Minecraft to Join Microsoft

Xbox :

"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."

[Smurf1]

It did happen. Why did you waste money Microsoft? :/

[n4rc]

While I ask myself the same question..

I can't argue with a company that rakes in the money ms does.. They obviously have a plan for them, we just don't know it yet

[Gazondaily]

This is a big move by MS. I wonder if a Minecraft sequel is in the works? I suspect they have big plans for Mojang beyond just the Xbox One.

[uptownsoul]

Like you all, I don't understand Microsoft's end-game here. They're still going to support Minecraft on all devices, so I'd like to see they plan on doing.

[Blastoise]

Minecraft is a huge seller, its not just about the Xbox brand Microsoft would probably get more money by just letting it continue to sell on Playstation & IOS. Plus theres the huge amount of merchandise out there. Thats why they bought it, I assume.

[christocolus]

@n4rc

Totally agree

@septic

They definitly have bigger plans for minecraft, mojang and future ips&it makes me wonder if MS has other plans in the works to aquire more studios.

[MeliMel]

@septic,

I believe so to. Also since Minecraft is an awesome creative game. Do you think Project Spark tool set would somhow be intergrated into the next game along with what Minecraft already has? Maybe im getting way to ahead myself on this one.

[MeliMel]

@ Christocolus,

Its possible. I remember reading here. That MS was looking at acquiring more studios and ips.

[ABizzel1]

$2.5 billion buying a company that you still have to invest in.

Instead of $2.5 billion split among your first party developers. Even at 100m per game that would have been 25 exclusives for the XBO (5 more AAA exclusives to your line-up for the next 5 years).

I understand why they bought them, because how big the company has become, but it was a wasteful move IMO, and the fact they're able to spending that much money on one company goes to show this move wasn't specifically for Xbox, it was for MS.

I guess Minecraft on every PC is the real motivator. It's a way to start selling more computers, and build up their OS offerings. As for XBO it might even be a free game that's part of the Dashboard OS, and push console sales (but you can upgrade for $5, so I don't see how that really helps).

[MeliMel]

@abizzle,

The more i read about how MS should spend the 2billion. The more i forget how much $$$ MS has. I mean, MS has enough money to buy Minecraft for 2bil and still do what you really think they should.

[uptownsoul]

@Blastoise
I get what your saying about Minecraft being a huge seller, but it's not like Microsoft was desperate for money. And what I found odd was the announcement itself…Microsoft has an announcement for the Mojang acquisition but the rest of what they said was just "charlie brown adult talk"

[ABizzel1]

@meliMel

It's not even the money that bothers me, we all know MS is a multi-billion dollar company. It's the fact that they're investing so much in acquiring a company, and not in the studios developing games for them, or scouping up 5 mid-sized studios at $500m a piece, or even 25 smaller studios at $100m a piece.

That's why this deal is more for MS than it is for Xbox.

And I truly think MS is reshaping the Xbox brand to be less of a traditional console, into more of a software service of Windows Games (they already have an Xbox app for Windows 8).

I still think we'll see a console next-gen from MS, but it'll probably be a PConsole just like the Steam Machines where it's all off the shelf parts thrown into a console box, but still aimed at core gamers, and at the same time setting the standard for which PC games are developed for hardware wise.

[XBLSkull]

I wouldn't mind that, a more closed console experience at a small base price that would play all games throughout its lifecycle, but people could buy better hardware to get better performance if they so chose. Kind of like the RAM upgrade in the N64.

I love the power of my gaming PC and that I can upgrade it, but Xbox Live is a superior experience to orgin/steam/PSN/etc. Microsoft being such a huge company has nearly limitless potential in the gaming industry

[GribbleGrunger]

It's good news that they openly stated they're going to support the PS versions, so it's not quite as bad as it could have been. How swiftly they support the PS versions and to what standard is another thing.

It's also worth noting that this effectively makes MS a third party developer. Could this perhaps persuade MS to consider going a similar direction with other franchises?

[Thantalas]

Really clever title to the news.

It's not: 'Microsoft BUY Mojang' because it makes it sound like MS are the greedy bad guys buying up the indie companies in an involuntary takeover.

It is: "Mojang JOIN Microsoft" which has a much more friendly angle and makes it sound more like Mojang are voluntarily joining a team.

Clever stuff press releases!

[Volkama]

The way they talk makes it sound like the Minecraft IP really is the motivation for this buyout. But then again it is usually best to try and ignore the things that PR mouthpieces say, so who knows.

I played Minecraft for the first time ever yesterday (because my wife things it would be a good choice for my children). I can understand some of the appeal, but honestly I think Project Spark would be more worthy of any time spent being creative.

[gootimes]

It sells really well on PlayStation, and they put 2.5 billion into it, so they are going to want to sell it on EVERYTHING they can until they get the investment back. That is how I see it... I think it still sells well at least, I haven't really checked lately actually.

[SilentNegotiator]

Because everything Microsoft has ever done has made lots of money?

3+ years ago, this might have made a lot more sense. There's no telling if Minecraft will stay this popular and make their money back in a timely fashion.

[mikeslemonade]

Good for gamers, good for the industry, and I'm happy. If you can't see it then you lack common sense.

Even if I didn't have a X1 I would be happy. When TR was timed exclusive and I only had a PS4 I was happy too.

[InactiveUser]

That's the first time I've seen Phil not look like a douche. Obviously a lot of corporate talk in there, but it was a professional and quality announcement. I'm surprised he actually said PlayStation. I know the rumored plan was that it wouldn't become exclusive, but I don't think I've heard him mention PlayStation before in an official announcement beyond the twitter 'congratulations on the PS4 launch' type statements.

It probably works out money wise, since the game sells a lot as far as I've heard. I think it was a bad buy though. That money could have funded a lot of quality exclusives. Instead they get a game that looks like it's ~20 years old and won't even be exclusive.

