we dive into the epic showdown: Java, Bedrock, or Both? Discover fascinating insights into Minecraft’s programming roots, the history of Java, and why it remains a favorite among players. Hear from the community through engaging poll results and lively listener comments that reveal surprising preferences. Whether you're a die-hard Java enthusiast, a Bedrock fan, or someone who enjoys both, this episode is packed with passionate perspectives and a heartfelt message from "The Dark Lord." Don’t miss this exciting adventure—hit play now and be part of the st...

In this exciting episode, we dive into the results of our latest community poll—Java , Bedrock, or Both? With an astounding 179 votes, the results are in, and the debate is hotter than ever! Hear what makes Java the crowd favorite, why Bedrock holds its own, and join in the lively commentary.

But that's not all—immerse yourself in the debut of Copper Bot, an original, audio-first sci-fi story crafted by The Dark Lord. Follow the awakening of a copper robot after a thousand years of silence, as he unravels fragmented memories and searches for a purpose in a wo...

In the Realm News Christmas Special, "A Minecraft Christmas Tree," Gregory H. Howard (also known as The Dark Lord) presents a heartfelt, Minecraft-themed retelling of Charles Dickens' classic tale "A Christmas Tree." Blending the timeless charm of Dickens with the pixelated wonder of the Minecraft universe, Howard's narration guides listeners through a nostalgic journey filled with vivid memories, exploring themes of childhood wonder, adventure, and the enduring spirit of the holidays. This special episode offers an immersive storytelling experience that bridges the gap between classical literature and modern gaming culture, perfect for listeners seeking warmth, reflection, and festive enchantment.<...

In Episode 107 of Realm News, "Poll Time: The Spear," The Dark Lord dives into the Minecraft community's reactions to the newly introduced spear, first showcased during Minecraft Fall Live 2025. This shorter episode features an engaging poll where players rated the spear from 1 to 5, revealing a diverse range of opinions. The Dark Lord discusses the poll results, shares personal thoughts on the spear’s mechanics, and reads insightful comments from the community. Listeners are encouraged to join in on future polls and stay connected through the show’s various platforms. Happy crafting!

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In this episode of Realm News, The Dark Lord dives into the latest Minecraft update, Mounts of Mayhem, sharing thrilling experiences with new features like the spear, nautilus taming, and intense battles against camel husk jockeys. He discusses the emotional quest for a zombie horse, the #FreeMerl movement advocating for Minecraft Earth’s former mascot, and provides insights into the upcoming party system set for 2026. Plus, there’s a sneak peek into Thursday’s Poll Time episode focused on the spear’s game-changing impact. Tune in for all the blocky adventures, updates, and community stories!

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In Part 2 of "Blocks, Adventures, and Beyond: Chatting with NeonGamingAdventures", The Dark Lord and NeonGamingAdventures discuss Minecraft. They explore Neon’s love for new terrains, cave updates, and Bedrock Edition’s visuals. They talk about game drops, predict an End update, and discuss combat enhancements. Neon shares favorite mods like MCC Island and The Hive, his love for the copper golem, and dislike for phantoms. They cover biomes, update predictions, favorite drops, and the community. Neon discusses his content creation journey, advises aspiring YouTubers, and aims for 1,000 subscribers by year’s end. The episode ends with shout-outs, future plans, and a...

Welcome back to Realm News Flash #65 with your host, The Dark Lord—"the one who puts the Real in Realm and expands your mind one block at a time!" In this episode, we dive into Mojang Studios' exciting announcement: Minecraft is shifting to a year-based version numbering system starting in 2026, making it easier for players and creators to track updates across Java and Bedrock Editions. We also cover the latest release, Minecraft 1.21.11 Release Candidate 3, and Pre-Release 5, featuring key bug fixes for smoother gameplay. Plus, don’t miss part two of our engaging series with NeonGaming, where we discuss content crea...

Join us on the latest episode of Realm News as The Dark Lord sits down with NeonGaming Adventures, a passionate Minecraft content creator and dedicated Realm News community moderator. Discover NeonGaming's journey from humble beginnings on Xbox 360 to building a thriving YouTube channel focused on Minecraft and Five Nights at Freddy's. In this engaging interview, NeonGaming shares insights on his creative process, favorite projects like his one-block SkyBlock series, and how he keeps his content fresh without heavy editing. Whether you're a Minecraft enthusiast or an aspiring content creator, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable tips. Tune...

In episode #64 of Realm News Flash, "AI Minecraft Art, Pre-Release 3, & MoM Release Date," The Dark Lord dives into thrilling updates from the Minecraft universe. The episode covers the official release date for Mounts of Mayhem, set for December 9th, and the exciting community reactions following the announcement. Listeners will also hear about the latest changes in Pre-Release 3, including spear mechanics updates and improved animal behaviors. The show takes a critical look at the controversial use of AI in Minecraft promotional art, discussing the implications of AI-generated media in marketing. Wrapping up, The Dark Lord chats with NeonGamingAdventures in "Blocks...

