Saving the oceans, one block at a time
What does it take to protect our planet’s most vital ecosystem? In Ocean Heroes, it starts with curiosity, a wetsuit, and a few brave clicks. We're thrilled to unveil Ocean Heroes, our newest Minecraft Education world developed in collaboration with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), Voice of the Ocean, and Minecraft Education. This ambitious experience was launched at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice—and is already inspiring students around the world to dive into ocean science.
Game-based learning meets ocean literacy
In Ocean Heroes, students become part of an elite marine conservation crew. Their mission? Explore, understand, and restore three underwater ecosystems—coral reefs, kelp forests, and mangrove wetlands—each facing real-world environmental threats. Whether removing invasive starfish from a bleached reef or reintroducing sea otters to control sea urchin overpopulation, every task is rooted in actual marine science.
And we didn’t just aim to teach. We aimed to inspire.
Guided by a cast of vibrant characters—including Malia, Mira, and Finn—players feel the urgency and wonder of protecting our blue planet. Humor, teamwork, and exploration come together in a game that turns every student into an ocean advocate.
At Shapescape, we believe the most powerful education happens when students can connect with real-world issues through play.
A global launch, a global cause
Ocean Heroes was launched ahead of the UN Ocean Conference as part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. It's available for free on both the Minecraft Education platform and the Bedrock Marketplace, alongside classroom-ready resources designed to fit into science curricula across the world.
From mangrove replanting to coral restoration, students are not only solving problems—they’re witnessing the positive impact of their actions, with dynamic environmental changes woven directly into the gameplay. It's immersive, it's emotional, and it's a reminder that the smallest hands can make the biggest waves.
Designed for discovery, grounded in science
Behind every mission in Ocean Heroes is a foundation of real ecological research. We collaborated closely with marine scientists and educators to ensure the challenges students face in-game mirror the complexities of marine conservation. Players investigate biodiversity loss, restore habitats, and witness the cascading effects of their choices—all within an accessible, story-driven format that puts science at the heart of the experience.
From tackling nutrient pollution in mangroves to understanding food web imbalances in kelp forests, Ocean Heroes introduces players to the intricate systems that support life beneath the waves. And thanks to unlimited underwater exploration and dynamic cutscenes, students don’t just learn—they feel the impact of restoration efforts as ecosystems bounce back around them.
Launch Ocean Heroes today and turn your students into the next generation of marine protectors.
About Shapescape
Since 2013, Shapescape has been on a mission to revolutionize learning through play. We've partnered with universities, governments, and organizations like NASA and the BBC to create immersive educational experiences using Minecraft. Our international team brings a wealth of cultural experiences, fostering creativity and innovation in all our projects.
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