Microsoft owns Minecraft maker Mojang. Let that sink in for a moment. Reports of Microsoft’s plans surfaced nearly a week before the sandbox developer made it announcement today. Microsoft is paying $2.5 billion to amass Mojang, and also the deal is anticipated to be finalised closer to the end of 2014. Xbox Chief, Phil Herbert Spencer, was fast to note that Minecraft adds diversity to Microsofts game portfolio and helps them reach new gamers across multiple platforms.
[image src=’http://fnx.network/fnxnetwork/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/8448709354_a10b7d9455_z.jpg’ width=’350′ title=’Source: Inside Gaming Machinima, Flickr’ align=’right’]Minecraft creator Markus Persson, referred to as Notch, won’t be apart of the company or Microsoft as a part of the acquisition. He’s set with the lack of responsibility of owning a corporation of such international significance, over the past few years he’s created attempts to focus on smaller games, however the pressure of owning Minecraft became an excessive amount of for him to handle according to discussions with Mojang staff. The sole choice left, in his mind, was to sell Mojang. Notch has antecedently criticized Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system, however we’re sure they will not bring that up.
For years, calls have been made from investors for Microsoft to unload its Xbox division and not specialise in gaming in any respect, Microsoft chief executive officer Satya Nadella sees things otherwise. He sees gaming as a high activity spanning devices and the idea of associated connected community being a significant component to the new way of doing “computer business”.
[image src=’http://fnx.network/fnxnetwork/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/14635003806_2095276610_z.jpg’ width=’300′ title=’Source: Fortune Brainstorm, Flickr’ align=’left’]There are a variety of possible reasons why Microsoft shopped for Minecraft, and a few analysts believe the move may boost Windows Phone’s prospects. Minecraft has been a well-liked app on iOS and Android, however the block building game isn’t presently accessible on Windows Phone. It’s onerous to imagine a version not existing on Windows Phone in future once today’s deal, however Microsoft may may prefer to add additional options and advantages to its own Windows version to lure robot and iOS users.
Microsoft’s alternative interests with Minecraft are possibly associated with its large following, and also the ability to draw in future developer talent to the Windows platform. A younger generation of players have flocked to the game, and videos of objects and tips about the way to play Minecraft are frequently shared with millions of views on YouTube. 54 million copies of Minecraft are sold across the PC, Xbox 360, PS3, and alternative platforms, demonstrating its reach and success.
If Microsoft can collect that culture while not displeasing the legions of devoted fans, then it may serve to open up Minecraft to even larger audiences as a tool for building, education, and introductions in gaming development.