Microsoft buys Mojang for $2.5b
Microsoft today announced the purchase of Mojang, the Swedish-based development studio behind massive hit Minecraft.
Confirmation of the $2.5 billion deal comes a week after rumors hit that the two companies were in talks over an acquisition. The founders of the company will all be leaving.
Microsoft promises to respect the brand and independent spirit of the game and carry on the tradition of innovation. The company also confirmed that Minecon will continue next year. Mojang said in a prepared statement that there is “no reason for the development, sales and support” for the other versions of the game to stop.
After thinking about this, it makes sense. It is a huge franchise that children are growing up with. It is being attributed to the new Lego of future generations. I can see why MS would want this.
As far as Notch, I am sad he didn’t want to own his creation, and what it created. I can understand his position (if only tangentially) and why he would prefer to focus on small things. Then again the only reason he can focus on those is because of the money Minecraft brought him, and now even more. So I don’t think he would feel the same way if he did not have the money he has now.
I look forward to seeing a 2.0 version. They’ve added so much stuff since I played the beta.