Doubtful at the moment, but is this a sign of Microsoft positioning itself to becoming the next Sega; getting out of the console business and focusing on multiplat software?

[MrPink2013]

How would the reactions have been if Nintendo bought them? Not nearly as bad or pessimistic I imagine. Which goes to show the responses mainly stem from people who dislike the company yet have very little interest in what Microsoft may do to further innovate the Minecraft franchise. Look at where they took Halo and how they marketed that. You think anyone other than Microsoft has the financial backing and the technology to make it even bigger than it currently is now?

Minecraft had become way too big with way too much responsibility for a small studio to handle. Of course someone was going to take over. What's next is anyone's guess but unlike Angry Birds this has a much longer lasting appeal just like how kids still play Lego after all these years.

[miyamoto]

M$ thinks money can buy success against the PlayStation... but that is all M$has as a company - tons of money.
Other than that.... like brains, creativity, originality, passion, vision, etc.

M$ is the Unicron of gaming.

In every emerging market of computing technology whether:
personal computers (the Apple Macintosh), then MS DOS and Windows
word processing (Word Perfect), then M$ Word
internet browser(Netscape), then IE
video games (PlayStation 2 & PlayStation exclusive games), then Xbox
mp3 players (iPod), then Zune
smartphones (iPhone & Android), then Windows Phone
tablets (iPad & Android), then Surface
search engines(Google) then Bing
etc etc

Microsoft is the unoriginal, second rate trying hard, copycat, money monster bully who always wants to steal market share from the original upstarts, then try to monopolize it and in turn destroying everything!

Minecraft is going to be destroyed like Nokia & Rare its 100% guaranteed.

[n4rc]

Have you seen their earnings reports lately dude?

What you just said is a baseless fanboy rant.. If they suck so bad and don't know what they are doing, how do they manage to rake in billions a month?

Or do they "steal" that too? Grow up

All the products you mention were beaten by a better product.. That's how business works..

Do I need to start listing who invented the TV or surround sound or console gaming just to make Sony look bad? Damn second rate copycats!! Lol.. can't they do anything original?

See? Pretty silly yes?

[nX]

Because they are bold and shameless, they should've made that deal 3 years ago. I wouldn't say it's too late now but it's very risky since everyone and their mother owns Minecraft already. The good thing is that we'll probably get a heavily funded Minecraft 2 out of this.

[equal_youth]

do you think we will be getting minecraft 2 on playstation as well? i am just curious as i would think they will bring it exclusively to xbox brand and pc.

[nX]

^I'm almost sure it will be PC/Xbox/Windows Phone exclusive. I'm fine with that as long as I don't need a Xbox for it.

[Lawboy2]

@ equal youth.

He said that it will continue on playstation

[Dontworrybhappy]

Why not keep it on Playstation as well as bringing it to Nintendo? Would'nt they make more money selling it on more platforms.

[Tuviejacalata]

Awesome deal. Congrats to mojang. Can't wait to see what they do next. Minecraft 2 has the potential to be the most addicting game ever with all the resources they have now.

[equal_youth]

i had so much hope in notch doing the right thing. its like george lucas had sold the star wars franchise to FOX in the 70s.

Edit @ Bloodborn: Yeah but my thought was that it may make more money for notch over the time he is living when he keeps the rights for himself and his company.

[nX]

You would do the same, just like the Oculus guys selling out to Facebook. Money makes this world go round, I wouldn't care about the "right thing" when there are billions at stake that will change your live forever.

[jackanderson1985]

didn't necessarily waste any money (although most definitely spent some cash)... they could have opted for a share transfer or share transfer/cash ...Notch gets 1 bil worth of shares (less than .06% of MS total worth), the other guy gets .8bil and then 700mil cash split between them in whatever percentages.

Also MS get all assets and investments that Mojang are in so that also gets added back to MS.

Once the deal is finalized the actual money cost to MS will pop up and i honestly doubt it'll be that much considering the size of the deal

finally, MS are expecting to make the 2.5billion back by the end of FY15 so they obviously know something is up

[blackout]

I also read something about Microsoft recouping the money back by the end of 2015/16. Also this, Just think of the tool set that will be used for future Minecrafe and Project Spake games. The possibilities are endless with this purchase. I'm in the clouds just thinking of a Project Spark & Minecrafe high-bred. WoW, and it's going to stay on all platforms. Get that money Microsoft.

[mark3214uk]

they criticized oculus for selling out to facebook now they have done the same, bunch of hypocrite

[-Foxtrot]

Never really thought of that

[DarkOcelet]

Oh well there goes the money for 25 new AAA IPs :/

[Trolltroll]

$$$$$$$$

Lets do some quick math if they release Mincraft 2 or Minecraft MMO (this will happen) and lets just say they sell the same quantity of PC only games that is 100mil plus. Lets pretend that make 20$ per game that is 100mil×20$= 2billion + the new minecraft is windows & xbox one exclucives.

have a good day everyone. A lot of good games are comming our way soon.

[lelo2play]

Such insanity. Minecraft is not worth 2.5 billion. So many studios and games Microsoft could fund with this money.

[llxKonanxll]

I's what they do.

[otherZinc]

This purchase is to the individuals that thought the XBOX ONE & XBOX Division wasn't "profitable", it is.

M$ is investing in the XBOX ONE, heavily, in:
343 Industries:Halo
Gears Franchise
Turn 10:Motorsport & Horizon
NFL
Minecraft
Kinect:it isn't going anywhere
Remedy:Quantum Break
App Functionality
XBOX Live

And, if you only care about games, XBOX ONE has more AAA exclusives than the PS4 at the time.

