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.

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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/

In this episode of Realm News Podcast, we sit down with the talented Mickey Joe, a pixel artist and YouTuber from the Netherlands, to dive deep into the colorful world of Minecraft. Join us as Mickey Joe shares his journey as a content creator, his passion for Minecraft modding, and the artistry behind pixel art.

We explore the evolution of Minecraft's texture packs and resource features, reflect on the game's cultural impact, and discuss the creative tools that fuel the community. Plus, hear our take on the direction of official game updates, community feedback, and exciting possibilities like copper and steel materials. This episode blends technical insights with heartfelt stories and creative philosophies; perfect for any Minecraft enthusiast!

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“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.

In this episode of Realm News Flash, The Dark Lord dives into the controversial launch of osu.ai, a generative AI tool developed by TSM that automates Minecraft builds, raising concerns over the erosion of creativity in gaming. The episode also explores TSM's shift from esports to SaaS models following financial struggles post-FTX collapse. Additionally, the show uncovers a troubling issue with Minecraft Realms double-charging customers for years. Wrapping up, there's an engaging sneak peek of an upcoming interview with pixel artist and Minecraft content creator Mickey Joe, discussing his creative journey and insights into the Minecraft community.

patreon.com/RealmNews

Work Cited

Andrew (Toycat). “Realms Scam.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/ibxtoycat/status/2022724234078740603?s=20. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

ArmFlambe. “Realms Basically Double Charged Me for a Subscription.” Reddit.com, 2020, www.reddit.com/r/realms/comments/exv75x/realms_basically_double_charged_me_for_/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Dong, Ke. “After the Glory Days: Exploring the Continuing Challenges and Declining Performance of TSM.” https://www.researchgate.net/Publication/383328322_After_the_Glory_Days_Exploring_the_Continuing_Challenges_and_Declining_Performance_of_TSM, 2024, www.researchgate.net/publication/383328322_After_the_Glory_Days_Exploring_the_Continuing_Challenges_and_Declining_Performance_of_TSM.

“How to Pronounce Osu - Google Search.” Google.com, 2023, www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=how+to+pronounce+osu&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

“Lucy 2.0 Demo | Decart AI.” Decart.ai, 2026, lucy.decart.ai. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Nicholson, Jonno. “TSM Launches AI-Powered Minecraft Building App.” Esports Insider, 13 Feb. 2026, esportsinsider.com/2026/02/tsm-ai-minecraft-building-app-launch. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

“Oasis 2.0.” Decart.ai, 2026, oasis2.decart.ai. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

osu.ai. X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/OSUAIapp?s=20. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

“OSU: Type It. Build It. Play It.” Osu.ai, 2026, osu.ai. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

r/antiai. “There’s Now AI That Creates Minecraft Builds Now…” Reddit.com, 2026, www.reddit.com/r/antiai/comments/1r3i8ke/there’s_now_ai_that_creates_minecraft_builds_now/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

TSM. “Owns Osu.ai.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/TSM?s=20. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Vignesh Raghuram. “TSM Launches AI Minecraft App That Builds Structures Automatically | Outlook Respawn.” Outlook Respawn, 15 Feb. 2026, respawn.outlookindia.com/gaming/gaming-news/tsm-osuai-minecraft-ai-app-automatic-builds. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Join me in the latest dystopian story created by yours truly. This story falls in with the Copperverse that I have created starting with Copper Bot.

Description:

In a world where optimism is mandatory, Employee 2487’s life revolves around digging for copper and reporting his daily "level of optimism." A routine performance review triggers revelations about labor, compliance, and autonomy’s erosion. This dystopian tale explores how hope can be weaponized, reducing people to mere metrics within the Copperverse.
patreon.com/RealmNews

In this episode of Realm News Flash, The Dark Lord covers the 2026 Minecraft Realms Map Maker Awards, highlighting the artistic contributions of Mickey Joe, and delves into the controversial reactions to the "Good Trouble" DLC, emphasizing the importance of civil rights education in gaming. He also discusses the formation of the Minecraft Safety Council, aimed at enhancing player safety, and provides updates on MichaelTBH's dual-wielding campaign. Wrapping up, The Dark Lord offers an exclusive sneak peek into "The Employee," his dystopian audiobook exploring themes of labor, compliance, and the manipulation of optimism.

Join the Realm at patreon.com/RealmNews

Constitution Annotated. “U.S. Constitution - First Amendment .” Constitution.congress.gov, Library of Congress, 15 Dec. 1791, constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/.

Mickey Joe Alpha. “I Made Textures for a Real Minecraft Event: REALMS MAPMAKER AWARDS 2026 (Cinematic Recap).” YouTube, 7 Feb. 2026, www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhDzsn4r6nA. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

MickeyJoe. “Twitter (X) Profile Link.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/MushirMickeyJoe?s=20.

Minecraft. “Good Trouble.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/Minecraft/status/2018380915244663086?s=20. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

Staff. “The Minecraft Safety Council.” Minecraft.net, Minecraft, 3 Feb. 2026, www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/the-minecraft-safety-council.

Join me, The Dark Lord for this short episode where I cover the latest baby madness and then provide you a clip into another original audiobook that is part of the Realm News Copperverse. I hope you all enjoy The Employee. Narrated by yours truly.

patreon.com/RealmNews

https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/babies-gone-feral

In this special 2nd anniversary episode of Realm News, charismatic host The Dark Lord celebrates the podcast’s journey with over 4,000 listeners across 60 countries. Reflecting on milestones like interviews with Kristoffer Zetterstrand, Concordia University's Minecraft Bloc team, Jigarbov, and Randy Bishop, plus the debut novella "Torvengi in the Village of Alp," we also present "Copper Bot"—an original Minecraft-inspired sci-fi story. Written and narrated by Greg Howard, it follows Winston, a copper automaton awakening after a millennium to navigate a changed world and lost memories. Stay tuned for more immersive tales like "The Employee," and thank you for exploring the realm with us!

patreon.com/RealmNews

In this part 2 episode, I, The Dark Lord, engage in a captivating conversation with Mauvais Garcon. Together, we delve into the intricacies of content creation, particularly within the dynamic Minecraft community. Mauvais shares valuable insights on building a thriving community, shedding light on the impact of YouTube’s algorithm changes, and emphasizing the importance of consistency and quality in content production.

Our discussion also explores the potential of utilizing AI in scripting and the exciting possibilities of expanding into platforms like TikTok and Spotify. As a listener, you can look forward to gaining practical advice on navigating the ever-evolving digital content landscape while maintaining unwavering passion and perseverance in your creative pursuits.

Join the Realm: patreon.com/RealmNews

Find Mauvais Gaçon here:

Mauvais Garcon. “Mauvais Adventures in MineCraft. Episode 1 Vanilla World.” Youtu.be, 2025, youtu.be/c4F87JIUr_c?si=koa-a3JjKb-PNMYY. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

Mauvais Garcon . “X.com Profile .” X (Formerly Twitter), 2025, x.com/69mauvaisgarcon. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.