Realm News

Greg Howard
  • 4.0 (3)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. RNF # 78: SmokeyStack_ Says “Off Hand Coming to Bedrock”, NVIDIA DLSS 5 + MintRefresh Part 2

    3H AGO

    RNF # 78: SmokeyStack_ Says “Off Hand Coming to Bedrock”, NVIDIA DLSS 5 + MintRefresh Part 2

    In this episode of Realm News Flash #78, The Dark Lord delves into the latest gaming news, covering NVIDIA's unveiling of DLSS 5, an AI-powered leap in visual fidelity for games, sparking mixed reactions within the gaming community. The show also highlights an exciting Minecraft leak hinting at upcoming offhand support in Bedrock Edition, with insights from trusted sources like SmokeyStack_ and MichaelTBH. Additionally, listeners get a sneak peek of the upcoming Thursday episode featuring part two of an engaging conversation with MintRefresh, discussing his creative process, Minecraft projects, and content creation journey. Tune in for all the updates and passionate discussions! Join the Realm: patreon.com/RealmNews Work Cited Dagan. “NVIDIA DLSS 5.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2033, x.com/himynameisdagan/status/2033638000987394416?s=20. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026. Lin, Henry. “NVIDIA DLSS 5 Delivers AI-Powered Breakthrough in Visual Fidelity for Games.” NVIDIA, 2026, www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/dlss5-breakthrough-in-visual-fidelity-for-games/. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026. Realm News. “MichaelTBH Backs SmokeyStack_ as Legit Source for Offhand Leak.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/RealmNews247/status/2033693470057963983?s=20. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026. SmokeyStack_. “Bedrock Finally Getting Offhand Support.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/SmokeyStack_/status/2033638316889755677?s=20. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026. Minecraft_Live. “Minecraft’s Leaked 3-Year Roadmap: Spicewood Confirmed or Clever Fake?” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/_MINECRAFT_LIVE/status/1878683733886456174?s=20. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026. https://linktr.ee/MintRefresh

    24 min
  2. Introducing the Marvelous MintRefresh: A Minecraft Mastermind Part 1

    5D AGO

    Introducing the Marvelous MintRefresh: A Minecraft Mastermind Part 1

    In part one of our first conversation with Mint Refresh, we get to know the creator behind the name. Mint shares how he was introduced to Minecraft by his brother, his earliest memories of playing on Xbox and Java, and what kept him hooked through more than a decade of updates. We explore the differences between resource packs and data packs, his journey from player to creator, the origins of his username, and the inspirations that led him into vanilla-plus design. Along the way, we dive into Minecraft history, favorite updates, world-building philosophies, and how creative tools like data packs make the game feel more alive. Join Realm News: patreon.com/RealmNews Work Cited MintRefresh. “MintRefresh - Modrinth.” Modrinth, 2026, modrinth.com/user/MintRefresh. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026. ---. “Moobloom Gold (Viral Tweet).” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/MintRefresh_MC/status/2016276676427288649?s=20. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026. ---. “Moobloom Gold Dandelion.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/MintRefresh_MC/status/2016307996855279656?s=20. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026. “MintRefresh | TikTok | Linktree.” Linktree, 4 Nov. 2024, linktr.ee/MintRefresh?utm_source=linktree_profile_sharesid=9ca80c50-cea1-467a-8308-69db3a04d9d8. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026. “Scratch - Explore.” Scratch.mit.edu, scratch.mit.edu/explore/projects/games/.