[BallsEye]

Mojang is probably working on Minecraft 2 for a long time now. I doubt all ttheir manpower goes toward a sh!tty texture packs and occasional update. Ofcourse in addition to that, now MS will get money from every copy sold, even on PSN.

[ZombieGamerMan]

@ GribbleGrunger Well guess Sony won this war then if MS are now supporting the PS4 with a game, the Sega approach.

[Berenwulf]

That's why I don't like Microsoft... Minecraft will never be the same!

[Ulf]

They didn't waste money at all.

Let me point out some facts that most people ignore, and let readers draw conclusions as to why Minecraft is worth $2.5B:

First, the obvious, but not most important reason:
0) Minecraft makes money... over $1B to date.

And now to GOOD reasons:
1) Mincraft is written in Java. Java is a language owned by the Oracle corporation, and Oracle makes zillions from letting Java run on over 3 billion devices.

2) Microsoft has a language similar to Java (but better), called C#, which is slowly gaining traction, but its too slow to overtake Java, really.

3) Minecraft is a game, and is fun to mod. LOTS of young people learn Java for pretty much this reason alone. Minecraft is, in fact, used in some countries (and now some parts of the US), to TEACH PROGRAMMING... in Java.

...and now.. the thrilling conclusion, for those who haven't figured it out:

4) Minecraft 2.0... could be now be written in C#, and would then only run on devices that are running C#, giving C# a HUGE leg up against Java, its primary competitor.

Microsoft makes a game console to support the rest of their business, folks. They make DirectX/3D so that you will game on a Windows platform, and they make a console with a PC-like API so that game developers will NOT abandon Windows gaming. MS knows that $2.5 billion is worth it, if C# gets a shot at beating Java as the byte-code cross-platform language of choice in the future.

Owning the biggest reason for kids to learn Java, over C#, is a big step for them.

[HugoDrax]

Interesting! and an intelligent analysis my friend. Bubble + for you :-)

[silvacrest]

interesting analysis but what if minecraft loses popularity before microsofts master plans takes shape?

[gangsta_red]

Very intelligent Ulf.

Good to see some like you are thinking the long term and outside the box and not just the standard "MS wasted their money" or "MS should have bout more____".

Minecraft is a huge IP and with it being on virtually every system including the PS brand it will only rake in more money for MS. Not to mention any other project Majong may be working on.

[mcarsehat]

I....what? Waste????

This can only spell good things for Microsoft, they bought one of the biggest companies on the planet, they have bought into a game that is home to millions of players that isn't just a game, it is a tool, it is big in schools, it can help autistic children interact and learn in new ways. They could even make a professional Minecraft for Builders and Graphic Designers (that last bit was a joke but you never know) and it will get them billions int he process.

I don't even play Minecraft and i know how good the possibilities could be.

[ziggurcat]

"It did happen. Why did you waste money Microsoft?"

because they obviously would much rather rest on the laurels of an existing franchise rather than spend that money on taking a few risks with new IPs...

[C-H-E-F]

Because Microsoft is worth over 280billion and can do that?? LMFAO. I'm not a fan of Minecraft actually never owned an Xbox but when you have the funds to disrupt others financial flow from which you are at competition with. Well, you do what you have to do to get it done. Was it worth the purchase? Time will tell, but sheesh that money could've went in soooooooo many other places for the overall game division.

[Paprika]

Mojang to work on kinect sports titles. Bingo, classic exclusives. Yeah... right!

Mojang is not minecraft in its entirety. Minecraft was gold, is mojang truly going to continue producing blockbusters? No... not IMO.

[gamerfan0909]

So they bought the studio to not have them keep making Minecraft? How does that make any sense in your logic whatsoever?

[Jdoki]

Well, not saying I agree with Paprika, but you could use Rare as a measure.

After Perfect Dark on the 360 how many of Rare's old IP have they developed?

Rare had tonnes of AAA IP when MS bought them, and not only have Rare not developed those, but the new IP they did create (Viva Pinata, Kameo, Ghoulies) have disappeared too. Instead they have been making mostly Kinect shovelware

So I don't think there is any guarantee that Mojang will be on Minecraft for the long term. Many of the ports have already been spun off to other devs - such as the popular 360 version.

[Paprika]

When did I say they'd ditch minecraft? Buying mojang is the headline, they are basically buying the IP minecraft this is the value not the dev. Minecraft has however peaked massively and I don't see a sequel creating as much hype as the original did. Myopinion, its pretty obvious the money used to buy "minecraft" could've been used to create flagship games halo sized with core gamers.

I understand why ms bought it, its great business as a brand they now control. But it largely changes nothing for us, minus maybe mc2 bring exclusive.... which I don't care as its better on PC anyway

[jrshankill]

While I agree that it will be difficult to capture lightning in a bottle twice, it is still a good acquisition for any company. It has made Mojang a ton of money. I feel a lot of negativity here comes from the fact that it was Microsoft who bought Mojang. If it was Sony I am sure the comments here would be different.
No one knows for sure but I would expect Minecraft 2 to be an exclusive. I also see a high res remake of Mincecraft in the pipeline for Xbox One only. It may take away the charm, but it will still take away the money from parent's pockets.
Money is being made, companies are happy, the fans get new releases with a load of cash and resources (excuse the pun) put behind it.... win win.

[Redgehammer]

Minecraft is a timeless game, a great entry point for all types of individuals into the world of gaming. My sons still play it, I play it, and kids in diapers now, will be playing it in their future. A future, I believe, that is more guaranteed. The digital cousin to Legos, Minecraft, too, will never go out of stile. I think its a great acquisition, as long as all platforms are supported.

[Hellsvacancy]

Does anyone know how much money Microsoft invested in the XB1? MS could've bought loads studios etc with that 2.5 billion, they've basically given the people at Mogang eary retirement money

[hello12]

They've set up five new first party studios already it was discovered a few months back and those studios are hiring at the moment

http://static1.gamespot.com...

