Bringing the Classic Party Game to Minecraft with SimonSays
If you have ever attended a party or a team-building event, you have probably played Simon Says—the game where you must follow commands only when prefixed with “Simon says.” Now, this timeless challenge has been faithfully recreated as a Minecraft server plugin, turning your blocky world into a frantic arena of reflexes and attention. Whether you run a minigame network or just want to liven up your private server, SimonSays delivers quick rounds of high-stakes fun that will have your players laughing and groaning in equal measure.
How the Game Works
The core concept is simple but punishingly addictive. Every few seconds, a mission appears in chat. Some messages read [SimonSays] Simon Says: sneak! while others simply say [SimonSays] jump!. The twist? You must only obey the commands that start with “Simon Says.” Completing a fake mission, or failing to complete a real one in time, means instant elimination. The last player standing wins.
The plugin comes with a variety of built-in SimonGames, ensuring no two rounds feel exactly the same. Current actions include:
- Walk
- Don’t Move
- Sneak
- Jump
- Attack a player
- Punch a block
- Place a block
- Sprint
This mix of movement, combat, and interaction keeps everyone on their toes. One moment you might be sprinting across the arena, and the next you must freeze entirely—all while scanning for that crucial “Simon Says” prefix.
Installation and Setup
Getting SimonSays running on your server is straightforward. First, obtain the plugin’s .jar file and drop it into your server’s /plugins folder. After a restart or reload, the plugin will generate a configuration folder at /plugins/SimonSays. Here you can choose between two storage methods: MySQL or local config. If you prefer a quick start, set useMySQL: no in the config.yml and all arena data will be saved locally. For server networks that want to share arena information, MySQL is the way to go—just fill in your database details and the plugin will create the necessary tables automatically.
For players who enjoy a streamlined modding experience, the foxygame.net launcher provides a modern way to manage plugins and mods directly from its menu, making it easy to install SimonSays without digging through folders manually. Once installed, you can build your first arenas right away.
Building Arenas
SimonSays uses two linked arenas: a game arena where the action happens, and a spectator arena where eliminated players are teleported. To create them, use the following commands:
- /simonsays arena creategame <ArenaName> <LinkedSpectatorArena> – creates the main playing field.
- /simonsays arena createspec <ArenaName> – creates a spectator area.
After that, you can place a sign with the text [SimonSays] ArenaName on the first line. The sign will automatically link to the arena and display live game information. Players can then right-click the sign to join, or use /simonsays join <ArenaName>.
Commands and Permissions
SimonSays comes with a clean permission system, allowing you to control exactly who can create, delete, join, or manage signs. Here are the essential commands:
- /simonsays – shows the help page.
- /simonsays join <ArenaName> – joins a game arena.
- /simonsays leave – leaves the current arena.
- /simonsays arena creategame <ArenaName> <SpecArena> – creates a game arena.
- /simonsays arena createspec <ArenaName> – creates a spectator arena.
- /simonsays arena delete <ArenaName or deleteall> – removes an arena.
- /simonsays arena list – displays all registered arenas.
Permission nodes follow a logical structure. Grant SimonSays.* for full access, or assign individual nodes like SimonSays.command.join, SimonSays.command.create, and SimonSays.sign.use to fine-tune what each staff rank or player can do. The sign-related permissions even separate creation, destruction, and usage, giving you complete control over arena access.
Future Plans and Community Feedback
SimonSays is still in beta, and the developer is actively working on new features. Planned additions include a point shop where players can spend earned points from winning games, more SimonGames to expand the action pool, and further error fixes. The plugin also uses PluginMetrics to gather anonymous usage statistics, which can be disabled in the PluginMetrics config if desired. Suggestions are welcomed, and the source code is available on GitHub for developers who want to contribute.
Why SimonSays Belongs on Your Server
Minigames like SimonSays inject quick, social fun into any Minecraft server. They require no complex setup, work with any player count, and create memorable moments when someone accidentally punches a block during a “Don’t Move” command. The plugin’s sign integration makes joining seamless, and the dual-arena system keeps the action visible even after elimination. With regular updates and a responsive developer, this plugin is a solid choice for anyone looking to expand their server’s minigame lineup. Give it a try, and watch your community turn into a chorus of frantic, laughing players—just remember to listen for “Simon Says.”