1,000 Players Simulate Civilization: Rich & Poor

Coming into this video, after ish's 2 year hiatus I wasn't expecting too much. Just another average civilisation video, definitely interesting and a blast to watch... but that's about it. And oh how lucky I was for that was not the case. I was given so much more than that!

The way the plot moves forward is absolutely incredible. I won't try to spoil anything but in short, there are so many incredible characters in this movie (yes, a movie) and these characters have such incredible arcs.

You feel for each and every one of the characters and nations. You want to figure out the conclusion, rooting for the good guys to win, the bad ones to fall. The twists that happen all through the movie, and the political tensions that the movie explores is Hollywood level story writing - all unscripted which is quite frankly, incredible. Then way it all ties up at the conclusion is just absolutely incredible.

I would highly recommend watching this masterpiece to anyone!

Rating: 9/10

Summary A YouTube "experiment" that plays like a full-on movie. What starts as a simple premise, 1,000 players split between a barren island and a resource-rich island, spirals into one of the most engrossing, unpredictable, and oddly moving things I've seen in ages. With betrayals, alliances, unforgettable characters, bribes, assassins, roaming bands, and an epic finale, it's richer and more engaging than many actual films.

Full Review I wasn't expecting much from 1000 Players Simulate Civilization Rich and Poor. I only stumbled on it through TikTok clips, and I don't normally watch this kind of content. But this turned out to be one of the most captivating things I've seen in a long time.

The premise is simple: one group of players is placed on an island with nothing, another on an island with everything they need. From there, it's about what human beings do, how they form communities, break them apart, betray each other, and survive. What's wild is how quickly it takes on a Lord of the Flies quality. There are genuine story arcs, moments of betrayal, epic clashes, and even emotional beats that stick with you. Some characters lose everything and are forced into exile, some are sentenced by their own courts and flee, others are cornered to the point of contemplating or committing suicide. It gets shockingly dark and dramatic for something that is technically just a game.

The editing and pacing are key. It flows day to day, always moving forward with fresh events, but there's a clear throughline to tie it all together. I even dreamt about it after watching half, very few TV shows or movies have had that effect on me.

And the characters! Flux's arc is central and fascinating, the Infernus storyline is gripping, and the Coliseum fights are packed with tension. Then you get the standout oddballs, Remy the Rat, a crowd favourite, or Linguini (basically Mario), who steals every scene he's in. You find yourself looking forward to their return in the same way you do with characters in a great show.

But the richness goes even further. There's a full-blown information war with competing newspapers publishing conflicting stories, bribing leaders, judges, and even assassins to push their version of events. There are democracies, coalitions, dictatorships, empires, cults, and mafias, each with their own rise and fall. There's even a roaming band that travels one of the islands singing genuinely good songs about what's going on. Some deaths are mourned with real emotion, others become public spectacle, entertainment for the masses. The range of communities and moral codes feels wider and more creative than what many scripted shows manage to pull off.

Saps is maybe the most fascinating long-running thread. He begins as a complete outsider, not wanting to get involved, but ends up becoming a political bargaining chip fought over by nations. He becomes a pariah, a symbol, someone people project onto, and no one knows what to believe about him. His arc alone could be a feature-length documentary.

The fact that permadeath exists, if you die, you're gone, adds real weight. Watching people scramble to pick up the pieces when kingdoms fall or alliances fracture is genuinely compelling. And not all storylines tie up neatly: some reach satisfying conclusions, others just vanish, which somehow makes it feel even more real.

The production is surprisingly polished. The sheer number of shots and the way it's cut together make it feel like we're flies on the wall in this bizarre world. The commentator is present but never overbearing, guiding the story without pulling you out of it.

Honestly, this had more depth, tension, and fun than most movies I've watched recently. It might just be a game simulation, but it plays like an epic film. If every movie was this rich in characters, stakes, and surprises, cinema would be in a far better place. Highly recommended.

This is honestly the best YouTube video I've ever watched. The storytelling here blew me away-it felt more thought-out and emotional than a lot of Hollywood movies. The way the narration ties everything together makes it feel like you're watching an epic film, not a Minecraft server. And the casting of the players was perfect, every single one added something to the story in a way that felt natural but also cinematic. By the end, I was way more invested than I usually am with most big-budget movies.

A reel on instagram told me to watch it or i would regret it. It seemed silly at first, but i was able to put something on the screen while i did other things. I didnt realise i would be setting aside everything to watch it, staying up at 4am to finish it, and i dont even like minecraft that much.

Not to mention, its on youtube. Its a free video. And i have never yelled at a screen before but there was a first time for everything. Just give it a go.

Skipping tomorrow's exam and watching this was the best decision of my life. Don't just say it's a random Minecraft video, it's awesome. Finally, I want to quote something I saw in the comments: Schpood going "You expect me to give up an innocent man in exchange for a terrorist? Is that really your offer?" was so game changing for me.