    54 min
  3. RNF # 77: MintRefresh Discusses Minecraft + Minecraft Live, Tiny Takeover

    6D AGO

    RNF # 77: MintRefresh Discusses Minecraft + Minecraft Live, Tiny Takeover

    In this heartfelt episode of Realm News Flash #77, The Dark Lord dedicates the show to his late mother, Christine Howard, reflecting on her support and love for the podcast. Despite personal loss, he brings listeners the latest Minecraft updates, including the newly named "Tiny Takeover" baby mob drop and details for the upcoming Minecraft Spring Live event. The episode also features an engaging five-minute preview of an insightful discussion with Minecraft content creator, Mint Refresh, who shares his passion for enhancing Minecraft's immersive world. Tune in for news, reflections, and a sneak peek of Thursday's full interview. Join Realm News: patreon.com/RealmNews Work Cited Minecraft. (2026, March 11). Minecraft Live Spring 2026. X (formerly Twitter). https://x.com/Minecraft/status/2031393758898434050?s=20 Minecraft. (2026, March 11). Tiny Takeover. X (formerly Twitter). https://x.com/Minecraft/status/2028865732138901811?s=20 MintRefresh Profile. (2024, November 4). MintRefresh | TikTok | Linktree. Linktree. https://linktr.ee/MintRefresh

    13 min
  4. Nexx and The Dark Lord Discuss Minecraft Baby Mobs

    MAR 5

    Nexx and The Dark Lord Discuss Minecraft Baby Mobs

    In this episode of Realm News, The Dark Lord welcomes returning guest Nexx to discuss the latest Minecraft update featuring mob babies. They share their thoughts on favorite designs like the baby chick and turtle, while critiquing others such as the piglin and llama. The conversation covers new features including the golden dandelion, craftable name tags, and updated sound variants for farm animals. They also delve into theories about future updates, including the possibility of a new dimension linked to the ancient city's portal. The episode wraps up with speculation on the upcoming Minecraft Live event and hopes for future game content. patreon.com/RealmNews Work Cited “First Drop 2026 – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2026, minecraft.wiki/w/First_Drop_2026. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026. Nexx. “Nexx Twitter Profile.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/ltz_NEXX?s=20. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

    32 min
  5. RNF # 76: Update on Minecraft Source Code Leak

    MAR 3 · BONUS

    RNF # 76: Update on Minecraft Source Code Leak

    In this episode, we delve into newly uncovered Minecraft development archives, revealing fascinating insights into early Pocket Edition and console builds. From the discovery of the "Ninecraft" project name and experimental features like the SkyIsland dimension and NetherSphere entity, to PlayStation 3’s hardware-level optimizations and features years ahead of their release, these findings offer a rare glimpse into Minecraft’s fragmented, trial-and-error development journey. Tune in as we explore how Mojang and 4J Studios’ innovative approaches shaped one of gaming’s most iconic titles. Join the Realm patreon.com/RealmNews Work Cited 4J Studios. (2012–2016). Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition development credits and studio information. 4J Studios. https://www.4jstudios.com Alexander, L. (2014). Postmortem: Bringing Minecraft to consoles [Conference presentation]. Game Developers Conference (GDC Vault). https://www.gdcvault.com Carmack, J., & Android Open Source Project contributors. (2010–2013). Android application lifecycle and OpenGL ES context management documentation. Android Developers. https://developer.android.com Game Developers Conference. (2014–2018). Console optimization and cross-platform game development presentations [Conference sessions]. GDC Vault. https://www.gdcvault.com Mojang AB. (2011). Minecraft [Video game]. Mojang AB. https://www.minecraft.net Mojang AB. (2011). Minecraft: Pocket Edition [Video game]. Mojang AB. Mojang Studios. (2011–2016). Minecraft development blog and official announcements. https://www.minecraft.net Mojang Studios. (2017). Better Together Update announcement. Minecraft.net. https://www.minecraft.net Microsoft & Mojang Studios. (2017–2019). Minecraft: Bedrock Edition official update documentation. Minecraft.net. https://www.minecraft.net Persson, M. (2009–2011). Minecraft development posts and technical discussions. TIGSource Forums Archive & personal development blog. Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (2006). Cell Broadband Engine programming handbook. Sony Computer Entertainment. Sony Interactive Entertainment. (2011). PlayStation Vita system architecture and hardware specifications. Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://www.playstation.com Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MinecraftLegacyConsole_Edition Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Minecraft: Pocket Edition. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MinecraftPocketEdition Digital game preservation community researchers. (2014–2026). Technical analyses and historical documentation of Minecraft edition architectures [Community technical documentation and archival discussions]. Gaming preservation community sources. (2026). Public analysis of circulating Minecraft development file excerpts shared via social media archives. Coah. “Profile Work Cited to the Source Code Leak.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/coah80?s=20. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