Microsoft has 86 billion to invest in new projects, so they can do what they like if the choose to.

lol the reason i gave for Microsoft buying Minecraft turns out to be true. I said last night on N4G it was due to activity charts for 360 showing Minecraft in the top three most played games. Phil Spencer just said it there too.

Minecraft was a huge game on 360 and no surprise Microsoft wanted it.

Kayant@ They're studios hiring at the moment, we see if games will come from them.

[Kayant]

Those studios also don't seem to be full development studios from the info found. They are more support helping out other studios/incubation as of now.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

Above is the source from where this was discovered.

[uptownsoul]

I agree that Microsoft has plenty of money $86B to invest. But Microsoft has been making poor choices with their money…Prime example: Why take the Kinect out of the box. Microsoft has now made 2 separate classes of Xbox One owner (those with Kinect and those without). Some can use all the Xbox One features (snap, xbox on, record that), some can't…And all of that could have been avoided had Microsoft used a fraction of that $86B to just drop the Xbox One w/Kinect down to $399. If they did that, then people could leave the kinect in the box until they heard about a feature that intrigued them. Instead, 2 separate classes of Xbox One owner (those with Kinect and those without)

[ABizzel1]

Those aren't "new studios". They were second teams that supported games from the larger studios, usually making DLC and assisting with development when needed, or former Kinect studios.

The fact is 2 or 3 of their games have been scrapped, curiosity of Phil which is why the Tomb Raider deal was made. MS was trying to make their Uncharted, and didn't like what was being done.

I truly don't understand what MS was thinking here They could have invested 100m dollars in 25 New Exclusives for the same price as buying Mojang. It just doesn't make sense, unless their goal is to sale computers by having Mojang free in every new PC.

This purchase has to be greater than the Xbox division, because there's no way they spent 2.5 billion to buy just 1 developer, a bigger developer with multiple IPs under their belt.

Once again this is really has me believing that the next Xbox will be heavily PC focused, and be a PConsole. Like the Nintendo rumors have me believing their next console will be a handheld-hybrid.

If all this pans out, I want my royalties MS and Nintendo, cause you've been reading my blogs and comments. I want my check, and I'll gladly settle for a few million each. And Sony I want my check for giving each platform the space to grow and dominate your own market of gaming, so send a few million my way too.

[Baka-akaB]

I dunno how why time is wasted defending this from a gamer's viewpoint . It's a great move on the financial end for MS and Mojang most likely .

But are we accountants , share holders and do we work for those people ? for the most part nope .

So on our end , as gamers , and regardless of how much MS already invested in new studios ... it's still 2 bellions (last i heard) being poured into a single game studio , when it could be used to create and push more games .

This deal mostly help the minecraft franchise , and the wallet , not so much the rest .. at least not directly

[imt558]

Looks like studios ( except Good Science ) are for technology or something.

https://careers.microsoft.c...

Maybe it will be some new IP.

Well, not all of these studios are game makers.

[nX]

Notch will probably celebrate this every day for the rest of his life, he probably became the Bill Gates of gaming today.

[tablecloth]

True, they could have made new studios but they come at risks whether they would succeed or not.
Minecraft could be compared to Mario, in a sense that it has a wide range of audience if not bigger. Merchandise, conventions and lots of word of mouth. It surely will be interesting to see what Microsoft will do with it.
Xbox/PC/Windows Phone exclusive for the next Minecraft perhaps and if not, they could probably earn their money back if they go multi-platform if they play it right.

[blackout]

Thank you. Someone with a brain. This is huge news.

[GUTZnPAPERCUTZ]

They bought a "Proven" developer, instead of potentially wasting money on supporting new ones that are unproven, play the best hand dealt.

[LordMaim]

Rare was a proven developer too.

[Kayant]

"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. " - Well looks like bloomberg were right unsurprisingly. I wonder if Minecraft 2 is in the works and how that will be handled. I expect marketing to be Xbox/PC/WP centred.

[SoulWarrior]

Good of them to allow it to release and be supported across all platforms, it would hinder the game to keep it exclusive and glad MS saw sense in this, and it will net them loads of extra cash.

Hope the other platform holders don't have any problems with this.

[Kayant]

"Hope the other platform holders don't have problems with this." Would be stupid if they did. The game prints money on EVERY platform it's on.

[jrshankill]

but wait.. Microsoft is evil and want to monopolize gaming!! How dare they let their property be on different consoles??!!

[mark3214uk]

if they make a sequel i can guarantee you it will be exclusive to x1

[Cherchez La Ghost]

It seems like people don't know how much money this will bring to MS. It takes money to make money.

[Baka-akaB]

I just question how much of that profits will translate into more games for us . I'm sure some of it will , but i feel we'd benefits from more directly with even a portion of the sum invested in other games .

It's one issue i already had with the 360 days . Sure MS being financially healty was nice , but it could have translated into more of the benefits poured into more games for 360 , especially last year , at the "end" of it's cycle and before the shift to xb1 .

[ape007]

holy crap, should i laugh or cry???

this gave me this feeling..... :( :( :(

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Manic2014]

So Bloomberg were right, Xbox will be keeping Minecraft on all platforms.

[Illusive_Man]

Microsoft has a bunch of offshore money that would face significant USA taxes if it is repatriated.

Minecraft is this generations Lego. It is hugely popular and has showed tremendous staying power.

Microsoft sees Minecraft as a way to reach out to the next generation of coders. Kids are already building all sorts of things and Minecraft is viewed as cool. This is all about attaching an extremely beloved brand to Microsoft.Also Minecraft is the younger gens Facebook. It is a social experience that has tons of untapped potential.

