Microsoft’s $2.5 Billion Purchase of Minecraft
Despite the hype, Microsoft’s $2.5 billion purchase of Minecraft has turned out to be a solid investment. The game has become a popular doorway into video gaming for people of all ages and demographics, especially those who might not label themselves as gamers.
The founders of Mojang have confirmed that the purchase will not endanger the availability of the game on PCs, mobile devices, and consoles other than Xbox.
It’s a sandbox game
Despite what many people think, Microsoft’s $2.5 billion purchase of Minecraft was not about bolstering its Xbox gaming line. Instead, it was about buying mindshare with children. “Minecraft has become a doorway into video games, a way for kids to express their creativity and explore new worlds,” said technology expert Jesse Wente. Kids wear Minecraft clothes and hug Minecraft stuffed animals, and they spend hours on their consoles and phones playing the game.
Mojang founder Markus “Notch” Persson has stepped down as CEO of the company and says he never intended for Minecraft to become what it is today. But he’s confident the game will continue its development, sales and support across PC/Mac, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox and other platforms under Microsoft ownership. This is good news for Minecraft fans who want to keep playing the game as it evolves. And it’s great news for Microsoft, which is trying to diversify its business beyond software installed on desktop computers.
It’s free
After Microsoft purchased Minecraft developer Mojang in a $2.5 billion deal, many gamers worried that the game would be ruined by its corporate parent. They also thought that Microsoft would restrict the game to its own platforms and devices. Fortunately, the company has been very careful to maintain the integrity of the game.
When Markus “Notch” Persson launched Minecraft in 2009, he set out to create a sandbox game where only the player’s imagination and skills mattered. The resulting game quickly became one of the most popular in the video games industry.
Since Microsoft bought Minecraft, the game has become more popular than ever. It is available on multiple platforms and has over 126 million players worldwide. It has a massive and passionate fan base, which makes it one of the most valuable gaming properties in the world. However, the popularity of Minecraft is a double-edged sword. It is a hard game to keep up the momentum and it can lose its appeal when the hype dies down.
It’s a multiplayer game
It is a multiplayer game that allows players to create and build worlds with others. It has multiple modes and can be played on a variety of platforms. It also offers a range of monetization features, such as an in-game store and various spinoff products. These features help Microsoft make a profit from the game.
The $2.5 billion acquisition of Minecraft by Microsoft was a bold move for the company, which has a checkered history when it comes to gaming purchases. But the more time passes, the more it looks like a smart one. Minecraft is a doorway into video games for many people who might not consider themselves gamers.
Microsoft has continued to invest in Minecraft, which now features four modes and can be played on multiple devices. It has also created an educational version of the game and launched a series of events to promote it. The game has also become a cultural touchstone, and it has been used to teach children math and science.
It’s a business
When Microsoft bought Mojang, the developer of the hugely popular video game Minecraft, in a surprise $2.5 billion deal in 2014, many gamers feared that the game’s millions of fans would be ruined by its new owner. The deal also seemed odd for a company that makes productivity software and Windows PC operating systems, rather than games.
But two years later, the purchase looks more and more like a smart business move. It gives Microsoft a brand that transcends platforms, a crucial one in the era of smartphones, Apple’s iPad and Google Glass-style augmented reality headsets.
It also bolsters a push to woo serious gamers back to the Xbox after a disappointing attempt to make it a streaming hub for movies and TV. And it gives Microsoft a tool that it can use to create apps and experiences for devices like its HoloLens virtual-reality headset. And that’s where things get really interesting.