Microsoft bought Minecraft.
The Acquisition of Minecraft by Microsoft
The highly popular sandbox video game, Minecraft, was acquired by tech giant Microsoft in a significant deal that reshaped the gaming industry. This strategic move brought one of the world's most successful and widely played games under the umbrella of Microsoft's Xbox division.
Key Details of the Purchase
Microsoft's acquisition of Minecraft from its creator, Mojang Studios, was a major corporate event. Here's a summary of the key facts:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Microsoft |
| Seller | Mojang Studios (Minecraft's original developer) |
| Year | 2014 |
| Price | Approximately $2.5 billion USD |
The acquisition was driven by Minecraft's immense popularity, its passionate community, and its potential for growth across various platforms, including PC, console, and mobile. For more details on the acquisition, you can refer to official announcements and reputable news sources like The Verge's report on the acquisition.
Financial Performance Post-Acquisition
While the initial investment was substantial at $2.5 billion, the long-term financial returns from Minecraft have been a subject of interest. For example, internal discussions and reports have noted that roughly nine years after the acquisition, the game had generated approximately $900 million in revenue for Microsoft. This figure highlights the long-term nature of such investments and the ongoing value of the Minecraft franchise within Microsoft's portfolio.
