{{Short description|Video game character}} {{Italic disambiguation}} {{redirect|Steve?|other uses|Steve (disambiguation)}} {{good article}} {{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Infobox character | creator = Markus Persson | designer = | portrayer = Jack Black (''A Minecraft Movie'') | franchise = ''Minecraft'' | image = Steve (Minecraft).png | caption = Official promotional art for Steve | first = ''Minecraft'' (2011) | alt = A voxel-like man with a light-blue shirt, purple pants, gray shoes, and brown hair walks to the left with a pickaxe in his right hand. | lbl21 = Related | data21 = Alex (feminine counterpart) }} '''Steve''' is a player character from ''Minecraft'', a 2011 sandbox game by Mojang Studios. Created by Swedish video game developer Markus "Notch" Persson and introduced in the original 2009 Java-based version, Steve is the first and the original default skin available for players of contemporary versions of ''Minecraft''. Steve lacks an official backstory as he is intended to be a customizable player avatar as opposed to being a predefined character. His feminine counterpart, '''Alex''', was introduced in August 2014 for Java PC versions of ''Minecraft'', with seven other characters debuting in the Java edition of the game in October 2022. Depending on the version of ''Minecraft'', players have a choice of defaulting to either Steve or any other variant skins when creating a new account. However, the skin is easy to change from the game itself or website.
Steve became a widely recognized character in the video game industry following the critical and commercial success of the ''Minecraft'' franchise. Considered by critics as a mascot for the ''Minecraft'' intellectual property, his likeness has appeared in advertising and merchandise, including apparel and collectible items. In October 2020, Steve was added as a playable character to ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', where he is commonly ranked as the game's best character and has sparked controversy due to his imbalanced power, leading to him being frequently banned from several tournaments for the game. He was portrayed by Jack Black in the film adaptation ''A Minecraft Movie'', released in April 2025. Steve's design has additionally been used in unofficial media, such as the "Herobrine" creepypasta.
== Concept and design == [[File:Notch receives the Pioneer Award at GDC 2016 (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Markus Persson, the original developer of ''Minecraft'' and creator of Steve, in 2016]] Steve was designed by game creator Markus Persson for ''Minecraft''. He is a human character with a blocky appearance, which is consistent with the aesthetic and art style of the game. His design consists of a light blue top, a pair of blue trousers, and shoes,<ref name="Everything">{{cite web |last=Coles |first=Jason |date=December 24, 2020 |title=Everything you need to know about Steve in Minecraft |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-steve-skin-herobrine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224080130/https://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-steve-skin-herobrine/ |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |access-date=April 15, 2022 |work=PC Gamer}}</ref><ref name="Greatest" /> while his face is sometimes adorned with a goatee.<ref name=":3" /> In the console editions, Steve is presented in different outfits, such as a tuxedo, a prison jumpsuit, and a kilt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=2015-04-27 |title=Minecraft adds free female avatar to console versions |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/04/minecraft-adds-free-female-avatar-to-console-versions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207184550/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/04/minecraft-adds-free-female-avatar-to-console-versions/ |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref name=":1" />{{Efn|name=editions|A distinction is made between the differences of the two different editions of ''Minecraft''. This article refers to the game on consoles and smartphones where customization of skins is limited to skins that exist in the virtual store. This is in contrast with the Windows, Linux, and Macintosh versions where skins are completely customizable, as users may upload image files to Mojang.}} While the name Steve originated as a joke due to Persson thinking it was "generic", the name was adopted by the community and became official in the Bedrock Edition of ''Minecraft''.<ref name="Everything" /> In spite of his masculine name and features, Steve's gender was never meant to be specific. In 2012, Persson explained that ''Minecraft''{{'s}} blocky graphics reinforced the "[traditionally] masculine" aesthetic of the game.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="GenderInMinecraft">{{cite web |last=Persson |first=Markus |author-link=Markus Persson |date=July 28, 2012 |title=Gender in ''Minecraft'' |url=https://notch.tumblr.com/post/28188312756 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728170757/http://notch.tumblr.com/post/28188312756/gender-in-minecraft |archive-date=July 28, 2012 |access-date=September 25, 2021 |website=tumblr}}</ref> He emphasized that ''Minecraft'' was designed to be an inclusive game where "gender doesn't exist" and that the character model was supposed to be a genderless human being.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Good |first=Owen |date=July 28, 2012 |title='Minecraft Guy' Isn't Supposed to Be a Guy—or a Girl, Says Game's Creator |url=https://kotaku.com/minecraft-guy-isnt-supposed-to-be-a-guy-or-a-girl-says-5929849 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |website=Kotaku |archive-date=July 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713134853/https://kotaku.com/minecraft-guy-isnt-supposed-to-be-a-guy-or-a-girl-says-5929849 |url-status=live }}</ref> Admitting that limiting the gender options to just male would insinuate that ''Minecraft'' was a "boy game only", Persson said he once attempted to create a proper female character in ''Minecraft'' but said the final results had been "extremely sexist."<ref name=":1" /> To keep the game gender-neutral, Steve's goatee was removed in 2009 but has since been readded to his character.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2022-08-22 |title=Minecraft Steve regrows beard after more than a decade |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/minecraft-steve-regrows-beard-after-more-than-a-decade |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023140008/https://www.eurogamer.net/minecraft-steve-regrows-beard-after-more-than-a-decade |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-23 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en-gb}}</ref>
