Sidegives

Sidegives refer to a niche subculture within the online gaming community, particularly associated with the *Minecraft* modding scene. The term emerged from a combination of "side" (as in side projects or alternative versions) and "gives" (short for "giveaways" or distributions). It describes custom *Minecraft* servers or mods that prioritize unconventional gameplay mechanics, often emphasizing humor, absurdity, or surrealism over traditional survival or crafting goals.

Sidegives typically feature exaggerated or nonsensical elements, such as exaggerated physics, bizarre mob behaviors, or themed dimensions that defy standard *Minecraft* logic. Some popular examples include servers like *Sidegives.net*, which hosts a variety of user-generated maps and mods designed to challenge or entertain players with their unique twists on gameplay. The community often appreciates creativity over realism, leading to experiments like "speedrunning" absurd tasks or participating in themed challenges.

The subculture gained traction through platforms like YouTube, where content creators document their experiences on these servers, highlighting the humor and creativity behind the mods. While sidegives are not officially affiliated with *Minecraft*'s developers, they thrive as a grassroots movement driven by modders and players seeking alternative ways to engage with the game. The term itself has since expanded to describe similar experimental or satirical projects in other gaming contexts, though its roots remain firmly in *Minecraft* culture.