In this episode of Realm News, we dive into a laid-back, podcast-style chat with two talented Minecraft content creators. They unravel their unique creative processes behind designing resource/data packs and stunning models for Minecraft. Discover how they choose which game elements to redesign, focusing on artistic inspiration and personal fulfillment rather than chasing trends.

Join us as we explore the balance between passion projects and commissioned work, the dynamics of collaboration, and the pivotal moment when a project feels "complete." We also touch on their personal journeys, hobbies, the importance of taking breaks, and how Minecraft intertwines with real-world biology and history.

Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with creativity, challenges, and the evolving art of content creation within the Minecraft community!

Join the Realm: patreon.com/RealmNews

Find Mickey Joes Links Below:

“Mickey Joe Alpha.” YouTube, www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ygfoH6_Y8FJt8j63KMCHA. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

“Mickey Joe’s “Barely Default” - Minecraft Resource Pack.” Modrinth, 2026, modrinth.com/resourcepack/mickey-joes-relatively-improved-default/versions. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

MickeyJoe. ““Barely Default” by Mickey Joe.” CurseForge, 2026, www.curseforge.com/minecraft/texture-packs/mickey-joes-relatively-improved-default. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

---. “Barely Default Pack Update V19 - Minecraft 1.21.11.” Youtu.be, 2026, youtu.be/zrCjqzF4aLk?si=MvrKTkSl2gPtejAl. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

---. X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/MushirMickeyJoe?s=20. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

Https://Docs.google.com/Document/D/1kSjHyrZ60fVfBGip9Ho6QbFmMZ1CCtDfqIQLVj4hFvM/Edit?Pli=1&Tab=T.ozo3c9j31537.

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 news and insights!

Also, don’t forget if you are signed up as a Free or Copper Tier member that there is an additional 15 minutes of content to listen to after the show ends. So, just wait and I will welcome you to The Dark Lord’s Hour. See you all there! If you aren’t a member, then sign up at patreon.com/RealmNews. It costs nada.

Join the Realm: patreon.com/RealmNews.com

Work Cited

Chalk, A. (2025, February 19). Xbox announces “a generative AI model for gameplay ideation” called Muse, but don’t get too excited: Machines aren’t about to make games for you just yet. PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/software/ai/xbox-announces-a-generative-ai-model-for-gameplay-ideation-called-muse-but-dont-get-too-excited-machines-arent-about-to-make-games-for-you-just-yet/

Fenlon, W. (2026, February 20). If Xbox is “recommitting” to its console, what does that mean for its recent “everything is an Xbox” strategy? PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/if-xbox-is-recommitting-to-its-console-what-does-that-mean-for-its-recent-everything-is-an-xbox-strategy/

Fox, J. (2025, October 22). Xbox president says the next-gen console will be “very premium” and “very high-end,” which is totally treading on PC gaming’s turf. PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/xbox-president-says-the-next-gen-console-will-be-very-premium-and-very-high-end-which-is-totally-treading-on-pc-gamings-turf/

Kelion, L. (2016, March 14). Minecraft to run artificial intelligence experiments. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35778288

Microsoft Corporate Blogs. (2026, February 20). Asha Sharma named EVP and CEO, Microsoft Gaming - the official Microsoft blog. https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2026/02/20/asha-sharma-named-evp-and-ceo-microsoft-gaming/

MintRefresh. (2026). OpenGL to Vulkan. X.com. https://x.com/MintRefresh_MC/status/2024316156337684524?s=20

Mishra, N. (2026, February 22). Who is Asha Sharma? How her role impacts the highly anticipated GTA 6 launch in November 2026. The Sunday Guardian. https://sundayguardianlive.com/tech-news/who-is-asha-sharma-indian-origin-executive-microsoft-gaming-xbox-ceo-how-her-role-impacts-the-highly-anticipated-gta-6-launch-in-november-2026-171785/

Realm News. (2026). Realm News Flash #57: Vibrant visuals, snapshot 25W43A & the neon scoop. Spotify.com. https://open.spotify.com/episode/7yvbpgQfJhA8Bs575gR5lj?si=yGp9OQMcTkO97U0WR04SOA

Staff. (2026, February 18). Another step towards vibrant visuals for Java Edition. Minecraft.net. https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/another-step-towards-vibrant-visuals-for-java-edition

—. (2022, July). Ray tracing. Minecraft.net. https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/ray-tracing

—. (2025, October 22). The road to vibrant visuals on Java. Minecraft.net. https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/the-road-to-vibrant-visuals-on-java

TheWitherKing. (2026). OpenGL to Vulkan change. X (formerly Twitter). https://x.com/WitherKing001/status/2024378640826507422?s=20

Wilde, T. (2026, February 20). New Xbox boss promises no “soulless AI slop” after moving over from Microsoft’s CoreAI products division. PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/asha-sharma-xbox-no-ai-slop/

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, and exciting possibilities like copper and steel materials. This episode blends technical insights with heartfelt stories and creative philosophies; perfect for any Minecraft enthusiast!

Join the Realm: patreon.com/RealmNews

“Mickey Joe Alpha.” YouTube, www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ygfoH6_Y8FJt8j63KMCHA. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

“Mickey Joe’s “Barely Default” - Minecraft Resource Pack.” Modrinth, 2026, modrinth.com/resourcepack/mickey-joes-relatively-improved-default/versions. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

MickeyJoe. ““Barely Default” by Mickey Joe.” CurseForge, 2026, www.curseforge.com/minecraft/texture-packs/mickey-joes-relatively-improved-default. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

---. “Barely Default Pack Update V19 - Minecraft 1.21.11.” Youtu.be, 2026, youtu.be/zrCjqzF4aLk?si=MvrKTkSl2gPtejAl. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

---. X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/MushirMickeyJoe?s=20. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

Https://Docs.google.com/Document/D/1kSjHyrZ60fVfBGip9Ho6QbFmMZ1CCtDfqIQLVj4hFvM/Edit?Pli=1&Tab=T.ozo3c9j31537.