Minecraft has reasonably limited game play objectives. There's a dragon you can go kill, and a couple of other bosses, but they're not really the point.
The point really is to explore and create.
It's popular because it's mechanics are simple to understand and work with for new players and even young children, but the potential for things to do is really limited solely by your imagination.
Brightredroof t1_j6n69vn wrote
Reply to ELI5: Minecraft. What is the objective? Why is it so popular? by AlonePrior3086
Minecraft has reasonably limited game play objectives. There's a dragon you can go kill, and a couple of other bosses, but they're not really the point.
The point really is to explore and create.
It's popular because it's mechanics are simple to understand and work with for new players and even young children, but the potential for things to do is really limited solely by your imagination.