A Safer Alternative to Roblox
Luanti is an open-source game similar to Minecraft that you can run on your own private server — at home or on a cloud service like AWS or Digital Ocean.
Your server, your rules, your community.
How It Works
1. Set Up Your Server
Setup Luanti server software on a home computer or rent a small cloud server. It's lightweight and costs just a few dollars per month on cloud hosting.
2. Kids Download the Game
Get the free Luanti app for Windows, Mac, Linux, or Android. It's completely free—no account needed, no in-app purchases, no ads. Just download and play.
3. Connect & Play
Share your server address only with invited players. Configure server settings to control who can join and what they can do. You can add password protection, whitelists, or other access controls.
Why a Private Server?
Public gaming platforms like Roblox offer creative opportunities, but they come with serious concerns that a private server addresses:
🚨 Stranger Danger
Public servers expose children to strangers, including individuals with malicious intent.
Police in the US have arrested dozens of people in recent years for grooming or abusing children on Roblox, including some already on sex offender registries. [1]
The FTC found that default chat settings on major gaming platforms led to children being bullied, threatened, and harassed. [2]
⚠️ Inadequate Moderation
With more than 100 million daily active users, platforms like Roblox struggle with the sheer volume of user-created content, making effective moderation extremely challenging. [1]
Roblox moderators report receiving hundreds of escalated child safety reports every day—far too many for their teams to clear. [1]
Even with age filters, inappropriate content can slip through user-generated games.
💰 Monetization Pressure
Many platforms use "dark patterns" to pressure children into purchases.
The FTC fined Epic Games (Fortnite) $245 million for tricking users into unwanted charges through confusing button configurations and enabling children to spend without parental consent. [2]
In-game purchases create FOMO (fear of missing out) and peer pressure, encouraging children to spend compulsively to keep up with others.
Benefits of a Private Server
A private server gives you control over the gaming environment. With proper configuration, you can create a safer space where children enjoy creative play with only the people you choose to share your server address with.
✨ Key Benefits
You control who knows your server address. Configure access controls like passwords, whitelists, or privilege settings. Not listed publicly.
You manage server settings, user privileges, and can monitor activity. Set boundaries appropriate for your family.
Choose creative mode for peaceful building (no combat, no dying) or enable survival features. You control the game rules and difficulty settings.
Zero in-game purchases, no loot boxes, no premium currencies. Everything is freely available to all players.
Luanti (formerly Minetest) is free, open-source software. No corporate interests, no data harvesting, no algorithmic manipulation.
About Luanti
Luanti (formerly Minetest) is an open-source voxel game engine—think Minecraft, but better for families running private servers.
🎮 Why Choose Luanti?
Free Forever
No subscriptions, no account required, no hidden costs. Download once and own it. Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
Infinitely Customizable
Thousands of free mods, games, and texture packs available through ContentDB. Transform the game into whatever your kids can imagine.
Lightweight & Fast
Runs smoothly on older computers and budget Android tablets. No need for expensive gaming hardware.
Educational Value
Develops spatial reasoning, creative problem-solving, and basic programming concepts. STEM learning disguised as play.
Community-Driven
Built by volunteers who care about gaming, not corporations maximizing profits. No dark patterns, no data harvesting.
Open Source
Transparent, auditable code. You know exactly what's running on your server. No black boxes, no surprises.
Healthy Gaming Guidelines
Research shows that creative sandbox games like Luanti can benefit children when used appropriately. Here's what experts recommend:
📊 Age Recommendations
- Requires parent co-viewing and co-playing
- Focus on educational, nonviolent, pro-social content
- Use as opportunity to teach and interact together
- Time limit: No more than 1 hour per day [3]
- Can play with decreasing supervision as they mature
- Capable of more complex builds and problem-solving
- Good age for collaborative projects with friends
- Time limit: Ensure media use doesn't displace sleep, family time, or physical activity [3]
- Quality over quantity: Focus on high-quality, interactive content; balance screen time with offline activities [4]
- Have more independence but need ongoing parental engagement
- Discuss digital citizenship, online interactions, and what they're learning
- May explore modding and advanced game customization
- Time limit: Negotiate based on responsibilities—ensure media doesn't interfere with sleep, homework, or social activities [3]
🎯 Benefits of Creative Sandbox Games
Building in 3D space develops spatial awareness and geometric thinking—skills critical for STEM fields. [5]
Creative challenges encourage planning, experimentation, and iterative thinking. [6]
Open-ended building provides a digital canvas for self-expression and imagination.
Collaborative building teaches communication, negotiation, and teamwork. [7]
⚠️ Potential Concerns & Mitigation
Risk: Displacement of physical activity, sleep disruption, eye strain.
Mitigation: Set clear time limits, use timers, establish "no screens" zones (bedrooms, dinner table). Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. [8]
Risk: Difficulty stopping, neglecting responsibilities, irritability when not playing.
Mitigation: Balance gaming with other activities. Watch for warning signs: declining grades, social withdrawal, loss of interest in other hobbies. Creative mode games (like Luanti) are generally less addictive than competitive games with reward loops. [9]
Risk: Reduced physical activity can impact health and development.
Mitigation: Require outdoor/physical activity before screen time. Consider "active breaks" between gaming sessions. Encourage building real-world projects inspired by in-game creations. [10]
Risk: Blue light and stimulation can interfere with sleep quality.
Mitigation: No screens 1-2 hours before bedtime. Enable blue light filters. Establish consistent sleep schedules. [11]
💡 Practical Recommendations
- Create a Family Media Plan: Agree on when, where, and how long gaming is allowed. Involve children in the discussion. [12]
- Play Together: Co-playing builds connection and gives you insight into what your child is doing. Join their world!
- Use Gaming as a Reward: Tie screen time to completed responsibilities (homework, chores, outdoor time).
- Monitor, Don't Hover: Periodic check-ins show interest without being intrusive. Ask about their projects!
- Encourage Social Gaming: Multiplayer creative play develops social skills. A private server ensures safe interactions.
- Balance is Key: Gaming should be one of many activities—not the only one. Ensure time for reading, sports, creative play, and family activities.
📚 References
- Carville, O., & D'Anastasio, C. (2024). Roblox's Pedophile Problem. Bloomberg Businessweek.
- Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Fortnite Video Game Maker Epic Games to Pay More Than Half a Billion Dollars over FTC Allegations
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Healthy Digital Media Use Habits for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers
- Common Sense Media. (2024). How Much Screen Time Is OK for My Kids?
- Barr, M. (2017). Video games can develop graduate skills in higher education students. Computers & Education, 113, 86-97.
- Nebel, S., et al. (2016). Mining Learning and Crafting Scientific Experiments: A Literature Review on the Use of Minecraft in Education and Research. Educational Technology & Society.
- Berkling, K., & Thomas, C. (2013). Gamification: Game-Based Methods and Strategies to Increase Engagement and Motivation within an E-Learning Environment. Games and Culture.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2024). Computers, Digital Devices and Eye Strain
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and Young Minds. Pediatrics, 138(2).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Physical Activity Guidelines for Children
- Sleep Foundation. (2024). How Blue Light Affects Kids & Sleep
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Family Media Plan