Microsoft Set to Buy Minecraft's Developer Mojang, Say Reports



Microsoft is preparing to purchase Minecraft's developer Mojang According to reports by Leo Kelion Technology desk editor



According to reports, Microsoft is in negotiations to acquire Minecraft's video games studio.



It has been suggested that Mojang could sell for more than $2bn (PS1.2bn).



The Swedish studio claimed it sold 54 million copies of its world-building game in June.Addictgaming.Com Since then it has also been released for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, further boosting sales.



Mojang's founder, Markus "Notch" Persson has previously publicly criticised Microsoft.



In the lead-up to the launch of the Windows 8 operating system, Mr. Smith claimed that the company was "trying to ruin the PC as an open platform" because it had been looking to get third-party titles certified before their release.



He has also been an avid supporter of independent studios saying in 2012 that: "The more studios that are able to get out of the publisher system and make games, the more games will be made out of love rather than for profit."



According to Bloomberg news agency, it was actually Mr Persson who "reached out" to Microsoft in the last few months.



According to the source, Persson would assist with the transition if the deal were approved. However, it's unlikely that Persson will remain in the position until the deal is finalized.



The New York Times reported that Persson would be leaving within six months. However an individual who was briefed on discussions said that Persson will likely to leave within six months. However, he added that Mojang wanted to retain its younger developers.



Microsoft spokespersons have said that they do not comment on speculation or reports.



Mojang declined to respond to. Mr Persson did not respond to BBC's questions.



Virtual world



Minecraft was first released in the year 2011. It has since grown into a cultural phenomenon and is currently the third most-played game.



The Victoria and Albert Museum in London hosted a night that explored its design culture, Lego has made spin-off toys, Ordnance Survey has created a version of mainland Great Britain within the game, and Denmark's government has created an accurate model of their country.



The story is set in a world made of cubes of different materials, including dirt, rocks, and lava. These cubes can be used to build blocks or transformed into usable raw materials.



The blocks can be used to build shelters or even weapons to defend themselves against the zombies and other creatures in the game.



They can also engage in massive construction projects to demonstrate their creative talents.



One of the most recent examples involved the creation of a functional virtual hard drive.



Mojang has also worked on other titles but they either did not meet the standards of the success of Minecraft - such as the role-playing games (RPG) Scrolls or were shelved before completion such as 0x10c which Mr Persson was working on until last year.



'Worried gamers'



The Wall Street Journal first reported talks between Mojang, Microsoft and that they may close this week.



It also stated that this will be the first multibillion-dollar acquisition by Satya Nadella (Microsoft's chief executive) since he assumed control of the company.



Harry Bradshaw, who has interviewed Mr Persson on the Twitch video website He said that a lot of gamers would be worried by the news.



"There are instances in the past of huge corporations taking another's game and turning it into a huge money-flip, just to see what they can make out of it," he said.



"Gamers will naturally be worried about this.



"It is a mystery to me what the reason is Mojang is able to make a profit, considering that it is the most viewed PC game ever created and sells thousands of copies every day."



One market analyst said it was unlikely that Microsoft will remove existing Minecraft games from the sale on the PlayStation, Mac and Android, Linux, or other competing platforms.



He suggested that Microsoft's system could be preferred to the future of products.



"Minecraft is one of the most renowned IPs [intellectual properties] within the game space that could be acquired," said Piers Harding-Rolls, lead games analyst at the consulting firm IHS.



"The brand has the potential for continued expansion over the next ten years,"



"So even though it's an expensive investment, it still has value for larger companies looking to get exclusive rights to a highly engaged franchise."



Minecraft maker shelves 0x10c games



19 August 2013



Minecraft creator attacks Windows



28 September 2012



Twitch



IHS



New York Times



Bloomberg



WSJ