The Generative Design in Minecraft (GDMC) Settlement Generation Challenge is an annual competition that has been running since 2018 in which participants design and implement algorithmic procedural systems that construct settlements in the game of Minecraft.

While Minecraft is a very open-ended 3D environment, the voxel-based nature of the game imposes some constraints which foster creativity. This makes it a great way sandbox to experiment with various PCG (Procedural Content Generation) techniques.

For this edition we ask participants to make their entries work with Minecraft 1.21.11. Just as in the last few years, there are no restrictions on the methods and technologies to generate settlements. Knowledge of Minecraft mod development is not needed to participate. In fact all past entries were made with programs outside of the game, with the majority using the GDMC-HTTP Interface mod, which provides an HTTP API for placing blocks (and more). Since the game needs to be open to receive HTTP requests, this method provides direct feedback while developing a settlement generator. Additionally, it makes it possible to write submissions in any programming language that has HTTP communication support. Examples of alternative methods are Amulet, custom save file manipulation, custom Data packs or a combination of all or none of these.

 Submissions are judged four axis:

• Adaptability
  • How well does the settlement adapt to existing terrain?
  • Do the structures of the generated settlement reflect the environment, i.e. usage of local natural resources and adaptation to the local biome?
• Functionality
  • Is the settlement easy to navigate?
  • Can buildings be entered?
  • Are the buildings appropriately scaled?
  • How well does the settlement accommodate Minecraft players?
    • Does it protect players from danger in survival mode?
    • Does it provide sources of food?
    • Does it provide players resources for survival mode?
• Narrative
  • Does the settlement evoke a narrative?
  • Does the settlement have a purpose for existing?
  • Does the placement and layout of the settlement have a clear intentionality behind it that fits with the settlement's evocative narrative?
  • Does the settlement communicate it has a history?
• Aesthetics
  • Does the settlement have consistent style?
  • Does the settlement have an appropriate level of variation?
  • Are there any features that stand out as not fitting in with the greater whole?

For more information, including the rules and requirements this edition, as well as submissions from previous years, see our wiki. And feel free to join our very welcoming GDMC Discord community.

This is the first time GDMC has appeared on Itch.io. Participants are not required to submit via this service. An alternative submission form will be provided closer to the deadline.

Please note: this competition/jam is not affiliated with Mojang Studios, Xbox Game Studios or Microsoft.