The Dallas Mavericks might know what it means to set a pick, but now they want fans to place a block thanks to a partnership to create a new game on Mineplex, one of the largest Minecraft servers in the world.
“Dallas Mavericks World” will allow players to compete in free-building competitions and play a basketball mini-game on the virtual court of American Airlines Center, according to a news release from the team.
Team owner Mark Cuban told Business Insider that Minecraft is “intellectually engaging and creatively rewarding for any age. You can play it for minutes or hours.” The “Shark Tank” investor said that he plays the popular game just enough to be “conversant” with his kids and that his youngest child Jake is a big fan.
“The Dallas Mavericks have always been big supporters of education in our community,” Cuban said on the Mavs website. “But now we can truly be a part of it on a global scale. Minecraft is not just a game, it’s a way for kids (and adults) to build, explore and learn the fundamentals of computer science.”
At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, Cuban expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing intersection of sports and technology.
“Of course we’re going to use technology, just like any other industry, to be smart,” said Cuban, who has a net worth of about $3 billion. “Sports competes with every other method of entertainment. We have to compete like everybody else to be smarter, better, and faster. Investing in technology is one important way to get there.”
Microsoft acquired Minecraft for $2.5 billion in 2014. “Dallas Mavericks World” is expected to launch on Mineplex later this summer.
