70°

Why Microsoft bought Minecraft: Jeff Teper says “It is a development tool”

Those who’ve been puzzling over why Microsoft spent $2.5 billion on Minecraft developer Mojang many need to puzzle no more.

Jeff Teper – the “father of SharePoint” and Corporate Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Mincrosft – explained the thinking behind Microsoft’s Micecraft acquisition quite succinctly during a recent tech conference.

“Minecraft is a development tool, “Teper told attendees of the UBS Global Technology Conference in Sausalito, Calif., “People build worlds out of it. If we can get eight-year-old girls and boys building worlds and getting inspired by creating content digitally, as they grow up they’ll want to create in PowerPoint or Visual Studio. And in addition to being one of the few gaming franchises that doesn’t have to be fermium, Minecraft can actually charge money. It turns out it’s a great business with lots of upside”

Ron_Danger3854d ago

"If we can get eight-year-old girls and boys building worlds and getting inspired by creating content digitally, as they grow up they’ll want to create in PowerPoint or Visual Studio."

So they bought it as a means to get kids hooked on their products young so they'll be more likely to use their products when they get older.

Sure sounds like they're all about gamers /s

yarbie10003854d ago

Yeah, we all know non-gamers develop the best games /s

darthv723854d ago

My 12 year old son is really good at the pocket edition. I cant imagine how creative he would be if he had the PC. There are even online courses in teaching you how to create content for this game.

It's crazy how serious some take this game/tool to be.

NuggetsOfGod3854d ago (Edited 3854d ago )

Minecraft 2 exclusive to pc, xbox, android and ios would a huge weapon for ms.

The way MS has been listening to fans and making xbox better, pc better with windows 10 and dx12 plus they said they will stay out of the devs way. And they have money.

I can see Minecraft 2 being a beast for them.

So everytime someone on ps4 buys minecraft MS gets paid.

It might be better to let MC2 sell on ps4s platform.

Wish ninty did the same.

Killzoner993854d ago

Does that surprise you Ron Danger? Microsoft aren't known for their high morals and ethical behavior. This is just another disgusting thing they have done among many , many others.

Naga3854d ago (Edited 3854d ago )

Are you kidding?

They invested in it because they see it as a way to inspire young gamers to create, because they believe digital creativity will sustain the future of the industry.

And this is somehow unethical or disgusting? You're unbelievable.

yarbie10003854d ago Show
marloc_x3854d ago

I agree, it's just as disgusting as Sony wetting their pants when the Federal Trade Commission steps in. Astroturfing? Really?

Angeljuice3854d ago

Happy Meals for software!

They're using the McDonald's method.

qwerty6763854d ago

"Sure sounds like they're all about gamers /s"

way to take something out of context and spin it to your own bias views. your post deserves a triple facepalm pic.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3854d ago
RosweeSon3854d ago

I just hope that Star Wars mine craft stuff doesn't stay xbox exclusive just bought the game for ps4 (not started it yet but will get there) but saw the star wars stuff earlier loved it looks brilliant would definitely start it up if I could use that.

IcicleTrepan3854d ago

this will probably get integrated into project spark

traumadisaster3854d ago

I think as big as 1 is, part 2 will be huge. I'm ashamed everytime I looked at it years ago I would say surely the gfx will improve and then I will jump in.

Recently heard it was so educational so I downloaded it for my kids and was drawn to it as much as them, was great, but hard since we didn't know the ui or controls yet.

At 6 and 8 a balance of real Legos and Mc should be good for them...

Enigma_20993854d ago

Wow... people will believe anything these days.

Just how hard would it be to make a dev tool game simple for kids to use? This was ALL about getting exclusive rights to a high selling multiplatform game.

70°

Minecraft “Chase the Sky” Game Drop and Vibrant Visuals Update Gets Release Date

Mojang announced the release date for the latest Game Drop for Minecraft and a significant visual upgrade for the Bedrock Edition.

Read Full Story >>
simulationdaily.com
90°

Minecraft Reveals "Chase the Sky" Game Drop and Details its Features

Today, Mojang revealed the next Game Drop coming soon to its ultra-popular survival crafting game Minecraft, titled "Chase the Sky."

Read Full Story >>
simulationdaily.com
-Foxtrot14d ago (Edited 14d ago )

Does anyone think it’s a little lazy of them to use a Ghast rather than make a new Hot air balloon skin or something.

A whole update for this is wild after months of waiting

50°

The Los Angeles Chargers release their NFL schedule in Minecraft

Chicken jockeys, ghosts of Saquon, and shirtless coaches in LA's Minecraft-made video

Read Full Story >>
sidequesting.com
anast29d ago

I quit watching the NFL. I used to be a hardcore fan my whole life. But after seeing Trump commercials during the SB, I left and haven't looked back, the same with the UFC. I can't support organizations that hate me and my family. Anyway, before I left, the owner of the Charger's made the them irrelevant by moving them. This decision turned the team into a dime store coffee mug... I would assume they are still irrelevant today.

29d ago