thumb|upright=1.2|From left to right: Sunny, Kai, Makena, Steve, Alex, Zuri, Efe, Ari, and Noor
Alex, another complimentary default skin for all players, was added on 22 August 2014, to the ''Java Edition''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=April 27, 2015 |title=You can finally choose to play as a girl in Minecraft |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/27/8503863/minecraft-female-default-character |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428175512/https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/27/8503863/minecraft-female-default-character |archive-date=April 28, 2015 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bergensten |first=Jens |author-link=Jens Bergensten |date=August 22, 2014 |title=Minecraft 1.8 Pre-release – The Bountiful Update |url=https://www.mojang.com/2014/08/minecraft-1-8-pre-release-the-bountiful-update/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822113047/https://www.mojang.com/2014/08/minecraft-1-8-pre-release-the-bountiful-update/ |archive-date=August 22, 2014 |access-date=September 25, 2021 |website=Mojang}}</ref> The character was added to the console and mobile versions at a later date.<ref name=":1" /> Alex's character model is similar to Steve's but with a more feminine appearance: her orange hair is tied into a ponytail, and she has narrower arms.<ref name=":1" /><ref>*{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Owen |date=April 27, 2015 |title=New skins! Achievements! Music! |url=https://mojang.com/2015/04/new-skins-achievements-music/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427183642/https://mojang.com/2015/04/new-skins-achievements-music/ |archive-date=April 27, 2015 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |website=mojang.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Chalk |first=Andu |date=July 17, 2014 |title=Minecraft developer says narrower arms provide a more feminine look |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-developer-says-narrower-arms-provide-a-more-feminine-look/ |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611041204/https://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-developer-says-narrower-arms-provide-a-more-feminine-look/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Messina |first=Lynn |date=October 2, 2015 |title=Dear Minecraft Villagers: I'm Worried About You. |url=https://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/10/02/dear-minecraft-villagers-im-worried-about-you/ |access-date=September 25, 2021 |website=New York Times |quote=Recently, they added the first default female character. All human beings are no longer automatically a stubble-hewn male guy named Steve. |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418044853/https://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/10/02/dear-minecraft-villagers-im-worried-about-you/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Commenting on ''Minecraft''{{'s}} campaign for better gender representation compared to other video games, Helen Chiang, the Microsoft studio head responsible for the ''Minecraft'' franchise, explained in a 2018 interview that it is important for her company to use the ''Minecraft'' brand as a tool to subvert gender stereotypes. By presenting Alex and Steve with similar abilities or qualities, Chiang said it would reinforce the studio's stance on gender equality.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fessler |first=Leah |date=August 2, 2018 |title=Minecraft's head says American employees should get a gap year like they do in Sweden |url=https://qz.com/work/1346078/minecrafts-helen-chiang-says-us-employees-should-get-a-gap-year/ |access-date=September 26, 2021 |website=Quartz |archive-date=August 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803161241/https://qz.com/work/1346078/minecrafts-helen-chiang-says-us-employees-should-get-a-gap-year/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2014, an update to ''Minecraft'' added the ability for skins to have multiple layers, which allowed for more detail.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-09-02 |title=Minecraft's latest PC update has taken nearly a year to develop |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/minecrafts-latest-pc-update-has-taken-nearly-a-year-to-develop |access-date=2024-02-07 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207184550/https://www.eurogamer.net/minecrafts-latest-pc-update-has-taken-nearly-a-year-to-develop |url-status=live }}</ref>
In August 2022, an update implemented redesigns for Steve and Alex, using multiple layers and more texturing. Steve's redesign restored his goatee, which had been removed thirteen years prior.<ref name=":3" /> In October of the same year, seven default skins were added to ''Minecraft'' using the existing Steve and Alex character models to increase diversity within the game's community. These skins were named Noor, Sunny, Ari, Zuri, Makena, Kai, and Efe.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |date=2022-10-24 |title=Minecraft skins get seven more inclusive options |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/skins-default-options |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726083258/https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/skins-default-options |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |access-date=2023-07-26 |work=PCGamesN}}</ref>
