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. Weve 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 well 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.
Were excited to confirm that MINECON will continue next year. Well look to create even more ways for the vibrant community of YouTubers, 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 teams 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. Were excited to welcome Mojang to the Microsoft family and we are thrilled to support the success and longevity of Minecraft for years to come.
Phil
@XboxP3
http://news.xbox.com/2014/09/games-minecraft-to-join-microsoft
Yes, the deal is real. Mojang is being bought by Microsoft.
It was reassuring to see how many of your opinions mirrored those of the Mojangstas when we heard the news. Change is scary, and this is a big change for all of us. Its going to be good though. Everything is going to be OK. <3
Please remember that the future of Minecraft and you the community are extremely important to everyone involved. If you take one thing away from this post, let it be that.
We can only share so much information right now, but weve decided that being as honest as possible is the best approach. Were still working a lot of this stuff out. Mega-deals are serious business.
Why did you sell Minecraft?
Minecraft has grown from a simple game to a project of monumental significance. Though were massively proud of what Minecraft has become, it was never Notchs intention for it to get this big.
As you might already know, Notch is the creator of Minecraft and the majority shareholder at Mojang. Hes decided that he doesnt want the responsibility of owning a company of such global significance. Over the past few years hes made attempts to work on smaller projects, but the pressure of owning Minecraft became too much for him to handle. The only option was to sell Mojang. Hell continue to do cool stuff though. Dont worry about that.
There are only a handful of potential buyers with the resources to grow Minecraft on a scale that it deserves. Weve worked closely with Microsoft since 2012, and have been impressed by their continued dedication to our game and its development. Were confident that Minecraft will continue to grow in an awesome way.
Minecraft means many different things to millions of people across the world, and to each and every Mojangsta. We feel that this is the best way for everyone you guys included to benefit.
What about the other editions of Minecraft? Will they stop being developed?
Theres no reason for the development, sales, and support of the PC/Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Vita, iOS, and Android versions of Minecraft to stop. Of course, Microsoft cant make decisions for other companies or predict the choices that they might make in the future.
Were extremely proud of all editions and the awesome things you have achieved through playing together.
Is the game going to change? Will we still be able to make videos, mods, awesome builds, and all the cool stuff weve created over the past few years?
Minecraft will continue to evolve, just like it has since the start of development. We dont know specific plans for Minecrafts future yet, but we do know that everyone involved wants the community to grow and become even more amazing than its ever been. Stopping players making cool stuff is not in anyones interests.
What about the Mojang staff? Whats happening to you guys?
Though its too early to confirm which of us will continue working on Minecraft or other projects, we predict that the vast majority (if not all) Mojangstas will continue to work at Mojang for the time being.
The founders: Notch, Carl, and Jakob are leaving. We dont know what theyre planning. It wont be Minecraft-related but it will probably be cool.
Whats happening to the other Mojang projects, like Scrolls?
We dont know yet. Well share any news as soon as we do.
Will you still be able to tweet about features and interact with the community on a personal level, just like youve done over the years?
Yes! Thats not going to change.
How much money was the company bought for?
Microsoft acquired Mojang for a smooth 2.5 BILLION dollars.
Thanks for reading everybody.
Owen @bopogamel, Lydia @lydiawinters, and the Mojangstas.
https://mojang.com/2014/09/yes-were-being-bought-by-microsoft/
