Microsoft reportedly close to buying Minecraft developer Mojang

Well, this is rather surprising: Microsoft is in talks to buy Minecraft's developer, Mojang, according to a few different sources. The Wall Street Journal says that the ever loose-lipped "person familiar with the matter" has noted the deal is valued at over $2 billion, while reps for both Redmond and the Swedish developer remain mum on the subject. We've reached out to Microsoft and, as expected, were told by a company spokesperson that the outfit doesn't comment on rumors or speculation, as well. If true, this doesn't come too far after outspoken Minecraft mastermind Markus "Notch" Persson recently changing his stance on the Facebook/Oculus VR purchase. Maybe he's come around to the idea of no-longer being one of the world's largest indie developers? Hopefully we'll know rather soon. Until then, you'll find us playing with Steve on Xbox One.

Update: A few new developments have surfaced, including details on the deal and when it should be completed. The New York Times reports that Mojang approached Microsoft as early as three months ago and the purchase should be finished by the end of this month. Perhaps most interesting though is that should the deal go through, Notch might not stay past six months after the ink has dried. Why? He likely wants to make sure his employees are being well taken care of. According to Bloomberg's sources, Notch (not Microsoft) actually made the approach to Redmond given the positive experience Mojang had bringing Minecraft to the Xbox One. Bloomberg also reports that Notch will help with the transition into ownership, but doesn't plan on staying long beyond that -- this isn't Microsoft forcing him out, it could be him looking to try his hand at something else.

Saw this on EG earlier. Seems an odd move on MS' part - they are going to pay $2b for a company that has made 1 notable game. Admittedly its a cultural phenomenon but surely its popularity has or is about to hits its peak?

Does anyone who loves Minecraft give much of a shit about the Mojang name? Unlikely - to them its all about Notch and once he is gone, there isnt much left....

N1NJA FWG wrote:Saw this on EG earlier.  Seems an odd move on MS' part - they are going to pay $2b for a company that has made 1 notable game.  Admittedly its a cultural phenomenon but surely its popularity has or is about to hits its peak?

It would have made a lot more sense to me if they'd bought them before Minecraft was released for consoles, then they could have had it as a 360/X1 exclusive. Doesn't their business model essentially revolve around selling copies of Minecraft (since their updates are free)? Now that they've sold so many copies I'm not sure how MS intends to make more money out of the game without bring out a sequel, charging for DLC/expansion packs or implementing some sort of subscription scheme.

Thats what seems odd about the timing for me as well Selks, its out on pretty much every conceivable platform and a sequel to that kind of game doesnt really seem that likely or certainly not that imminant - Minecraft is still selling too well to warrant it. Short of improve the graphics what else are they going to do with a sequel?

All game updates, texture packs etc get added automatically atm and the latter are paid for but arent expensive so its hard to see how much MS stand to make from it from this point in time to warrant such an investment.

They could have something very clever up their sleeve though if this deal does go ahead so it will be interesting to see what their plans are.

Don't forget this will give MS a big slice of PlayStation sales, it could also see them release the texture packs etc on Sony platforms.

They are a shrewed company so I can't see them spending $2bil on something that doesn't have a plan going forward....

Apparently, this is now a done deal for $2.5bn

Indeed!