Minecraft and future versions will sell. It is extremely profitable and does not require massive summer blockbuster movie budgets.
Basically Mine craft still has huge potential in terms of reaching even wider audiences, captivating an entire generation, boosting mobile, enhancing social and gaming experiences across Windows PC, mobile, and Xbox.

Oh did I mention MS has to spend that money?

This was a great deal and they will make the money back in very short time. Not a waste of money at all and Mojang is nothing like Rare. I expect Minecraft 2 to be available on all mobile platforms, PC, and Xbox.

The people who don't understand this move or why it will appear on MS's Rival consoles like the PS4 do not understand sound business. Minecraft is a golden goose and although Nadella said gaming is a top priority the acquisition of Minecraft is much more than trying to beat Sony in the console race.

[danowat]

considering they say they will remain committed to Mojang producing products for all platforms, could this be the first step in Microsoft abandoning console hardware and concentrating on the software market?

[troylazlow]

MS is already producing software. I doubt they will abandon the Xbox brand, much like Sony would be silly to abandon their TV brand.

[danowat]

But the xbox brand could quite easily transfer away from hardware, just look at what MS are doing with trying to get xbox branded games playable through your web browser.

I am an xbox owner, but even I know that the xbox has been well and truly trounced in the console war, makes sense for them to look into diversification.

[gamerfan0909]

No. This means that they want to make as much money as possible off the game being multiplatform. They can't just stop producing Minecraft for the platforms. Minecraft 2 or Mojangs next IP will be exclusive to Xbox or PC depending on how they set up the deal.

[Dudebro90]

No

[skydragoonity]

Still won't get the bone

[ape007]

why not if u can afford it and has games u like then i don't see why not

take it easy man, gaming is all about fun

[pinkcrocodile75]

@skydragoonity

Nobody cares if you do or don't.

The subject of this discussion is Microsoft's purchase of Mojang and the Minecraft IP. At least have something to say on the subject... being the silent monosyllabic type doesn't inspire confidence in anything else you have to say.

OT: This news isn't a surpise as it's been touted around for about a week but it's nice to know that the deal is done and Microsoft are thinking BIG with this aquisition.

As for the money, It's obvious to everyone that they'll make that money back in a heartbeat.

I'm curious to see what they will do with it now that they own it... However I'm afraid that personally this game leaves me cold... that's not to say that Minecraft is not hugely popular... it's just not my cup of tea

[GodGinrai]

@skydragoonity

yes...somewhere a tree fell in a forest..but none of us care, because we never heard it. the same can be said of your announcement.

[KonaSquid]

Nothing M$ can ever do will make be buy an Xbox. If anything, this kind of thing makes me less inclined to support them.

[troylazlow]

Congratulations to all involved! I look forward to seeing what comes of this.

[rockNrolf]

crappy Kinect games. Remember Rare?

[-Foxtrot]

"they are now going back to making traditional games"

Like?

The only Rare related thing I've seen since the Xbox One was revealed was Conker in Project Spark telling me I'll have to make my own sequel.

[Manic2014]

@Foxtrot

Phil confirmed in an IGN interview after E3 that Rare are off Kinect working on some existing IP.

[Gamer4life888]

so they bought minecraft for more than 2 billion dollars only to keep it on rival consoles?! am i missing something here or MS just went full retard?

[gamerfan0909]

Minecraft is set to make over a hundred million dollars in revenue just off the game sales this year. That's not even adding in the licensing potential, the movie rights, and the potential exclusives. They bought this company for the brand. It's our generations lego for kids.

[Dudebro90]

Microsoft didn't go to retarted, you just don't understand business.

[jackanderson1985]

revenue streams, increased exposure to the MS brand and keeping fanbases happy.... perfectly sane move

[H4zZz4]

Minecraft is all about community and it would be unwise of microsoft to cut off a large amount of it.

[SouthClaw]

It makes money. Microsoft isn't a fan boy. It doesn't want to have the highest "agrees" to its news or w.e they want to make money. They had cash they had to spend and saw it as an investment. If you have something selling on another console and it makes you money you would be stupid to take it off. Especially considering that it would be bad PR this is good PR. Shows they are playing fair.

So no not full retard.

[ape007]

they can stop support however, it's not ethical to do that

i believe MS want to have Minecraft 2 as an Xbox one exclusives and this will sell the system like FIREEE !!!

[Baka-akaB]

I very much doubt that . They'll have an incentive like exclusive xbox content , but they would kill the franchise's sales by making a sequel exclusive .

And the pc and mobile community would have a backlash and find a clone or successor instead

You dont invest 2 billions in a studios just to screw over your rivals , and sell a few more million consoles .

[PudgeyBurrito]

You should never go full retard.

[PingasoFromHell]

Minecraft Microsoft studios on a PlayStation platform, that's definitely going to look funny!!lol

[Jack_Reacher]

Im thinking this about the company and not minecraft. Surely the sales for this game have long since peaked.

And as for staying multi platform well surely you would be foolish to think this game will stay on a par on all platforms.

Mojang games will now launch first for ms platforms while everyone else twidles there thumbs.

To he honest I cannot see mojang having another runaway success like minecraft.

And before everyone starts replying about doom and gloom. What happened to rare. What are they up to know?

[Dudebro90]

Rare was already done when Microsoft bought them. A majority of the rare team was already gone or was planning to leave before the Microsoft purchase.

Microsoft bought them for their IP not the talent.

[Baka-akaB]

Peaked ? The game just brought the psn servers on its knees for hours with the ps4 release .

[TheCagyDies]

"That is why we plan to continue to make Minecraft available across platforms – including iOS, Android and PlayStation, in addition to Xbox and PC."

