Does Microsoft Own Minecraft Now?
Microsoft’s purchase of Mojang, the Swedish game development company responsible for the popular sandbox-style video game Minecraft, raised questions about the future of the game and its relation to Microsoft. In 2014, Microsoft announced that it had acquired Mojang and the intellectual property rights to Minecraft for $2.5 billion. But what exactly does this mean for Microsoft’s ownership of Minecraft today?
A Brief Background on Minecraft
Minecraft, created by Markus Persson, also known as Notch, and launched in 2011, has become a global phenomenon with over 200 million registered players across different platforms. The game, known for its creative building mechanics and block-based survival mode, has spawned multiple spin-offs, including various mobile and console versions.
Microsoft’s Acquisition
On September 15, 2014, Microsoft announced that it had completed the acquisition of Mojang and the rights to Minecraft. The deal included Persson, Carl Manneh, and Jakob Porser, the three key individuals behind Mojang’s success. The acquisition came as a surprise to fans and the gaming industry as a whole, with Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella stating, "Gaming is an increasingly important part of entertainment and our acquisition of Mojang and the rights to Minecraft is a significant win for our gaming and educational efforts."
What Does Microsoft Own Now?
Through its acquisition of Mojang, Microsoft owns the:
- Minecraft IP: The intellectual property, including the game’s underlying code, assets, and brand.
- Rights to Develop and Distribute: Microsoft has the permission to develop and distribute various versions of Minecraft, including mobile, console, and PC versions.
- Mojang Studios: The Swedish game development studio, which continues to create content and updates for the game.
Current Operations
Mojang, now a subsidiary of Microsoft, continues to operate in Stockholm, Sweden, under the leadership of Helen Chiang, the head of Minecraft. The studio, comprising around 200 people, focuses on creating regular updates, expansions, and new content for the game.
Expansion and Growth
Microsoft has expanded Minecraft’s availability to new platforms, such as:
- Education Edition: A special edition designed for educational institutions to teach various subjects, like math, science, and coding.
- Consolas: Minecraft is available on various console platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
- Mobile: The game can be played on Android, iOS, and Windows platforms.
Financial Performance
Microsoft’s acquisition of Minecraft has been a significant contributor to the company’s growth:
- Revenue: As of 2022, Minecraft has generated revenue of over $30 billion since its creation.
- User Acquisition: The game has brought in over 600 million monthly active users.
Conclusion
To answer the question, Yes, Microsoft owns Minecraft, having acquired Mojang in 2014 for $2.5 billion. Microsoft’s expansion of the game’s reach and availability has been met with significant success, establishing Minecraft as one of the most popular games in the world. The acquisition has also contributed to Microsoft’s growth, with Minecraft remaining a key part of its gaming and educational efforts.