![]() Microsoft expects the deal to close in late 2014, and is expected to be break-even by fiscal 2015. ![]() Mojang, which also makes the games Scrolls and Cobalt, was vague about other potential personnel shifts: "Though it's 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." "Maybe we can convince a few people not to switch to Windows 8 that way." "I'd rather have Minecraft not run on Windows 8 at all than to play along," he wrote. He has even been critical of Microsoft in the past, speaking out against the company's Windows 8 operating system in 2012 after the company announced plans for an app store and strict rules for access. "Facebook creeps me out," he wrote at the time, vowing he would end that development effort. In March, he expressed disappointment in Facebook's acquisition of virtual reality technology pioneer Oculus VR. Persson has also been an outspoken critic of other video game makers. "Getting hate for trying to do the right thing is not my gig." Microsoft came calling a month later, according to the WSJ's account. "Anyone want to buy my share of Mojang so I can move on with my life," he wrote. The Wall Street Journal said the deal came together because Persson in June published a missive on Twitter saying he was frustrated with customer complaints over changes his team had been making to the game. "I'm a nerdy computer programmer who likes to have opinions on Twitter." In a blog post, Persson said he had already stepped down from Minecraft's development efforts "a relatively long time ago." Ultimately, he said he's selling and leaving the company because he's no longer happy. It won't be Minecraft-related but it will probably be cool." "The founders: Notch, Carl, and Jakob are leaving," Mojang said in a blog post. Persson, who calls himself "Notch" on social media sites, won't be joining Microsoft. Its simplistic blocky imagery is one of its standout features, and its initially simplistic game play has drawn gamers of all stripes in addition to parents and school teachers. Minecraft is in many ways the opposite type of game - it has no storyline to speak of, but instead inspires customers to play with it however they please. Halo's success has been driven by its epic storyline, told in books, movies, comic books, toys, and, of course, video games. More importantly, however, the game attracted a new generation of video game players to Microsoft's then new Xbox device, the only console for which Halo has ever been made available. The Halo series has sold more than 50 million copies since it first debuted in 2001. The other large game from Microsoft is Halo, the space-age war-themed franchise it bought in 2000. That game had sold 22 million units, grossing over $1 billion. In January, Microsoft said it was purchasing the Gears of War fantasy war game franchise from Epic, the company that developed and produced the title since its release in 2006. Whatever Microsoft's ultimate plans, the move will also bring under the company's wing yet another successful video game franchise. Analysts believe Microsoft could harness Minecraft's cultural popularity to encourage customers to buy its devices, potentially by offering unique levels or features for its Xbox or devices running its Windows Phone and desktop Windows software. The game is available on Microsoft's Xbox, in addition to the competing PlayStation, and a host of mobile devices. Much like the purchase of Halo maker Bungie 14 years ago, Mojang and its Minecraft franchise will strengthen Microsoft's position as a top destination for entertainment. The acquisition by Microsoft brings a new chapter to the incredible story of 'Minecraft,'" said Mojang CEO Carl Manneh said in a statement.īut Minecraft is much more than just another video game for Microsoft. "The 'Minecraft' players have taken the game and turned it into something that surpassed all of our expectations. Through it all, Mojang has sold copies of its game to customers on mobile devices, computers and video game consoles. Some people fought zombies, others meticulously recreated their favorite science fiction starships. Released in 2009, the game made its mark by having no particular point or goal - it asked nothing of players and let them merely create their own worlds and explore others. In Minecraft, Microsoft is taking control of a game that has become a cultural phenomenon. ![]() Become legend? Ambitious Destiny aims for gaming superstar status.Halo Master Chief preorders top Amazon charts.Minecraft players build working hard drives.Minecraft arrives on PS4 just ahead of Xbox One.Markus 'Notch' Persson: The mind behind Minecraft (Q&A).
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