A now Microsoft owned IP on PS4/Vita/PS3, that's crazy

[asmith2306]

No point in cutting off the sales of a franchise which is a huge seller across all platforms. Skype is on PS as well, no big deal.

[TheCagyDies]

and yes Windows were on Sony Laptops but still, pretty crazy. Maybe a Sony/Xbox deal isn't too far off like cross play servers.

[oxybulle]

Not that I care, but it may be about time to have an open-source/indie version of a similar game, no?

[Funantic1]

Good power move. Minecraft is really loved by the younger generation and will sell millions. I'll buy a copy for my son on the X1. Phil is talking like they'll keep Minecraft on Playstation. So that'll be cool and more money for MS.

[THC CELL]

My god go play lbp man who

[MasterCornholio]

I'm shocked.

:I

I thought the rumors were a bad joke (like the fallout prank) but I guess I was wrong.

[Golden_Mud]

Now im worried about Fallout... Microsoft 2.5 Billion dollars lost on one single company , why not develop new ones or even bring up new ones.

[bmf7364]

Good Guy Phil Spencer

P.S. Notch will be leaving now because he's a hypocrite.

[ziggurcat]

all of the founders are leaving... which speaks volumes, really.

[gamertk421]

I wonder if their plans to keep Minecraft on Playstation extend to the sequel or just what is currently released. Minecraft might be on Playstation, but perhaps Minecraft 2, not so much.

[Mithan]

Hopefully those idiots at Microsoft don't make it Xbox only.

I fully expect that in the future.

[GodGinrai]

Any further ip that mojang make will be MS exclusive, including a minecraft sequel. I dont think they will pull the plug on formats already available on, in the mobile space (or PC for that matter)

[Bennibop]

Seems like a strange acquisition to me, why purchase a company that has developed one title which although a massive seller must be nearing its peak. Surely Crytek would have been a better purchase as they own Ryse, Timesplitters and Crysis IPs especially as they could have got them cheap in the last couple months.

[desertpunk86]

CAPCOM is next!

[rockNrolf]

Just look at what the M$ did with rare. Mojang is doomed.

[360ICE]

I have little idea about the logic behind this, but it'll be exciting to see what happens next.

[Gezmoyassine]

This better pay off for MS or the individuals behind this acquisition will lose their jobs.

[Gamerbeyond]

is this micros overpriced way of competing with little big planet. hope it pays off.

[cruzngta]

By owning it they will make money on every future iteration of minecraft or sequels wether its on a Playstation or Nintendo platform. This was strictly a business move by MS on a top earning cash cow called Minecraft. You heard Spencer comment about how well it did when released on Xbox360. MS is making moves and acquisitions for long term success becuz they have the money to do so. This will help them in that area.

[Nodoze]

Total waste of money. Also now the guy that started it all is gone. Nice move MS. Instead of investing in the studios you already own, you buy a studio that has a questionable future!

MS is like a stupid rich kid. They buy what they see as popular.

Wasted billions.

[ElementX]

With the additional resources, I believe that the Minecraft updates will be more robust and frequent.

[Jdoki]

Resource dedicated to the long promised modding API would be top of my list!!

Having all mods play together nicely would be epic.

[ElementX]

That would be great!

[Jdoki]

Seems weird to pay that much.

Is Minecraft worth 2.5billion?

It may have sold 100 million on PC, but would Minecraft 2 do the same sort of numbers? I'm not sure as, Minecraft + mods is more than enough for most people.

So what else might Mojang have up their sleeve? Their track record is not great. Canned games and a mediocre card game is about it - no indication that lightning will strike twice and Mojang will have another Minecraft sized hit on their hands. Plus the rumours are that Notch will leave after the acquisition.

And just for perspective...

Disney bought Lusafilm, for 4billion. Is Minecraft alone really worth more than half of Star Wars, Indiana Jones and all the other Lucasfilm IP combined?

And Disney bought Pixar for 7.4billion, but each film grosses in the region of half a billion, of which costs are around 100-200million to produce.

MS bough Rare, who made some of the best games in the SNES and N64 eras, for 400million. They had way more IP than Mojang, that could easily have been developed in to profitable series - especially with a 2.5billion budget behind them!!

I would have preferred Mojang remain independent as MS' track record with acquisitions is not great. And the value of Minecraft seems hugely overstated for what they may get back in future.

It wil be interesting to see what Mojang / Minecraft do next.

[feraldrgn]

Well... At least he said they'll be supporting all versions.
But having a clever front man doesn't change the company, so anything could happen.

[HappyWithOneBubble]

What does this mean for the PS versions? Will Sony have to take down the servers or pay MS? Why is Minecraft so fascinating to people. It looks stupid to me.

[SaffronCurse]

Ps versions will stay intact.

[Kingoftherodeo]

microsoft bought it but it didn't just buy it for xbox. it knows it can push its phones and tablets sales. or get revenue from other mobile platforms

[Silly gameAr]

That's nice. Good for gamers I guess?

[Rhythmattic]

2 Biiiiiiiiilllion Dollars.................

[Rhythmattic]

Oh, the phantom disagree'r following me around......

Show yourself.... Pistols at Dawn !!!

;)

[ScorpiusX]

Damn it no t shirt to mark the occasion. Congrats

[asadachi]

So they bought a game that is already well established that most people have already bought... I fail to see the advantage, perhaps someone can enlighten me.

[Jdoki]

It depends on what angle you look at it (although I believe 2.5billion is ridiculous).

But...

The positive advantage:
- MS have just bought the single most popular game on XBox Live. So if they can tap in to that and somehow monetise it, that's good for them (skins, tools, could be microtransactions, new realms as DLC)

- Minecraft is more than just a game. It's a bunch of marketing deals. They have toys, such as LEGO, plushies, even gift wrapping paper. If MS can leverage these deals Creeper Green Mountain Dew is not out of the realms of possibility

- Minecraft can be commercialised beyond the base game. Minecraft Project spark levels. Minecraft characters in other games. Minecraft could become the Mario of Microsoft. Minecraft Kart anyone?

