Who Created the "100 Days" Minecraft Challenge?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The popular "100 Days" challenge format for Minecraft YouTube videos and series, where creators survive for 100 in-game days, took off in popularity starting in early 2021. But who originally came up with the idea?

The Early Origins Are Unclear

While many attribute the trend to Luke "TheNotable"‘s viral January 2021 video that kicked off the craze, the actual origins of the format itself are muddy. Marathon-style survival challenges have long been a part of the Minecraft community, so no single person can claim to have invented the "100 days" premise outright.

However, Luke TheNotable does seem to have sparked the current massively popular iteration. His specific hardcore challenge mode and editing style has inspired countless others.

TheNotable‘s Trademark Controversy

In early 2021, Luke TheNotable filed for a trademark application to essentially own the "100 Days in Minecraft" video format. But this caused major backlash from the community:

"Many gamers and fellow creators believed that format should remain usable by all and that TheNotable was overreaching in trying to own such an ubiquitous format"

Luke later withdrew his trademark application. But this situation shed more scrutiny on TheNotable‘s claim as the creator, despite evidence that similar videos existed previously.

What Makes "100 Days" Videos So Appealing?

Even with unclear origins, "100 Days in Minecraft" remains one of the most popular modern gaming trends on platforms like YouTube. What is it that makes the format so compelling for creators and viewers alike?

For viewers:

  • Satisfying to follow one long, continuous journey with progress goals
  • Impressive commitment displayed spending 100+ real-time hours
  • Appeal of hardcore permadeath mode raising the stakes

For creators:

  • Allows for lots of content from a single hardcore world
  • New goals and builds each in-game day keeps it fresh
  • Trending topic equals views and subscribers
  • Creativity in world settings and rules variations

Pushing the Limits Even Further

While Luke TheNotable kickstarted "100 Days" popularity, many creators are now pushing the format even further with ever more extended challenges:

  • 500-1000 Days: Longer hardcore worlds spanning months of real-time
  • Harder Rule Sets: No armor runs, specific biome survives, etc.
  • Modded Gameplay: 100 days videos using mods to allow more content

The appeal of watching Minecraft pros take on these hardcore marathon challenges shows no signs of slowing. But the debate over ownership of the "100 days" video template remains in dispute within the community.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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