    15 min
  6. RNF # 75: Leaked Minecraft Source Code and Nexx Returns

    MAR 3

    RNF # 75: Leaked Minecraft Source Code and Nexx Returns

    In this episode of Realm News Flash (#75), The Dark Lord dives into the recent leak of Minecraft's 2014 Legacy Console Edition source code, covering versions for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, and an unreleased PlayStation Vita port. The episode explores the historical significance of this leak, its legal implications, and what it reveals about Minecraft’s development. Plus, get a sneak peek of Thursday's show featuring Nexx, discussing the 2026 Spring Drop with baby mobs. Don’t miss out on this deep dive into Minecraft history and exciting future updates! patreon.com/RealmNews Work Cited 4J Studios. (2012–2016). Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition development credits and studio information. 4J Studios. https://www.4jstudios.com Game Developers Conference. (2014–2018). Console optimization and cross-platform game development presentations [Conference sessions]. GDC Vault. https://www.gdcvault.com Mojang AB. (2011). Minecraft [Video game]. Mojang AB. https://www.minecraft.net Mojang AB. (2011). Minecraft: Pocket Edition [Video game]. Mojang AB. Mojang Studios. (2011–2016). Minecraft development blog and official announcements. https://www.minecraft.net Mojang Studios. (2017). Better Together Update announcement (Bedrock Edition unification). Minecraft.net. https://www.minecraft.net Microsoft & Mojang Studios. (2017–2019). Minecraft: Bedrock Edition official update documentation. Minecraft.net. https://www.minecraft.net Persson, M. (2009–2011). Minecraft development posts and technical discussions. TIGSource Forums Archive & personal development blog. Sony Interactive Entertainment. (2011). PlayStation Vita system architecture and hardware specifications. Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://www.playstation.com Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft:_Legacy_Console_Edition Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Minecraft: Pocket Edition. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft:_Pocket_Edition Digital game preservation community researchers. (2014–2026). Technical analyses and historical documentation of Minecraft edition architectures [Community technical documentation and archival discussions]. Gaming preservation community sources. (2026). Public analysis of circulating Minecraft Legacy Console Edition source code excerpts. Retrieved March 1, 2026, from https://boards.4chan.org/g/thread/108264778/minecraft-ps3-edition-source-code Bedrock Edition. (2022). Minecraft Wiki. Retrieved March 1, 2026, from https://minecraft.wiki/w/Bedrock_Edition Leading_Ordinary5104. (2026). Legacy Console Minecraft’s source code from 2014 was leaked. Reddit. Retrieved March 1, 2026, from https://www.reddit.com/r/PhoenixSC/comments/1rhkkq7/legacy_console_minecrafts_source_code_from_2014/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Wattles. (2026). ONE of the BIGGEST LEAKS of ALL TIME: MINECRAFT CONSOLE IS BACK?! YouTube. Retrieved March 1, 2026, from https://youtu.be/vsO2t5grMhw?si=sCtMplZtDBD-ZfA6

    24 min
  7. Part 2, Realm News Meets Pixel Artist: Mickey Joe

    FEB 26

    Part 2, Realm News Meets Pixel Artist: Mickey Joe

    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.

    1h 31m
  8. RNF #74 Crafting the Future: OpenGL to Vulkan, Microsoft's New Gaming Era & Mickey Joe Returns

    FEB 24

    RNF #74 Crafting the Future: OpenGL to Vulkan, Microsoft's New Gaming Era & Mickey Joe Returns

    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/

    29 min
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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

Information

  • Creator
    Greg Howard
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    197
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Greg Howard
  • Show Website
    Realm News