I think that it was clear from the beginning that the basic architecture of the universe -- the generated planets and landscapes -- would completely prohibit th

I think that it was clear from the beginning that the basic architecture of the universe -- the generated planets and landscapes -- would completely prohibit the enjoyment that is found in Minecraft: that of making and changing. You can't build huge monoliths to yourself for others to find, you can't make things together, you can't leave your mark on the universe in any way except for meaningless additions to a catalog of species. You can't even meet each other, and has been made clear now despite hemming and hawing from the developer. This should have been clear from the mechanics of the universe, but I think players are just now starting to realize how empty that might make the game. I grant that there is probably still a lot of fun just gathering materials, and gawking and beautiful landscapes, but I don't see how that will maintain people's attention the way games that allow you to make and change the universe do.