Topic: Microsoft apparently going to buy Minecraft developer

I really don't see how this is a good financial decision for Microsoft. It will take forever to make 2.5 billion back.

I can see where he's coming from, but then again he probably made a lot of money anyway and can afford to leave

Also, the creator is leaving? We are having a Rare 2.0 moment!

"I never looked for success, it found me, and it's oh so stressing."

<dramatically lays on a couch>

Except it seems he hasn't had much to do with Minecraft for a while now, and he seems committed to being a one-hit wonder instead of trying hard to work to the best of his ability, albeit because he knows he can't handle being a public figure that his abilities seem to warrant. Microsoft will probably do a lot better with this deal than they did with Rare. Only time can tell whether or not it'll be 2.5 Billion dollars better, though...

Or maybe its also because he's a multi-millionaire, and doesn't need to work anymore?

Notch hasn't worked on Minecraft since the 360 version came out, dude has been working on failed proptype after prototype while everyone else worked on Minecraft, Colbat, and Scrolls.

Microsoft already just confrimed that they won't be making it microsoft only and the series will support the series on all platforms.

Today is an incredibly exciting day for our team as Mojang and the Minecraft franchise join Microsoft. Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all time, with more than 100 million downloads, on PC alone, from players since its launch in 2009. Minecraft inspires millions to create together, connects people across the globe, and is a community that is among the most active and passionate in the world.

Our relationship with Mojang began when we initially talked to the team about bringing Minecraft to the console. Minecraft quickly became the top online game on Xbox Live, with over two billion hours played on Xbox 360 in the last two years. That working relationship set the ground work for other opportunities. We’ve long seen the incredible potential of Minecraft.

At Microsoft, we believe in the power of content to unite people. Minecraft adds diversity to our game portfolio and helps us reach new gamers across multiple platforms. Gaming is the top activity across devices and we see great potential to continue to grow the Minecraft community and nurture the franchise. That is why we plan to continue to make Minecraft available across platforms – including iOS, Android and PlayStation, in addition to Xbox and PC.

The Minecraft community is passionate and diverse, ranging across all ages and demographics. We respect the brand and independent spirit that has made Minecraft great, and we’ll carry on the tradition of innovation to move the franchise forward. Our investments in cloud, Xbox Live and mobile technology will enable players to benefit from richer and faster worlds, more powerful development tools, and more opportunities to connect with the Minecraft community.

We’re excited to confirm that MINECON will continue next year. We’ll look to create even more ways for the vibrant community of YouTuber’s, innovators, bloggers and players to connect with each other – both in person and online. We will have much more to share in the coming months.

The Minecraft team’s unique vision, creative energy and innovative mindset make them a perfect fit alongside our other global studios. Microsoft Studios includes 343 Industries, Turn 10 Studios, and Lionhead Studios just to name a few. These industry-leading game studios within Microsoft that have had great success with beloved games and massively popular franchises like Halo, Forza, and Fable. We’re excited to welcome Mojang to the Microsoft family and we are thrilled to support the success and longevity of Minecraft for years to come.

Great get by Microsoft

My guess is they're going to more money into Colbat and especially Scrolls.

You don't retire from something you enjoy doing just because you don't have to do it anymore, especially at a young age. While I'm sure the money helped his decision, a man would only do something like this if he honestly didn't want to make commercial games anymore.

Perhaps they are going to move Minecraft to a subscription based service to wring more money out of people who play it...

I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with his decision.

Well, good to see MC won't be pulled from any platforms at least. I never heard of the other two games, though. Hope they turn out well now that they'll be getting the support they probably need.

I wouldn't say it's a bad decision, it's just kind of annoying to see someone with his skill bow out after one success. Still, judging from what I've heard about his prototypes, perhaps he's someone who works best without the pressure? Besides, I doubt he'll hold true to his word about pulling any projects that gain too much traction - if he makes anything good again, he'll probably just sell the rights to someone else so he doesn't have to be responsible for it.

Sound like a smart move.

I wouldn't say that, remember 0x10^c? He was working on that game (and it looked really cool) but eventually quit, one of the reasons being because it garnered so much attention.

Nintendo should have got them

Don't we all know that?

I hope they go out with a bang with an update with name changes. WITHCEPTION.

Microsoft loves money and has tons of it. A WiiU and 3ds version could be enough of a gamble for them now. One of the main hold backs was Mojang having the resources and time to develop the game, with Microsoft money backing them. they could look at it as a slam dunk, especially since the WiiU and 3ds have such stronghold in the Japanese market, where Microsoft has always struggled.

This is a terrible decision for anyone who has a sane view of money (even in terms of rich people). But that might not include Microsoft, who knows?

While this is a big deal for Microsoft, it's still way too much and is pointless in the short term if Minecraft is elsewhere anyway. Think about it, Twitch was bought for less than 1 billion. You cannot tell me that any developer is worth more than that to any company.

There is just no way that anything involving this is a better option than using that money for the many things they could have done combined over buying a single developer.

I also can't say for a second that I trust Microsoft to take care of any developer they buy ever after Rare.

Haha, this post made my day. Minecraft made it big...but the devs have done NOTHING else. Even some of my least favorite devs like EA, Activision, ect. have more games I like than Mojang

I guess Microsoft wants one big name to try to sell the Xbox One. Funny thing is, now EVERY sale on every other system is going to be money going straight into MS's pocket. I bet that's going to put a brier in Sony's saddle...either they have to remove Minecraft from PS3/4 or pay BIG royalties over to MS. Imagine Sony making money off of Mario...