Realm News

Greg Howard

Realm News, "Where I put the Real in Realm, and expand your mind, one block at a time!". This is the place where knowledge meets Minecraft. Where we will discuss philosophy, science, culture, astronomy, and everything that makes Minecraft, well...Minecraft and bring it to the real world. We will talk about mobs, biomes, blocks, dimensions, and all from my perspective. Also, you will hear exclusive interviews from renowned artists such as Kristoffer Zetterstrand and from fellow Minecrafters like the Sun King, MichaelTBH, and many, many more! Cover Art by Sam Howard, Insta:samhwrd22

  1. 40 MIN AGO

    The Tale of Two Bundles Poll

    In this special episode of Realm News, "The Telling of Two Bundles," The Dark Lord dives into an in-depth comparison of two community polls conducted a year apart, exploring how player sentiments toward Minecraft's Bundle feature have evolved since its 2024 release. With a record-breaking 306 votes in the latest poll, we analyze the shift from the initial excitement to the nuanced views of 2025, highlight key player comments, and discuss the Bundle's role in different playstyles. Tune in for insightful commentary, surprising stats, and passionate community feedback that reveal the Bundle’s lasting impact on Minecraft gameplay. Join Realm News patreon.com/RealmNews Minecraft 2. “Do You Still Use Bundles 2026.” Https://Www.reddit.com/R/Minecraft2/Comments/1pg53d0/Do_you_still_use_bundles/?Utm_source=Share&Utm_medium=Web3x&Utm_name=Web3xcss&Utm_term=1&Utm_content=Share_button,www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft2/comments/1pg53d0/do_you_still_use_bundles/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_buttonwww.reddit.com/r/Minecraft2/comments/1pg53d0/do_you_still_use_bundles/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button. Minecraft Survival. “Do You Still Use Bundles? 2026.” Reddit.com, 2019, www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft_Survival/comments/1pg54hp/do_you_still_use_bundles/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button.Accessed 11 Feb. 2026. Minecraft_Survival. “Do You like the Bundle? 1 Yr Ago.” Reddit.com, 2024, www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft_Survival/comments/1gsuja5/do_you_like_the_bundle/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button.Accessed 11 Feb. 2026. Realm News. “Bundles and Otis the Iceman.” Spotify.com, 2026, open.spotify.com/episode/7GT6gIY6zJ9JC3bHHaiHQ0?si=Q6cnjOeWSuGUNfYuQaH48A.Accessed 19 Feb. 2026. “Do You like Bundles 2026.” Reddit.com, 2026, www.reddit.com/r/RealmNews/comments/1pg5237/do_you_still_use_bundles/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button.Accessed 11 Feb. 2026. Realm News/M2. “Do You like the Bundle? 2025.” Reddit.com, 2024, www.reddit.com/r/RealmNews/comments/1gsuhvi/do_you_like_the_bundle/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button.Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