- Sales from other platforms now go straight in to MS' pocket. And Mojang currently turns over approx 100million dollars profit per year

- Minecraft 2 on Xbox... The PC faithful would go ape, but I can see it happening.

- Future Minecraft developments would not be on competitors platforms. So even if MS keep developing the game, I suspect new features would either be delayed on other platforms, or never appear, which gives MS a marketing advantage

- The remaining developers of Mojang get to work on other projects. They're obviously talented and who knows they may have another game that does Minecraft numbers up their sleeves... But without Notch I dunno if Mojang is really Mojang any more

Having said all that (and I'm just speculating), I have no idea how MS intend to make their 2.5billion back, or even arrived at that valuation in the first place.

[ironwolf714]

Still think Microsoft could have bought a different studio that holds more ips but kudos to them anyway.

[lolosgolos]

Imagine the highest selling game on Playstation being a Microsoft game

[Ryan741]

In Phil we trust.

[Artemidorus]

Keep buying Microsoft. Sony fanboys deserves all the bad luck they need for being so one track sided.

[Assassingamer136]

I think this is smart business practice for Microsoft. Wouldn't that merit them to right to show "Microsoft studios" each time somebody boots up minecraft on a playstation system? If so that is basically advertisement for over millions of users. If I'm wrong then I still think its smart business practice as each sale across any platform will be made for Microsoft although I think they should have done this earlier if they wanted to make the most legitimate profit. They saw over 100 million downloads on the PC version, as soon as mojang announced consoles ports that's where microsoft should have bought them. It's risky for that sort of money, but in my opinion that 2 billion dollars could have been used to make plenty of games exclusively for your console.

[DarXyde]

As long as Microsoft doesn't buy out any companies with IPs I actually care about, I couldn't care less.

Not sure if a Capcom buyout would bother me. A Platinum buyout would, though. I really have no glaring interest in an XBOX One right now (which is good because I don't have time for so many platforms) but stopping me from buying an awesome game from a traditionally multiplatform company on my PS4 or Wii U will probably cause me to go nuclear.

[goken]

: / kinda surprised that they will continue to support ps, andriod, ios... you'd expect ms to use this to give Windows mobile n xbox a much needed shot in the arm. Maybe ms has bigger plans ? Quite curious

[tommygunzII]

Saying Microsoft shows up to the party late is an understatement.

[Angerfist]

Maybe there will be Minecraft 2 only on PC and Xbox, but it is still too much money. It will eventually come a time when people move on. And what did Mojang do besides Minecraft?
They could have gotten a bunch of great exclusives for that money smh

[Hakoom]

2.5bilion could of been put in to making 10+ great games.. and saving xbone from being doomed
instead waste it and buy minecraft LOL

[JMyers]

Minecraft 2 will come to Xbox first, and MS's mobile phones first.

This is to increase demand. Sales of Minecraft on other devices may require a percentage to MS.

Furhter games from Mojang may be console exclusives, or at least first on Xbox. Any further games will also say from the makers of minecraft, giving that game mind share before release.

It's all about creating the perception that Minecraft is Xbox/MS and vice vera.

[Lighter9]

They'll be making stupid Kinect games like that OTHER awesome company that Microsoft bought.

[xX1NORM1Xx]

In b4 the people saying I'm not buying minecraft for ps3/4/vita because I'm not giving MS money

[Lionalliance]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! !!!!!!!!

[GearSkiN]

Now MS getting all the bread on all platforms!

[feedthereaper]

A lot of people asking why they did it?
The answer is simple, Notch did not enjoy nor put much effort into making it a big franchise (he enjoyed the coding and playing about) and yet still managed a very healthy $350 Million a year profit from the game.
Microsoft, with decades of experience in marketing and game franchises believe they can market this game across all platforms, introduce better micro-payment structures and bring far more to the community in the form of regular updates and features, that they believe will turn it from a $350M a year profit, to a $500M+ a year profit just from the one game alone. They now also own the rights to a potential Minecraft 2, any DLC, and more importantly, stop anyone else from stopping it appearing on PC/Xbox.
This is purely about buying something that makes obscene money before anyone else does, working on it so it makes double the profit, and impressing the investors and shareholders.
Of course, they may eventually do some Xbox-Only DLC for it, such as themes or new features coming out first on Xbox One a few weeks/months before any other platform, but this purchase is mainly all about buying something that even if fails, will still pay for itself and eventually recoup their expenditure on it!
Minecraft is essentially the digital equivalent of Lego and look how much money that has so far made in its lifetime!
Which leads on to another point, and that is external revenue. So far there has been minimal Minecraft merchandise (Mojang only now bringing toys into the marketplace) and Microsoft know that what they make for $350M a year, could be TWICE that a year from toys, clothing range, cartoon tv shows, Minecraft Movie, mini-games based on the franchise..... and so on.
I believe the first thing they will do is get the lawyers on to protecting their new property by serving notice to all the Minecraft rip-off games, unofficial t-shirt companies, etc to close down all the many alternatives available. Once the market for Minecraft variants are effectively all shut down and only the official game and brand remains, they will then work hard on producing spin-off games, books, clothing lines, movies/tv shows, toys and so on, market Minecraft much more heavily in magazines, tv advertising and even McDonalds Happy Meals having Minecraft related toys just to boost the market appeal.
I would think that by 2016/17 the franchise for all Minecraft related content will be worth an incredible $800M - $1Bn per year... and that sort of money coming in to Microsoft HQ makes the $2.5Bn asking price a snip!

