Rulebook: Minecraft Builder Challenge

Last modified: July 2nd, 2025

These rules are subject to change and interpretation at the Tournament Organizer’s discretion. If rules should change, all captains will be notified accordingly.

The Handbook’s General Rules apply to all CEA games, please read them first! However, any direct contradictions mentioned in this game-specific rulebook take precedence.

I. Event Structure

Schedule: This is a single-weekend competition.
- Saturday (Day 1): Building Phase
  - 10:00 AM EDT: Player Check-in opens. All players must check-in by 10:45 AM EDT.
  - 11:00 AM EDT: Competition officially begins. The theme will be announced, and players will gain access to their plots on the CEA Minecraft server.
  - 11:00 AM EDT – 4:00 PM EDT: Building window (5 hours). Players must complete their builds within this time.
  - 4:00 PM EDT: Building concludes. All plots will be locked.
- Sunday (Day 2): Judging and Awards
  - 10:00 AM EDT – 12:00 PM EDT: Judging takes place. Players are encouraged to be present in the Discord server for any potential questions from judges.
  - 1:00 PM EDT (Approx.): Winners announced.
Registration: The event donation pool contribution is $40.00 per team. Registrations are possible until start of player check-in. Donation pool contributions are optional but encouraged. Message [email protected] if you prefer not to contribute.
Competition Format: Participants will compete individually to create a build based on a pre-announced theme within a set time limit on a designated server plot. Submissions will be judged by a panel of CEA administrators and community volunteers based on specific criteria.
Prizes: 75% of donation pool contributions are allocated to charities of winning teams’ choice (60%/30%/10% for 1st/2nd/3rd place). The remaining 25% are allocated towards growing the Corporate Charity Championship series.

II. Team Rules Overview

Player Eligibility:
1. All players participating in the Minecraft competition must have an active Minecraft: Java Edition account in good standing.
2. Only registered players are allowed to participate.
Team Roster: A team may register up to 3 players contributing to their team’s submission.

III. Match Rules

Game Version: All players must have their game up to date with the latest stable release of Minecraft: Java Edition. The specific version will be announced prior to the competition.
Game Mode: Creative Mode
Game Settings:
- Server: A dedicated CEA Minecraft server will be provided. Server IP and connection details will be shared with registered participants.
- Plots: Each player will be assigned a pre-defined plot size (e.g., 64×64 blocks) within the server to build on. Plots will be protected to prevent griefing.
- Theme: A unique building theme will be announced at the start of the competition. All builds must adhere to this theme.
Building Rules & Restrictions
- Originality: All builds must be original creations designed and built by the registered participant during the competition time. No pre-existing builds, schematics, or imported models are allowed.
- Vanilla Blocks Only: Only blocks and items available in standard, unmodded Minecraft: Java Edition (vanilla) are permitted. No mods, resource packs that alter block textures, or external tools (e.g., WorldEdit for building) are allowed. Command blocks may be used for aesthetic or functional elements that enhance the build and adhere to the theme.
- Appropriate Content: All builds must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Any inappropriate or offensive content will result in immediate disqualification.
- Fair Play: Any attempt to sabotage other players’ builds, exploit server glitches, or use unauthorized programs will result in immediate disqualification and a permanent ban from CEA events.
Judging Criteria
Builds will be judged by a panel of CEA administrators and community volunteers. Each criterion will be scored out of 10 points. The total score will determine the final ranking.
- Creativity/Originality (X/10 points): How unique, imaginative, and innovative is the build’s concept and execution? Does it stand out from other submissions?
- Adherence to Theme (X/10 points): How well does the build capture and represent the announced theme? Is the theme clearly visible and integrated into the design?
- Detail & Aesthetic (X/10 points): What is the overall visual appeal of the build? How well are building techniques used (e.g., block palette, texturing, shaping, depth, lighting)? Is there attention to small details?
- Complexity/Effort (X/10 points): Does the build demonstrate significant effort and skill? Does it effectively utilize the assigned plot size and height? Are interiors completed where appropriate?
- Overall Impact (X/10 points): Does the build leave a lasting impression? Does it tell a story or evoke a feeling?
Submission & Documentation
- Automatic Submission: Once the building time ends, all plots will be locked, and builds will be considered automatically submitted.
- Optional Backstory: Players may submit a short text document (max 200 words) explaining their build’s concept, inspiration, and how it relates to the theme. This can be submitted via a form on the CEA website, link to be provided. This is optional but can assist judges in understanding the build.

IV. Technical Issues

Stoppage of Play

Technical Issues (Player Side): Players are responsible for their own internet connection and computer performance. No time extensions or restarts will be granted for individual technical issues (e.g., internet disconnects, game crashes).
Server-Wide Issues: In the rare event of a widespread server crash or issue affecting multiple participants, CEA administrators will assess the situation and determine if the competition needs to be paused, restarted, or if time needs to be extended. Participants will be notified via Discord.

V. Misc

Conduct and Sportsmanship

Players are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times.
Any disrespectful, offensive, or racist expressions towards opponents, administrators, or staff will result in immediate disqualification and potential future bans from CEA events.
Bad language or threats against staff or other players will lead to instant disqualification.

Additional Notes

Builds may be showcased on CEA’s social media channels and website for promotional purposes. Participants agree to this upon registration.
The donation pool will be distributed by CEA directly to the chosen charities of the winning builders. Winners must provide valid charity information to CEA within one week of the competition’s conclusion.

Contact Information

Discord Server: discord.gg/cea (for tournament announcements and support)
Email Contact: [email protected]