(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Mojang, the Sweden-based developer of Minecraft, has been acquired by Microsoft for a fee of around $2.5 billion.



Microsoft has confirmed the $2.5bn acquisition of Mojang, the video game development studio behind worldwide phenomenon Minecraft.

The deal was confirmed by Microsoft in a statement from Head of Xbox Phil Spencer, who said: "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."

Microsoft promises to respect the brand and independent spirit of the game and carry on the tradition of innovation. The company also confirmed that Minecon will continue next year. Mojang said in a prepared statement that there is "no reason for the development, sales and support" for the other versions of the game to stop.

Meanwhile Mojang released a statement as well, answering some questions from fans and explaining the key reason for the sale. Markus 'Notch' Persson is the creator of Minecraft, co-founder of Mojang and its majority shareholder. As the statement explains: "Though we're massively proud of what Minecraft has become, it was never Notch's intention for it to get this big.

"As you might already know, Notch is the creator of Minecraft and the majority shareholder at Mojang. He's decided that he doesn't want the responsibility of owning a company of such global significance. Over the past few years he's made attempts to work on smaller projects, but the pressure of owning Minecraft became too much for him to handle."

The key question Mojang went on to answer regarding the purchase was relating to versions of Minecraft on platforms not created or controlled by Microsoft.

"There's 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," it reads. "Of course, Microsoft can't make decisions for other companies or predict the choices that they might make in the future."

The decision to go with Microsoft was driven by their belief that only a handful of potential buyers had the resources to grow Minecraft on a scale that it deserves.

How dare a company try and make money :/

Don't like it don't buy it.

Be ready for half assed Mac, PS and mobile version (Android, iOS) and exclusivity to the Shitbox version, the Windows version, and the Windows Phone version...

true comment that is true , to be quite honest Windows don't get shit either look at how long we get DLC's we get it the same time as PS3

what a rip off. Microsoft could of just brought it from the store for £18

They bought Mojang, that's a bit more expensive. It's an Exlusive Version man. :troll:

ohh i see :troll::troll:

Nah man, idk what game you're talking about, if it's cod then yea it's 360 and One exclusivity, but on the other hand Windows got Titanfall.

He is mad to sell it wtf is he doing

Can't wait for the in-game purchases. "64 diamonds only 99 cents..."