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Microsoft has acquired Mojang – the creators of popular video game Minecraft – as expected.
The deal is worth $2.5 billion and will result in the departure of the company’s three founders – Markus Persson, Carl Manneh and Jakob Porser. The Mojang team will join Microsoft Studios, which includes the studios behind global game franchises Halo, Forza, Fable and more.
Minecraft is one of the most popular video games in history, with more than 100 million downloads on PC alone by players since its launch in 2009.
“Change is scary, and this is a big change for all of us. It’s going to be good though. Everything is going to be OK,” a Mojang statement said. “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, let it be that.
Satya Nadella, CEO at Microsoft, added: “Gaming is a top activity spanning devices, from PCs and consoles to tablets and mobile, with billions of hours spent each year. Minecraft is more than a great game franchise – it is an open world platform, driven by a vibrant community we care deeply about, and rich with new opportunities for that community and for Microsoft.”