== Description == === Character overview === Steve is one of nine default character skins that are available to new players of ''Minecraft''.{{sfn|Goldberg|Larsson|2013}}<ref name=":2">{{cite journal |last=Smolčec |first=Marijana |date=August 2014 |title=Using Minecraft for Learning English |url=https://tesl-ej.org/pdf/ej70/int.pdf |journal=The Electronic Journal for English as a Second Language |volume=18 |page=9 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=January 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122000036/http://www.tesl-ej.org/pdf/ej70/int.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> A skin is the appearance of the player's avatar that represents the player in the game world, which can be changed, altered, or replaced by the player.<ref name=":0" /> Players are allowed multiple options to change the visual appearance of their player character's skin.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0">{{Citation|last1=Lane|first1=H. Chad|title=Playing With Virtual Blocks: Minecraft as a Learning Environment for Practice and Research|date=2017|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318448771|work=Cognitive Development in Digital Contexts|pages=145–166|publisher=Elsevier|doi=10.1016/b978-0-12-809481-5.00007-9|isbn=978-0-12-809481-5|access-date=September 26, 2021|last2=Yi|first2=Sherry}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Minecraft: Java Edition Skins |url=https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/4408894664461-Minecraft-Java-Edition-Skins |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508155011/https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/4408894664461-Minecraft-Java-Edition-Skins |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |access-date=September 25, 2021 |website=Minecraft Help Center}}</ref>
Prior to Alex's introduction, Steve was the only official skin available to players on the PC and mobile editions of the game, though players of the PC version could use skins they have designed themselves or found online. On the original console editions of the game, up to eight male variants of Steve were also offered, none of them female, in addition to a greater variety of characters that could be purchased from bundles.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Harwell |first=Drew |date=April 27, 2015 |title=Minecraft is finally fixing its huge gender problem |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/04/27/minecraft-is-finally-fixing-its-huge-gender-problem/ |access-date=September 26, 2021 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111143325/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/04/27/minecraft-is-finally-fixing-its-huge-gender-problem/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Efn||name=editions}} Like Steve, Alex initially could not be selected in these console versions, and the skin chosen is randomly assigned whenever players start a new game.<ref name="Everything" /><ref name=":1" /> As of 2022, Steve, Alex, and the other seven default skins can be manually selected in all versions of the game, either via an in-game menu or in the game launcher, depending on the version of ''Minecraft'' being played.<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Witman |first=Emma |last2=Antonelli |first2=William |date=June 10, 2022 |title=How to change your character's skin in ''Minecraft'' to give them a different appearance |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-to-change-skin-in-minecraft |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023141406/https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-to-change-skin-in-minecraft |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |access-date=October 23, 2022 |website=Business Insider}}</ref>
=== ''A Minecraft Movie'' === [[File:Steve in A Minecraft Movie.png|thumb|Steve as he appears in ''A Minecraft Movie'' (2025), portrayed by Jack Black]] Steve appeared in the film adaptation of the game, ''A Minecraft Movie'' (2025), wherein he was portrayed in live action by American actor Jack Black.<ref name="Jack Black as Steve">{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2024-01-02 |title=Jack Black Levels Up For 'Minecraft' At Warner Bros – The Dish |url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/minecraft-jack-black-1235693816/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102190644/https://deadline.com/2024/01/minecraft-jack-black-1235693816/ |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Originally, Black was intended to play as a talking pig, before the then-director felt that a host was needed for the other characters present in the film.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Briscuso |first=Lex |date=2025-03-20 |title=Jack Black Was Originally Going to Play a Talking Pig In The Minecraft Movie |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/jack-black-was-originally-going-to-play-a-talking-pig-in-the-minecraft-movie |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> He was also the actor who was the most invested into the game. During production, the crew set up private ''Minecraft'' servers for everyone to play on; Black played over 100 hours of the game on those servers, more than anyone else, before he was cast as Steve.<ref name=":12" /> Following the original intent for Steve to be a default character that anyone can modify, the film's depiction of Steve is Jack Black's own interpretation of Steve.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |last2=Stephan |first2=Katcy |date=2025-03-19 |title=Crafting a Blockbuster: How 'A Minecraft Movie' Brought the Wacky, Cubic Video Game to Life |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/a-minecraft-movie-game-microsoft-1236341672/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
