As Lead Engineer on the Java Edition, Nathan has been heavily involved in the dolphin’s design (along with Jens, Agnes and particuarly Maria Lemón) for the upcoming Update Aquatic. Since its announcement at Minecon Earth last year, he and the Java team have been hard at work to design the dolphin as not just a unique animal in Minecraft, but also act as something of a guide to welcome players to a brand new world beneath the surface.

“I think the thing that they’re bringing right now is just a very friendly face underwater to show you that you’re not alone and that not everything is scary,” Nathan explains. “It’s nice to have something in the water that actually cares for you, and I think dolphins do a great job of showing this to the players.”

Social creatures of habit, dolphins can be found swimming together through the ocean in large groups. As they spot the player, they will try to interact with them, showing them just how highly intelligent and curious they are. Above all else – they are extremely playful!