Microsoft to buy minecraft makers Mojang for $2 billion

UPDATE 10/9/14 9.55am: Minecraft creator Markkus "Notch" Persson instigated talks with Microsoft to sell developer Mojang, a new source has claimed, and will leave the company for good when the deal is complete.

That's according to a new Bloomberg report, which claims that Persson was attracted to the idea of a deal after striking up a close relationship with recently-promoted Xbox chief Phil Spencer.

The positive experience of working with Microsoft on the hugely successful Xbox versions of Minecraft is also said to be a factor.

But Minecraft is also now available on PlayStation 4 and PS3 and a Vita edition is also due for release. It's unclear what would happen to the ongoing development of the game on Sony's platforms in the event of a Microsoft buyout.

Both parties have so far declined to comment on the reports.

ORIGINAL STORY 9/9/14 11.55Pm: Microsoft is allegedly nearing a deal to acquire Mojang, the creator of Minecraft and Scrolls, for $2 billion.


According to the Wall Street Journal, this deal could be finalised as early as this week.

Minecraft has gone on to sell 50 million copies since its release in 2009, while Mojang made $100 million in profits last year.

This would be a surprising move, if it happens, because Mojang founder Markkus "Notch" Persson has always been critical of giant corporations. In fact, he cancelled the Oculus version of Minecraft once the VR company sold to Facebook.

Microsoft is continuing its long and storied tradition of not commenting on rumours or speculation, and we've reached out to Mojang and will update should the studio shed more light on the matter.

Source: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

weird, why buy a game that is already out on every platform known to man?

Minecraft 2 I guess

It's the IP that's lucrative. I reckon they could do crossovers of Minecraft and every series known to man.

And they can start over charging PC users to mod, get dlc etc...

I hear minecraft 7 will be great but minecraft 8 will be a fucking nightmare which they will put right with minecraft 9

Everton wrote:I hear minecraft 7 will be great but minecraft 8 will be a fucking nightmare which they will put right with minecraft 9

Lollers

I heard they will make all the money back within a year....................how???

Don't we all own it already?

Do people buy that many content packs even though they don't affect achieves??

Hope they make some cross over games now, Minecraft racing is a winner!!

Still a lot of people to upgrade from PS3/360. Once those people upgrade, then there's a lot more Minecraft sales. Plus, there's merchandise. Lego sets, foam weapons, mugs, etc.....they'll make the money back easily. Minecraft is HUGE.