In the film, Steve was a struggling doorknob salesman who comes into contact with a mysterious object in a cave and is transported to the "Overworld"—a magical world made out of blocks and the main setting for the film.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Ouellette |first=Jennifer |date=2024-11-20 |title=Minecraft Movie trailer explores the origins of Steve |url=https://arstechnica.com/culture/2024/11/block-zombies-are-on-the-attack-in-minecraft-movie-trailer/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-20 |title=New Minecraft Movie Trailer Digs Into Steve's Backstory |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/11/new-minecraft-movie-trailer-digs-into-steves-backstory |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> From there, he becomes the leader for the other main characters of the film.<ref name=":13" /> In addition, Black performed numerous diegetic songs for the film. This includes "I Feel Alive"—an original song in the movie based on Steve's character<ref>{{Cite web |last=Butcher |first=Sophie |date=2025-03-20 |title=Jack Black shares original song 'I Feel Alive' from 'Minecraft' movie |url=https://www.nme.com/news/film/jack-black-shares-original-song-i-feel-alive-from-minecraft-movie-3847951 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref>—and "Steve's Lava Chicken", the latter of which became the shortest song to reach the UK singles chart.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yin-Poole |first1=Wesley |title=Steve's Lava Chicken From A Minecraft Movie the Shortest Song Ever to Debut on UK's Official Chart |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/steves-lava-chicken-from-a-minecraft-movie-the-shortest-song-ever-to-debut-on-uks-official-chart |website=IGN |access-date=24 May 2025 |date=22 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Steve's Lava Chicken: What's your favourite song from the movies? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cvgp57xe2kdo |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 May 2025 |date=22 April 2025}}</ref> Alex appears in the post-credits scene, where she appears to have taken residence in Steve's house in his absence, and invites him in to discuss the chest in the attic. Kate McKinnon makes an uncredited cameo as the voice of Alex, while Alice May Connolly serves as her physical actor.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Colburn |first=Randall |title='A Minecraft Movie' cast and character guide: All about the actors building the video game blockbuster |url=https://ew.com/minecraft-movie-cast-and-character-guide-11706993 |access-date=April 6, 2025 |website=EW.com |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405175650/https://ew.com/minecraft-movie-cast-and-character-guide-11706993 |url-status=live }}</ref> Kirsten Dunst will play her in the 2027 sequel, ''A Minecraft Movie Squared''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/kirsten-dunst-alex-a-minecraft-movie-sequel/|title=Kirsten Dunst to Play Alex in ''A Minecraft Movie'' Sequel at Warner Bros. and Legendary|last=Gonzalez|first=Umberto|date=March 19, 2026|access-date=March 19, 2026}}</ref>
=== Other appearances === Both Steve and Alex are skins in ''Minecraft Dungeons'', with Steve being the most popular skin among players.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1536787640426450944 |user=dungeonsgame |title=The Dungeons 2nd Anniversary Event is quickly approaching its finale, so we've gathered and compiled the latest stats from your adventures in the Overworld, Nether, and End. Feast your eyes upon our history and enjoy! |author=Minecraft Dungeons |date=14 June 2022 |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref> Outside of the ''Minecraft'' series, Steve appears as a playable character in the PC version of ''Super Meat Boy'', in which he is referred to as "'''Mr. Minecraft'''".<ref>{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Ben |date=December 2, 2010 |title=Mr. Minecraft is a god in Super Meat Boy |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-12-02-mr-minecraft-is-a-god-in-super-meat-boy.html |access-date=April 16, 2022 |website=Engadget |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417074313/https://www.engadget.com/2010-12-02-mr-minecraft-is-a-god-in-super-meat-boy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Steve also appears a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', wherein Alex and some enemies from ''Minecraft'' are featured as alternate costumes.<ref>{{cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Cameron |date=October 1, 2020 |title=Steve and Alex from ''Minecraft'' are coming to ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' on October 13th |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/1/21495481/steve-minecraft-super-smash-bros-ultimate-nintendo-switch-fighter-pass-vol-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428142255/https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/1/21495481/steve-minecraft-super-smash-bros-ultimate-nintendo-switch-fighter-pass-vol-2 |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |website=The Verge}}</ref> Cosmetics based on Steve's head appear in ''Hybrid''.<ref name=":5">{{cite web |last=Groen |first=Andrew |date=July 17, 2012 |title=''Minecraft'' helmets to appear in 5th Cell's Summer of Arcade title, ''Hybrid'' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/5th-cells-hybrid-offers-minecraft-helmets-level-20/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417003915/https://www.gamesradar.com/5th-cells-hybrid-offers-minecraft-helmets-level-20/ |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |access-date=October 10, 2021 |website=GamesRadar}}</ref> Steve and Alex also appear as playable characters via downloadable content in ''Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds''.<ref>{{cite web | last=McCrae | first=Scott | title=Sonic's Takashi Iizuka dunks on Mario Kart World as Sonic Racing Crossworlds unveils Hatsune Miku, Persona 5, and Minecraft Steve | website=GamesRadar+ | date=June 6, 2025 | url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/racing/sonics-takashi-iizuka-dunks-on-mario-kart-world-as-sonic-racing-crossworlds-unveils-hatsune-miku-persona-5-and-minecraft-steve/ | access-date=June 6, 2025}}</ref>