This was never about "buying exclusives" or "selling xboxs"(although it won't hurt attaching an Xbox logo to every piece of Minecraft marketing), but purely about buying a massively profitable business that they believe they can double or triple the profit relatively quickly, for a price that would potentially pay for itself within 2 or 3 years. This is about buying a PROVEN business that makes vast sums of money, compared to buying a technology (such as Oculus Rift or Wearable Tech company) that has no record to show if it will ever turn a profit!

[OfficerDewey]

Just when I thought MS couldn't get any dumber, they go and do something like this and totally not redeem themselves..

I have tried demos for minecraft but never could get in to it.. So it's a win, win for me..

[Jack_Reacher]

Well well. So notch and the founding members are leaving. What does that tell you.

Oh doom and gloom.

Come on everyone jump on the band wagon. Just like people did with the story when people started leaving naughty dog.

After all it must be the same. They must be leaving because the company is doomed now.

I will leave you folkes to figure this one out.

[dillhole]

I'm expecting Minecraft Batman Edition, Minecraft Star Wars Edition, Minecraft Halo edition etc. I can't see them taking the premise much further creatively.

[mo241]

atleast they are buying studios instead of ip's

[josephayal]

I think this is a great strategy for them, can't wait for Minecraft 2 only on Xbox and Windows

[ScaryMonkey]

Apparently you missed the video.

[arbitor365]

im assuming that if they are paying over 2 billion dollars, they are going to want full exclusivity in their future projects. which is a giant middle finger to the millions of minecraft fans on other platforms. especially PC. if they make a minecraft sequel and exclude PC that would be the biggest travesty to the community.

we saw this same thing with tomb raider. if you are a playstation or PC gamer, microsoft is literally trying to take away the games that you enjoy in order to coerce you into buying an xbox one. they are backed into a corner and so they are throwing money around to sabotage player's experiences on other platforms, in order to get ahead. and it wont stop here, because this sure as hell wont save the xbox one. so they will try it again and again, continuing to be a leech on the industry.

[iNFAMOUZ1]

haters gone hate

[urwifeminder]

Nice one MS should make a lot of cash just out of promotional skins for games win win for gamers.

[Ulf]

You guys are all taking the "$2.5 billion" out of context. This isn't purely about games, or Minecraft at all. MS is pretty smart, when it comes to making money.

>>>

* Minecraft is written in Java.

* Companies pay Oracle for the rights to use Java. Pay a LOT. Microsoft wishes those companies paid for C# instead.

* Minecraft not only makes money, it is used to teach Java to kids. I think its fair to say that Minecraft is the #1 reason kids even want to learn Java/programming at all.

...teaching C# to kids, instead, would probably be in MS' best interest, don't you think? Minecraft 2.0... honestly, C# is better than Java, so, as a programmer myself, this is a pretty great thing.

[starscream420]

Microsoft is very wealthy for a reason......this deal will pay off for them -minecraft is huge,the endgame for Microsoft is over the head of some people.........just think long and hard about how that will help Microsoft........$$$$$$

[Soldierone]

They could just create a fail safe plan, make a WiiU version and if all other ideas fail release that and make this money back in less than a day lol

[ScaryMonkey]

So what we have learned is this generation is the generation of Microsoft buying up multiplat IP for stupid amounts of money and gaining no ground in the processes, keep it up Microsoft.

[Lulz_Boat]

RARE says hi

[LAWSON72]

"That is why we plan to continue to make Minecraft available across platforms – including iOS, Android and PlayStation, in addition to Xbox and PC."

Let me guess we still going to whine? I see this as an investment in a big brand rather than the actual game. MS sees potential cash and they want to push it to its max.

[windblowsagain]

Never understood the deal with Minecraft anyway.

Bored me, just couldn't get into it.

But hey if it's your thing.

[Tedakin]

Minecraft is massive and now it's first party MS. MS will validated this purchase. I mean Destiny made 500 million in a day.

[ThatOneGuyThere]

Minecraft 2, coming exclusively to XB1 confirmed, christmas 2015.
Minecraft, free content updates stopping summer 2016.

Dead.

[KingKevo]

Desperation. That is all that is. MS has money and Xbox fails so they grab every piece they can get to have influence on the market. Xbox will and should die, I'm sorry.

[gamer_fantastic]

Ad it will die bro.

[ssbains]

This is not about XBox, this is about mobile, this is them trying to entice users away from iOS or Android over to Windows Phone. It will NOT work if they have an exclusive in mind on Windows Phone, nobody will switch for a game.

Whatever happened to Rovio after Angry Birds, Zynga after Farmville, King after Candy Crush Saga ? One hit wonders ...

Microsoft paid too much and are too late as consumers can easily get bored and move away from the franchise if they milk it for sequels. The founder has already decided to leave ...

[LightDiego]

Maybe now Microsoft will finally create a new series with Minecraft tools.
Just kidding everybody. Nice move by MS.

[Adolph Fitler]

I don't think my PS4 would be powerful enough to run MC2 anyhow, so I guess I'm lucky in a way. I hate Minecraft & all it stands for....It is casual & 10-yr old junk. If I wanna play a game with old school graphics, I'll put on a decent title, like Galaga, SF2, Final Fight, Super Mario64, etc, etc... My 7 yr old son is crazy about this game, & it does my head in, as he wants every gimmicky toy, guide book, & other hunk of junk that goes with it..

I hate this retro throwback phase of gaming we are going through... how about these developers start pushing for revolutionary games, with as awesome graphics, sounds & such as they can possibly afford to garner... Push gaming forward, like games like LBP, Project Spark.... where actual effort is put into visuals, effects & sounds...

[gamer_fantastic]

RIP minecraft.
We barely knew you.

[Commodore]

Knowing how MS ins't exactly the friendly in user created content...all future creativity just went out the window.