In this episode of Realm News, host The Dark Lord welcomes back Minecraft expert MichaelTBH for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of Minecraft combat. They delve into the ongoing campaign for dual wielding, the challenges of achieving parity between Java and Bedrock editions, and the broader implications of game updates. Michael shares his insights on the community's role in shaping the game's future and the importance of dialogue in driving change. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of Minecraft, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the game's development and what players can expect...

In this action-packed episode of Realm News Flash #63, The Dark Lord dives into the latest Minecraft 1.21.11 pre-releases, spotlighting key updates like the new Texture Filtering option and Golden Spear tweaks. We then shift to Neon Scoop’s deep dive into British YouTuber CuppaTea’s jaw-dropping Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic Minecraft recreation, crafted entirely with command blocks. Finally, don’t miss an exclusive, uncensored clip from an epic two-hour chat with MichaelTBH, where he passionately discusses his Dual Wielding campaign. Plus, exciting news about the launch of "Realm News: Hytale"! Subscribe for all things Minecraft, FNAF, an...

In this spontaneous episode of Realm News, host Greg Howard, also known as The Dark Lord, is joined by his friend ItzNEXX for an impromptu discussion on Minecraft's combat mechanics and dual wielding. The conversation delves into the intricacies of Minecraft's updates, the potential for new features, and the community's response to changes in the game. ItzNEXX shares insights on his upcoming SMP project, "The Nexx SMP," set to launch on December 1st, and the duo explores the possibilities of future updates, including the introduction of new weapons and combat systems. The episode is filled with humor, candid thoughts...

In this impromptu episode of Realm News Flash #62, we bring you breaking news: Hytale has been saved! Simon Collins-Laflamme, former CEO of Hypixel Studios, has repurchased Hytale from Riot Games, reigniting excitement within the gaming community. Join us as we discuss this monumental event with special guest Neon Scoop from Neon Gaming Adventures. We cover Simon's recent raw gameplay footage, the future of Hytale, and the launch of our upcoming weekly Hytale-focused episodes. Tune in for all the latest updates on this incredible comeback story!

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In Realm News Flash #61, join The Dark Lord as he dives into the latest Minecraft happenings! The brand-new Neon Scoop segment unpacks the Bedrock PC bug debacle, highlighting player frustrations and Mojang’s sluggish response. Get the scoop on Minecraft’s future with insights from dev discussions, including changes to version numbering and upcoming frequent game drops. Plus, discover "Minecraft Blast," a sweet collaboration with Candy Crush’s creators, and don’t miss an exclusive preview of Thursday’s episode where The Dark Lord and ItzNexx discuss Minecraft combat and the excitement around ItzNexx’s new SMP launching December 1st. Stay tun...

Summary

In Episode 97 of Realm News, “The End Poll Time," The Dark Lord delves into an intriguing community poll exploring how many Minecraft players have ventured into The End dimension. Inspired by a surprising statistic claiming only 6.3% of players ever reach The End, the host shares poll results from Reddit, where 81% of respondents reported having made the journey. The episode features insightful community feedback contrasting The End with the Nether, highlighting its perceived emptiness and lack of purpose post-dragon battle. Despite being a shorter episode, it’s packed with engaging discussions, personal reflections, and comments from dedicated Real...

Realm News Flash, hosted by The Dark Lord—"the one who puts the Real in Realm and expands your mind one block at a time!"—delivers the latest updates from the Minecraft universe. In each episode, you'll hear about exciting developments like Netherite Horse Armor, community projects such as Silent Whisperer’s revival of the Battle Mini Game in the Neon Scoop segment, and intriguing player polls exploring dimensions like "The End." Join us for insightful commentary, nostalgic reflections, and community-driven news, with special features and bonus content available via Patreon. Tune in, share the excitement, and happy crafting!

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In Episode #98 "Floating Marvels: Exploring the Real-World Roots of Lily Pads in Minecraft" of Realm News, host The Dark Lord masterfully bridges the gap between Minecraft and real-world knowledge. The show dives deep into the fascinating biology and practical applications of lily pads, unraveling their significance both in nature and in-game mechanics. From exploring the impressive structure of the Amazonian Water Lily, which inspired architectural marvels like the Crystal Palace, to showcasing creative Minecraft uses such as biological bridges and efficient water platforms, this episode blends educational insights with engaging gameplay tips. Additionally, the episode highlights community feedback from...

