I started playing back in 2010. I was in high school at the time. I am old! Back then it was just this weird new block game, VERY simple. I was in website design and animation classes, so we were using photoshop to retexture the game which is why our teacher let us play during class as long as we kept modding! Haha he was a great teacher.
I've played on Java and Bedrock, PC and Xbox. I'm not trying to start a debate but bedrock and java are both amazing these days. I play both versions and bet the people who think bedrock sucks are NOT well informed about bedrock. I think my favorite update so far is probably the update aquatic. It was the most badly needed. The oceans were SO huge and boring before that. My least favorite update was the one that added hunger to the game because it was difficult to adjust to at the time. I am okay with hunger now tho. Haha
EDIT: I remember when I very first saw the game, my friend was showing me his "base" which was just a 2x2 tunnel with some normal oak doors and stairs placed here and there. But I was so amazed! I was like "Dude.... You BUILT this?!?" Hahaha The game has become so much more complicated since then.