The journey of Minecraft has transformed from a passion project to one of the world’s most iconic games, and yet, the game’s original creator, Markus “Notch” Persson, has been left in the dust—not just by choice, but due to a series of inflammatory and controversial statements that have alienated him from much of the gaming community. In a twist that many see as poetic justice, Lena Raine, a trans woman and celebrated composer, has emerged as one of the game’s most beloved contributors, creating music that’s adored by millions while representing a direct contrast to Notch’s views.
Notch, once a revered figure in gaming, has become notorious for espousing transphobic, racist, and far-right views on social media. He’s posted vitriolic messages, including tweets about preferring “fascism” over the idea of trans women and endorsing conspiracy theories like QAnon and Pizzagate. These statements sparked outrage among fans, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, and forced Microsoft to distance Minecraft from him completely. In 2019, Microsoft erased all mentions of Notch from Minecraft’s menu and barred him from the game’s 10th-anniversary celebrations, an unprecedented move for a creator so tied to a cultural phenomenon.
Meanwhile, Lena Raine has become something of a folk hero within the Minecraft community. Her compositions, especially the track “Pigstep,” are celebrated as some of the best additions to the game in recent years. Players have taken to social media to juxtapose her creativity and positive influence with Notch’s combative rhetoric. Memes have exploded across Reddit, Twitter, and other platforms, highlighting Raine’s contributions in a way that feels like a triumphant clapback against Notch’s divisive views. One of the most viral memes shows a smug Notch declaring “Trans people must go!” next to a smiling Raine captioned “Who must go?”—a powerful statement of the community’s feelings about who truly represents Minecraft’s values today.
Raine’s influence has helped redefine Minecraft for a new era, one that celebrates diversity and inclusivity over narrow-mindedness. Her presence resonates deeply with fans who have been disillusioned by Notch’s increasingly extreme behavior, which has only seemed to escalate since he left Minecraft. Her music has brought a soulful layer to the game, creating a sense of unity that directly opposes the hateful sentiments that Notch continues to spread online. In stark contrast, Raine represents the open, accepting world that Minecraft has become—a place where everyone can create and belong without fear of judgment or discrimination.
“It’s not just music,” says one fan on a Reddit thread about Raine’s work. “It’s her essence and what she represents. Minecraft is no longer just Notch’s vision—it’s a place for people like Raine who make the world feel welcoming.”
As Notch’s relevance wanes, many gamers have expressed relief. Online, players have openly celebrated the removal of his name from Minecraft, with some posting comments like “Minecraft is now 100% Notch-free” and “Let him turn to dust in irrelevancy.” For them, the game has evolved into something bigger, a creative universe that embraces players from all walks of life without being overshadowed by the bigotry of its original creator.
This dramatic shift highlights a wider trend in gaming, where players and developers alike are pushing for more inclusive, respectful spaces. As Raine’s popularity grows, so too does the recognition that her music—and by extension, her voice—represents the values that players want to see in their favorite games. It’s a resounding rejection of the outdated, harmful views that Notch has clung to, and a clear signal that Minecraft has become a game for everyone, created by people who actually care about fostering a positive, creative community.
In the end, Notch’s legacy has been tarnished not by his absence but by his refusal to embrace the inclusivity that Minecraft represents. Meanwhile, Lena Raine’s contributions continue to breathe life into the game, reminding everyone that creativity, respect, and authenticity are what truly drive the gaming community forward. For millions of players, the Minecraft that exists today is better off without Notch’s name attached, and Raine’s influence is a big reason why.
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