The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing rapidly across all aspects of life, from home and school to workplaces and beyond. According to the latest Microsoft Global Online Safety Survey, global engagement with generative AI has risen significantly. In 2024, 51% of individuals reported using or experimenting with generative AI, up from 38% in 2023. Generation Z is at the forefront of this trend, with 64% of young adults indicating they have interacted with AI technology.
With AI adoption accelerating, it is critical to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to use these technologies responsibly. Recognizing this need, Minecraft Education is launching a new installment in its CyberSafe series for Safer Internet Day 2025. The new DLC, titled CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, will offer players an engaging, game-based experience that highlights both the risks and opportunities of AI use. Available for free on the Minecraft Marketplace and in Minecraft Education, this educational tool aims to promote safe AI exploration.
Exploring Real-World AI Challenges Through Gameplay
CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper immerses players in a scenario where they take on the role of a student organizing a fundraiser for their school. As they explore ways to leverage AI to mass-produce 3D-printed animals they have been designing in STEM lab, they encounter realistic challenges associated with AI use. The game encourages critical thinking by demonstrating that AI-generated outputs may not always align with expectations and should be cross-referenced with trusted sources. While players do not interact directly with generative AI in the game, they navigate scenarios that simulate its use, fostering an understanding of responsible AI application.
“Human inventiveness is at the center of AI. This is a great opportunity to empower educators, kids, and families with the knowledge and skills to use AI safely, maximizing human creativity and its positive impact in the world,” says Carlos Figueiredo, Director of Player Safety at Mojang Studios. “I’m excited to continue the momentum of our CyberSafe content, which has already reached tens of millions of players worldwide.”
Building AI Literacy and Digital Citizenship Skills
CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper builds on the success of the CyberSafe DLC series, which has been instrumental in teaching digital citizenship skills such as password protection, data privacy, and online safety. Previous releases, including Good Game, have encouraged millions of young players to establish in-game codes of conduct. Since 2022, the CyberSafe series, created through a partnership between Xbox and Minecraft, has amassed over 80 million downloads worldwide.
The new DLC equips players with essential AI literacy by teaching them critical questions to ask when working with AI or encountering AI-generated content. It underscores the importance of human oversight in AI interactions, ensuring that young users understand the necessity of intervention and responsible usage. Additionally, the Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit is available to provide further guidance for families and educators navigating AI-related challenges.
As AI continues to shape the digital landscape, fostering responsible usage and critical thinking among young people is essential. Through CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, Minecraft Education is helping to bridge the gap between AI curiosity and safe, informed exploration.
One can more resources and tips for family gaming, at xbox.com/family. One can learn more about what Xbox offers for families, including information about privacy and access to privacy tools, the Xbox Family Settings app and Community Standards.