    44 min
  2. Polls, Potions, and Superstitions: The Rabbit’s Foot Explored

    9 APR

    Polls, Potions, and Superstitions: The Rabbit’s Foot Explored

    Realm News, hosted by The Dark Lord—"the one who puts the Real in Realm and expands your mind one block at a time!"—dives into the fascinating intersections between Minecraft and real-world history, mythology, and culture. Each episode explores obscure in-game items, like the rabbit’s foot, uncovering their uses within Minecraft while delving into their rich, real-life lore. From ancient superstitions to unique Minecraft mechanics, the podcast blends engaging polls, audience interactions, and intriguing tales to expand your understanding of both virtual and historical realms. Join me for thought-provoking content that connects the blocks to the broader world! Join Today: patreon.com/RealmNews Work Cited Byrne, S. (2018, March). The superstition that played a major role in Sarah Jessica Parker’s new fashion collection. Yahoo Style Canada. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://ca.style.yahoo.com/superstition-played-major-factor-sarah-jessica-parkers-new-fashion-collection-215102412.html Davis, K. (2023, December 1). Rabbit rabbit. Andrews University. Retrieved November 4, 2025, from https://www.andrews.edu/life/student-movement/issues/2023-12-01/ideas-rabbit-rabbit.html Goddess, M. (2022, August 11). Handcrafted folktale linocuts. Feathers and Folktales. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://feathersandfolktales.com/diemdangersblogposts/rabbits-and-the-moon-goddess Imgur. (2025). Rabbit items. Retrieved November 3, 2025, from https://imgur.com/a/rabbit-items-06kuI Kneale, A. (2017, September 24). The importance of the hare in Celtic belief and our duty to protect all wildlife. Transceltic. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://www.transceltic.com/pan-celtic/importance-of-hare-celtic-belief-and-our-duty-protect-all-wildlife Little, B. (2019, August). Why do people say “rabbit rabbit” at the start of each month? HISTORY. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://www.history.com/articles/rabbit-rabbit-feet-good-luck-explained Minecraft_Survival. (2019). Do you collect rabbits feet? Reddit. Retrieved December 18, 2025, from https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft_Survival/comments/1osbgvx/do_you_collect_rabbit_feet/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Minecraft2. (2025). Do you collect rabbits feet? Reddit. Retrieved December 18, 2025, from https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft2/comments/1osbidr/do_you_collect_rabbit_feet/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Miraç Tapan. (2019, July 15). Superstitions busted: Rabbit’s foot as lucky charm. Daily Sabah. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://www.dailysabah.com/life/2019/07/15/superstitions-busted-rabbits-foot-as-lucky-charm/amp Paylor, T. (2021, January 24). Discover the chilling truth behind Whitby Museum’s severed hand! The Whitby Guide. Retrieved December 21, 2025, from https://www.thewhitbyguide.co.uk/hand-of-glory/ Potion of Leaping – Minecraft Wiki. (2025). Retrieved December 21, 2025, from https://minecraft.wiki/w/Potion_of_Leaping Rabbit – Minecraft Wiki. (2023). Retrieved December 21, 2025, from https://minecraft.wiki/w/Rabbit Rabbit’s Foot – Minecraft Wiki. (2019). Retrieved November 3, 2025, from https://minecraft.wiki/w/Rabbit%27s_Foot Realm News. (2025). Do you collect rabbits feet? Reddit. Retrieved December 18, 2025, from https://www.reddit.com/r/RealmNews/comments/1osaecu/do_you_collect_rabbit_feet/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Scot, R. (1584). The discoverie of witchcraft. Project Gutenberg. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://www.gutenberg.org/files/60766/60766-h/60766-h.htm Stolze, D. (2014, April 7). Hand of Glory: The macabre magic of severed hands. Atlas Obscura. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/morbid-monday-severed-hands

    35 min
  3. Ep. 125: Aesthetics versus Functionality Minecraft Drop Poll

    2 APR

    Ep. 125: Aesthetics versus Functionality Minecraft Drop Poll

    In Episode 125 of Realm News, "The Dark Lord" explores the ongoing debate between aesthetics and functionality in Minecraft updates, inspired by the recent "Tiny Takeover" drop focused on aesthetic changes. Through a community poll, it was revealed that 71.4% of voters prefer functionality over aesthetics, with discussions highlighting how features like copper and the nautilus balance both elements. The episode delves into the significance of aesthetics in game design, including graphics, UI design, game mechanics, device optimization, and sound, while also featuring comments from the Minecraft community reflecting diverse views on the topic. The Dark Lord concludes by emphasizing the ideal balance of aesthetics and functionality for the best in-game experiences. Join the Realm: patreon.com/RealmNews Work Cited Ambreen, A. (2019, June 21). Aesthetic vs. function: Nailing the balance in UX design. Medium. https://uxdesign.cc/aesthetic-vs-function-nailing-the-balance-in-ux-design-bc7e969f9835 Badoni, P., et al. (2022, June 22). Graphics vs gameplay: A comparative analysis in gaming. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Avita-Katal/publication/362940829_Graphics_vs_Gameplay_A_Comparative_Analysis_in_Gaming/links/631844fc5eed5e4bd1502756/Graphics-vs-Gameplay-A-Comparative-Analysis-in-Gaming.pdf Minecraft_2. (2026). Aesthetics or functionality poll [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft2/comments/1rhiyg8/what_do_you_look_for_in_a_drop/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Minecraft_Survival. (2026). Aesthetics or functionality [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft_Survival/comments/1rhizrk/what_do_you_look_for_in_a_drop/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Realm News. (2026). Aesthetics or functionality poll [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/RealmNews/comments/1rasyxw/what_do_you_look_for_in_a_drop/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Realm News. (2026). Twitter poll: Aesthetics or functionality [Tweet]. X (formerly Twitter). https://x.com/RealmNews247/status/2032131097853599899?s=20 Shelley, J. (2009, September 11). The concept of the aesthetic. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aesthetic-concept/ What are the five key elements of game aesthetics? (2024, September 4). The Upcoming. https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2024/09/04/what-are-the-five-key-elements-of-game-aesthetics/ UI design. (n.d.). Interaction Design Foundation. https://ixdf.org/literature/topics/ui-design

    35 min

About

Realm News, "Where I put the Real in Realm, and expand your mind, one block at a time!". This is the place where knowledge meets Minecraft. Where we will discuss philosophy, science, culture, astronomy, and everything that makes Minecraft, well...Minecraft and bring it to the real world. We will talk about mobs, biomes, blocks, dimensions, and all from my perspective. Also, you will hear exclusive interviews from renowned artists such as Kristoffer Zetterstrand and from fellow Minecrafters like the Sun King, MichaelTBH, and many, many more! Cover Art by Sam Howard, Insta:samhwrd22