== Reception == === Cultural impact === Critics believe Steve has achieved a level of cultural impact and viral recognition outside of the character's origin as a baseline for new players of ''Minecraft''. He has been considered the face of the franchise in promotional and advertising materials;<ref name=":0" /> some commentators consider Steve to be the closest character ''Minecraft'' has to a protagonist or main character.{{sfn|Goldberg|Larsson|2013}}<ref name=":2" /> This is in spite of the fact that his existence is not asserted by way of an official backstory or in-game dialogue unlike most other video game characters.<ref name="Greatest">{{cite book |editor=Jaime Banks |editor2=Robert Mejia |editor3=Aubrie Adams |title=100 Greatest Video Game Characters |date=June 23, 2017 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield, 2017 |pages=184–186 |isbn=978-1-59582-768-5}}</ref> Steve has been considered one of the most iconic video game characters by the publication staff of ''Glixel'' and ''GamesRadar+'',<ref>{{cite web |date=November 23, 2016 |title=50 Most Iconic Video Game Characters of the 21st Century |url=http://www.glixel.com/news/lists/50-most-iconic-video-game-characters-of-the-21st-century-w449203/steve-w449259 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123084532/http://www.glixel.com/news/lists/50-most-iconic-video-game-characters-of-the-21st-century-w449203/steve-w449259 |archive-date=November 23, 2016 |website=Glixel}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite web |last=Weber |first=Rachel |date=November 8, 2021 |title=50 iconic video game characters |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-game-characters/ |website=gamesradar |access-date=November 18, 2021 |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130073904/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-game-characters/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with the latter considering Steve to be the "enduring symbol" of ''Minecraft'' and his character model as one of the most recognizable silhouettes in video game culture.<ref name=":6" /> In 2024, a poll conducted by BAFTA with around 4,000 respondents named Steve as the thirteenth most iconic video-game character of all time.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Ollie |last=Reynolds|title=Random: BAFTA's 'Iconic Game Characters' Poll Has Us Scratching Our Heads|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/04/random-baftas-iconic-game-characters-poll-has-us-scratching-our-heads |work=Nintendo Life |date=April 3, 2024|accessdate=April 8, 2024}}</ref>
Steve has been the subject of multiple fan theories spread across Internet communities.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rundle |first=Michael |date=January 19, 2015 |title=This Theory Might Change The Way You Think About 'Minecraft' |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/01/19/minecraft-backstory-theory_n_6500852.html |access-date=October 11, 2021 |website=HuffPost UK |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417003917/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/01/19/minecraft-backstory-theory_n_6500852.html |url-status=live }}</ref> One theory alleged that Steve is based on Tommy Vercetti, the protagonist of ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', due to the physical resemblance between the characters. It relied on a 2009 Tumblr post by Persson about ''Minecraft''{{'s}} development progress, where he confirmed that he used designs inspired by the ''Grand Theft Auto'' games. In 2020, Persson responded on social media and denied any connections between both characters, though he stated he had a subconscious connection due to him being a fan of ''Vice City''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coulson |first=Josh |date=2020-10-25 |title=Was Minecraft's Steve Really Inspired By Tommy From GTA Vice City? |url=https://www.thegamer.com/minecraft-steve-tommy-vice-city/ |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=May 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524184725/https://www.thegamer.com/minecraft-steve-tommy-vice-city/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2010, Herobrine, a creepypasta that is a derivative design of Steve with white, solid eyes, was created on 4chan, gaining prominence amongst the ''Minecraft'' community and becoming an internet meme, being featured in some official artwork for the game as well.<ref name="Creepypasta">{{cite news |last=Morton |first=Lauren |date=February 1, 2021 |title=The story of Herobrine, Minecraft's decade-old creepypasta mystery |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-herobrine-story-creepypasta-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918181415/https://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-herobrine-story-creepypasta-explained/ |archive-date=September 18, 2022 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |work=PC Gamer}}</ref> Conversely, the portrayal of Steve by Jack Black in ''A Minecraft Movie'' became the subject of memes as well due to its live-action depiction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tassi |first=Paul |date=September 7, 2024 |title=The 'Minecraft' Movie Trailer Blows Past 1 Million Dislikes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2024/09/07/the-minecraft-movie-trailer-blows-past-1-million-dislikes/ |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>
=== ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' === The announcement and introduction of ''Minecraft''-themed downloadable content (DLC) for ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', which is primarily represented by Steve, was received positively from critics and players.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ranking Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's New Character Introductions Over The Last 5 Years |url=https://kotaku.com/ranking-super-smash-bros-ultimates-new-character-intro-1848247989/slides/5 |access-date=April 16, 2022 |website=Kotaku |date=December 20, 2021 |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428142255/https://kotaku.com/ranking-super-smash-bros-ultimates-new-character-intro-1848247989/slides/5 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=October 14, 2020 |title=Minecraft's Steve is one of the zaniest Smash Ultimate additions yet, but by God it works |url=https://www.destructoid.com/minecrafts-steve-is-one-of-the-zaniest-smash-ultimate-additions-yet-but-by-god-it-works/ |access-date=October 11, 2021 |website=Destructoid |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417003915/https://www.destructoid.com/minecrafts-steve-is-one-of-the-zaniest-smash-ultimate-additions-yet-but-by-god-it-works/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=October 14, 2020 |title=You can't beat Minecraft Steve's Smash Bros. victory screen |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/10/14/21515823/super-smash-bros-ultimate-minecraft-dlc-steve-alex-enderman-zombie-victory-screen-poses |access-date=October 11, 2021 |website=Polygon |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522142909/https://www.polygon.com/2020/10/14/21515823/super-smash-bros-ultimate-minecraft-dlc-steve-alex-enderman-zombie-victory-screen-poses |url-status=live }}</ref> Some commentators suggested that much of the excitement was due to the character's unprecedented inclusion into ''Ultimate''; after the reveal, social media website Twitter struggled with posts generated in response.<ref>{{cite web |author=Gabe Gurwin |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/twitter-crashes-and-reacts-to-super-smash-bros-ultimates-minecraft-steve-reveal/1100-6482817/ |title=Twitter Crashes And Reacts To Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's Minecraft Steve Reveal |date=October 3, 2020 |website=GameSpot |access-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414074621/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/twitter-crashes-and-reacts-to-super-smash-bros-ultimates-minecraft-steve-reveal/1100-6482817/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Matt |date=October 2, 2020 |title=The Internet Thinks Minecraft in Smash Bros. Crashed Twitter |url=https://sea.ign.com/news/164435/the-internet-thinks-minecraft-in-smash-bros-crashed-twitter |access-date=October 11, 2021 |website=IGN Southeast Asia |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417003915/https://sea.ign.com/news/164435/the-internet-thinks-minecraft-in-smash-bros-crashed-twitter |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Ultimate''{{'}}s director Masahiro Sakurai tweeted "Perhaps Twitter has fallen ...?" once Twitter's services came back online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sakurai |first=Masahiro |author-link=Masahiro Sakurai |date=October 1, 2020 |title=もしかして、Twitter落ちましたね……? |trans-title=Perhaps Twitter has fallen? |url=https://twitter.com/Sora_Sakurai/status/1311671639650652160 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101105734/https://twitter.com/Sora_Sakurai/status/1311671639650652160 |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=November 1, 2023 |website=Twitter |language=ja}}</ref> Patricia Hernandez of ''Polygon'' and Nadia Fox of ''US Gamer'' noticed a suggestive animation featured at the character's win screen, which generated more publicity surrounding the character's imminent debut in ''Ultimate''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=October 21, 2020 |title=Smash Bros. patches out Minecraft Steve's meat |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/10/21/21527893/minecraft-smash-bros-ultimate-steve-meat-victory-screen-patch-update |access-date=October 11, 2021 |website=Polygon |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428031951/https://www.polygon.com/2020/10/21/21527893/minecraft-smash-bros-ultimate-steve-meat-victory-screen-patch-update |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="USGamer">{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/unlike-arbys-minecrafts-steve-no-longer-has-the-meat |title=Unlike Arby's, Minecraft's Steve No Longer Has the Meat |work=USGamer |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=October 21, 2020 |access-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507004356/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/unlike-arbys-minecrafts-steve-no-longer-has-the-meat |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In his review of the Steve DLC for ''Ultimate'', Mitchell Saltzman of ''IGN'' described Steve as one of the most complex fighters ever introduced in the game in terms of gameplay mechanics and highlighted the ways developers incorporated the resource collection and item crafting mechanics of ''Minecraft'' into Steve's moveset.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Saltzman |date=October 16, 2022 |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC Review – Minecraft Steve |url=https://sea.ign.com/review/165019/super-smash-bros-ultimate-dlc-review-minecraft-steve |access-date=October 11, 2021 |website=IGN Southeast Asia |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428192303/https://sea.ign.com/review/165019/super-smash-bros-ultimate-dlc-review-minecraft-steve |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Kotaku'' staff were divided over the iteration of Steve in ''Ultimate''. Ian Walker considered Steve as one of the most exciting characters to play in ''Ultimate'' after observing an event where a player used Steve's construction capabilities.<ref name=":Eff">{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Ian |date=July 20, 2020 |title=Smash Player Effs Up Opponent |url=https://kotaku.com/smash-player-effs-up-opponent-1847332620 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Kotaku |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417003915/https://kotaku.com/smash-player-effs-up-opponent-1847332620 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ari Notis took a less favorable view and called him the strangest character he had ever played, describing the visual and gameplay dissonances he observed from the implementation of Steve in ''Ultimate''.