In Episode #58 of Realm News Flash, The Dark Lord—“the one who puts the Real in Realm and expands your mind one block at a time”—dives into the latest Minecraft updates, including the terrifying new Camel Husk and Parched mobs that make desert biomes more dangerous than ever. From zombie camels ridden by spear-wielding husks to skeletons firing poison-tipped arrows, this episode explores the eerie side of Mojang’s newest snapshot. Greg also celebrates long-awaited mechanics like swimming horses and previews Thursday’s main Realm News episode, “Floating Marvels: Exploring the Real-World Roots of Lily Pads in Minecraft.” Plus, in this we...

In "From the Tomb," Gregory H. Howard (aka The Dark Lord), creator and host of the acclaimed podcast Realm News, brings to life a chilling tale adapted from Twenty-Five Ghost Stories, originally penned by De Maupassant and translated by E.C. Waggener. This haunting narrative follows the eerie encounter of a father and his daughter, Juliette, who was shockingly buried alive—only to return from the grave after a terrifying ordeal. Howard’s captivating narration, enriched with atmospheric soundscapes and distinct character voices, immerses listeners in a macabre journey of suspense and supernatural intrigue. For more thought-provoking stories and imme...

In Episode 103 of Realm News, "Markcraft," The Dark Lord—"the one who puts the Real in Realm and expands your mind one block at a time"—welcomes special guests Adrian and Mark, the founders of Markcraft, a three-year-old, never-reset Minecraft Bedrock SMP server. Tune in as they dive into the origins of Markcraft, the decision to focus on Bedrock, the vibrant community they've built, and the lore and structures that make their server unique. Discover their favorite builds, community dynamics, and future plans, plus insights into their personal journeys as Minecraft enthusiasts and content creators.

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In Episode #57 of Realm News Flash, The Dark Lord returns with fresh Minecraft updates, including the anticipated Vibrant Visuals coming to Java Edition, highlights from Snapshot 25W43A, and exciting gameplay tweaks like the revamped spear mechanics. This episode features a sneak preview of an upcoming interview with Mark and Adrimark, founders of the Bedrock SMP Forever World Server, Markcraft. Plus, The Neon Scoop debuts with NeonGamingAdventures sharing insights from the new SoulSteel dungeon crawler on Bedrock Edition. Join us for all this and more as we expand your Minecraft knowledge, one block at a time!

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In Episode 95, Part 2 of "Mycelium Mysteries: Decoding Minecraft's Fungi Network," the Dark Lord and guest Master Crafter NightSteak delve deeper into the fascinating world of Minecraft fungi, transitioning from the overworld to the Nether. They explore the intriguing properties of crimson and warped fungi, discuss the role of bioluminescent shroomlights, and analyze the ecological significance of fungi within Minecraft's environments. The duo also examines theories about the origins of Nether fungi, the interconnectedness of mycelium, and how these elements influence the Nether's ecosystem, all while weaving in captivating lore from Minecraft Dungeons and Legends. Join them for an enlightening...

Join me The Dark Lord in this impromptu Realm News Flash! I report all the Minecraft News that has taken place in the past 7 days and provide a 3 1/2 minute clip into this upcoming Thursday, part 2 episode with NightSteak over Fungi. You will not want to miss it!

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https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/minecraft-preview-1-21-130-20

In Episode 94 Part 1 of Realm News, "Mycelium Mysteries: Decoding Minecraft's Fungi Network," host The Dark Lord welcomes back special guest NightSteak, owner of the largest museum on the oldest Minecraft survival multiplayer server, MinecraftOnline.com. They dive deep into the fascinating world of Minecraft fungi and mushrooms, exploring theories about their origins, connections to the Nether, and real-world mushroom foraging. NightSteak shares his expertise on identifying and using mushrooms both in-game and in real life, including intriguing facts about Amanita tea, mushroom evolution, and the mysterious Mooshroom biome. Join them for an enlightening episode that bridges Minecraft lore with...

In this episode of Realm News Flash, The Dark Lord dives into the latest Minecraft updates, covering the newly released Mounts of Mayhem test features for Java players, including the spear’s mechanics and the tamable zombie horse. He shares insights from community members MichealTBH and @Harristic_ on gameplay changes, explores the enchanting "Lunge" feature, and reports on the new "Happy Ghast" song by Element Animation. The episode also teases an exciting two-part series with NightSteak, delving into Minecraft fungi, real-world mushroom foraging, and theories surrounding the Mooshroom biome. Tune in for Minecraft updates, expert insights, and engaging discussions!

In Episode 102 of Realm News, "The Nautilus," The Dark Lord delves into the fascinating world of both the real-life nautilus and its new Minecraft counterpart from the "Mounts of Mayhem" update. After an engaging poll time segment discussing community reactions to the latest Minecraft features, The Dark Lord explores the nautilus as a living fossil, its evolutionary history, unique biological traits, and current threats to its survival. Transitioning into the Minecraft realm, the episode covers exciting gameplay elements like the rideable nautilus, zombie nautilus, and the powerful conduit crafted from nautilus shells. Join The Dark Lord for an episode...