<ref name=":4">{{cite web |last=Notis |first=Ari |date=October 14, 2020 |title=Minecraft's Steve Is Super Weird In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |url=https://kotaku.com/minecrafts-steve-is-super-weird-in-super-smash-bros-ul-1845372517 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Kotaku |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417003916/https://kotaku.com/minecrafts-steve-is-super-weird-in-super-smash-bros-ul-1845372517 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Since Steve's addition, the character has been regarded as overpowered within the game's competitive community, who have cited Steve's unorthodox playstyle and rapid rise in high placements at competitions.<ref name=":8" /> In February 2023, a tier list created by several professional ''Ultimate'' players considered Steve the best character in the game.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Pabriga |first=Cedric |date=2023-02-28 |title=Minecraft Steve is on the verge of becoming Smash Ultimate's first character ban |url=https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/minecraft-steve-is-on-the-verge-of-becoming-smash-ultimates-first-character-ban |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302091359/https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/minecraft-steve-is-on-the-verge-of-becoming-smash-ultimates-first-character-ban |url-status=live }}</ref> Players began advocating for Steve to be banned from tournaments, fearing the character's dominance could negatively affect viewership similarly to the influence Bayonetta had on ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''. Some opposed the ban, stating that effective counterplay had yet to be developed.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=Riley |date=2022-07-11 |title=Why Competitive Smash Ultimate Players Want to Ban Minecraft's Steve |url=https://www.cbr.com/smash-ultimate-competitive-ban-minecraft-steve-nintendo/ |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=CBR |language=en-US |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014040455/https://www.cbr.com/smash-ultimate-competitive-ban-minecraft-steve-nintendo/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Varnson |first=Fletcher |date=2022-07-06 |title=Smash Bros. Ultimate: Pros & Cons Of Banning Steve |url=https://screenrant.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-ban-steve-pros-cons/ |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014040454/https://screenrant.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-ban-steve-pros-cons/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":10" /> As more players selected the character and their win rates increased, calls for a ban intensified.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gwilliam |first=Michael |date=June 20, 2022 |title=Smash Ultimate pros demand Steve ban after 15-year-old Acola wins major |url=https://www.dexerto.com/smash/smash-ultimate-pros-demand-steve-ban-after-15-year-old-acola-wins-major-1851710/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014040458/https://www.dexerto.com/smash/smash-ultimate-pros-demand-steve-ban-after-15-year-old-acola-wins-major-1851710/ |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=Dexerto |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Winslow |first=Levi |date=2022-08-15 |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Competitive Community Really Hates Steve From Minecraft |url=https://kotaku.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-minecraft-ban-steve-sora-onin-1849413171 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014040454/https://kotaku.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-minecraft-ban-steve-sora-onin-1849413171 |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=2022-08-15 |title=Steve from Minecraft was the big winner at Super Smash Con 2022 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/steve-super-smash-con-2022-big-winners/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013115912/https://www.destructoid.com/steve-super-smash-con-2022-big-winners/ |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=Destructoid |language=en-CA}}</ref> By March 2023, Steve was banned in several tournaments due to the discovery of a new technique that removes the consequences from opponent attacks, effectively allowing Steve to immediately retaliate. This method is known as the "Phantom MLG".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shepard |first1=Kenneth |title=Long-Hated Steve From Minecraft Is Being Banned In Competitive Smash Bros. |url=https://kotaku.com/super-smash-bros-tournament-ban-steve-minecraft-glitch-1850185818 |website=Kotaku |publisher=G/O Media |access-date=14 March 2023 |date=3 March 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305111259/https://kotaku.com/super-smash-bros-tournament-ban-steve-minecraft-glitch-1850185818 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Plant |first=Logan |date=2023-03-07 |title=Why Minecraft Steve Is Causing Drama in the Super Smash Bros. Community |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/super-smash-bros-ultimate-steve-mains |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208004758/https://www.ign.com/articles/super-smash-bros-ultimate-steve-mains |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Analysis === In an entry from the 2017 publication ''100 Greatest Video Game Characters'', Chris Bailey explained that the sparse knowledge on Steve shows how video game avatars are being perceived in relation to player identity; the character embodies and conducts the spirit of freedom and customization inherent to sandbox games.<ref name="Greatest" /> He elaborated that Steve exemplifies the "centrality" of relatable avatars in affording players their own creative agency in and around video games; while other games allow a certain level of customization, Steve embodies this possibility more than most by allowing users to change the entire surface of the body beyond changing between pre-defined hairstyles or skin colors. This process is visible through the proliferation of online communities set up to share user-generated adapted skins.<ref name="Greatest" />
While Persson asserted that Steve's gender is non-binary, Bailey took the view that it is "initially difficult" to account for the inclusion of an avatar with an "evidently gendered name".<ref name="Greatest" /> Nevertheless, Bailey observed that ''Minecraft''{{'s}} player communities have embraced the game's openness due to their enthusiasm in customizing their avatars' appearances.<ref name="Greatest" /> This is achieved through the process of overlaying a new skin over Steve.<ref name="Greatest" /> Similarly, H. Chad Lane said the concept of skins in ''Minecraft'', with Steve and Alex as starting points for the player to create their avatar, can act as a reflection of the player's identity and self-perceptions, regardless of whether it is similar to or in contrast to the real world.<ref name=":0" />
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
== Further reading == {{refbegin}} * {{cite book |last1=Ames |first1=Morgan G. |last2=Burrell |first2=Jenna |title=Proceedings of the 2017 ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing |chapter='Connected Learning' and the Equity Agenda |date=February 25, 2017 |chapter-url=http://www.morganya.org/research/ames-cscw17-minecraft.pdf |series=CSCW '17 |location=New York, NY, USA |publisher=Association for Computing Machinery |pages=446–457 |doi=10.1145/2998181.2998318 |isbn=978-1-4503-4335-0 |s2cid=19654526 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720025016/http://www.morganya.org/research/ames-cscw17-minecraft.pdf |url-status=live}} * {{cite book |last1=Anderson |first1=Emma |last2=Walker |first2=Justice |last3=Kafai |first3=Yasmin B. |last4=Lui |first4=Debora |title=Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games |chapter=The gender and race of pixels |date=August 14, 2017 |chapter-url=https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3102071.3102094 |series=FDG '17 |location=Hyannis Massachusetts |publisher=ACM |pages=1–10 |doi=10.1145/3102071.3102094 |isbn=978-1-4503-5319-9 |s2cid=23685632 |language=en |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205153540/https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3102071.3102094 |url-status=live}} * {{cite thesis |last=Bayle-Spence |first=Callum |title=Minecraft's Sandbox: Play in a Virtual World of Creative Exploration |date=August 2020 |degree=Master of Arts in Child Development |publisher=Sarah Lawrence College |url=https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1049&context=child_development_etd |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926180424/https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1049&context=child_development_etd |url-status=live}} * {{cite book |last=Garrelts |first=Nate |title=Understanding Minecraft: Essays on Play, Community and Possibilities |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-7864-7974-0 |publisher=McFarland |location=Jefferson, North Carolina}} * {{cite book |last1=Goldberg |first1=Daniel |title=Minecraft: The unlikely tale of Markus "Notch" Persson and the game that changed everything |title-link=Minecraft (book) |last2=Larsson |first2=Linus |year=2013 |publisher=Seven Stories Press |isbn=978-1-60980-686-6 |translator-last=Hawkins |translator-first=Jennifer |language=en}} * {{cite journal |last=Ohlendorf |first=Roman |date=April 21, 2016 |title=Playing with the Legend: Ostension and Extra-Textual Production in Minecraft |url=https://heiup.uni-heidelberg.de/journals/index.php/religions/article/view/23547 |journal=Heidelberg Journal of Religions on the Internet |volume=10 |doi=10.17885/heiup.rel.23547 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926180424/https://heiup.uni-heidelberg.de/journals/index.php/religions/article/view/23547 |url-status=live}} * {{cite book |url=https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781315637525/routledge-companion-imaginary-worlds-mark-wolf |title=The Routledge Companion to Imaginary Worlds |publisher=Routledge |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-315-63752-5 |editor-last=Wolf |editor-first=Mark J. P. |location=New York |doi=10.4324/9781315637525 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016190416/https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781315637525/routledge-companion-imaginary-worlds-mark-wolf |url-status=live}} {{refend}}
== External links == * ''[https://minecraft.wiki/w/Steve Steve]'' on Minecraft Wiki * [https://namemc.com/skin/63455d7069b397c2 Steve's entry on NameMC]—a searchable skin database <!-- Rationale for adding NameMC: it is a trusted mirror of Mojang's APIs and "provide[s] a unique resource beyond what the article would contain if it became a featured article" (WP:ELNO). Only remove if the site's accuracy is called into question. Do not add other similar searchable sites! --> {{Minecraft}} {{Super Smash Bros.}} Category:2010s fads and trends Category:In-jokes Category:Male characters in video games Category:Minecraft characters Category:Super Smash Bros. fighters Category:Video game characters introduced in 2009 Category:Mascots introduced in 2009 Category:Swedish mascots Category:Video game mascots Category:Video game memes Category:Fictional non-binary people Category:Fictional swordfighters in video games Category:Fictional miners Category:Fictional explorers in video games Category:Fantasy (genre) adventurers Category:Fictional construction workers Category:Fictional dragonslayers Category:Male characters in film Category:Fantasy film characters Category:Adventure film characters Category:Comedy film characters Category:Fictional salespeople