As of 2024, Minecraft is officially owned by Microsoft, one of the world's largest technology corporations.
The Acquisition by Microsoft
The journey of Minecraft's ownership changed hands from its creator to a global tech giant. Markus "Notch" Persson, the game's original developer, independently created and launched Minecraft, rapidly building a massive community around it. After its immense success, selling millions of copies across various gaming platforms, Persson made the decision to sell the game.
In September 2014, a significant deal reshaped the future of Minecraft. Markus Persson sold the rights to his highly popular game to Microsoft in a substantial $2.5 billion cash deal. This acquisition brought the entire Minecraft franchise, including its development studio Mojang Studios, under the umbrella of Microsoft's gaming division.
Here's a brief overview of Minecraft's major ownership timeline:
| Owner | Role | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Markus Persson | Creator & Original Owner | May 2009 – September 2014 |
| Microsoft | Current Owner | September 2014 – Present |
What Microsoft's Ownership Means for Minecraft
Since the acquisition, Microsoft has continued to nurture and expand the Minecraft universe, leveraging its vast resources to enhance the game's reach and capabilities.
Continued Development and Expansion
Under Microsoft's stewardship, Minecraft has seen:
- Consistent Updates: Regular content updates, including new biomes, mobs, items, and gameplay mechanics, are released for both the Java Edition and Bedrock Edition.
- Cross-Platform Play: The Bedrock Edition, specifically, has facilitated seamless cross-platform play across various devices like Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile.
- Spin-off Titles: New games set within the Minecraft universe, such as Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft Legends, have been developed, offering new genres and experiences.
- Educational Initiatives: Microsoft has also integrated Minecraft into educational programs, utilizing Minecraft: Education Edition to teach various subjects in an engaging way.
Mojang Studios: A Microsoft Subsidiary
Mojang Studios, the Swedish video game developer responsible for Minecraft, operates as a subsidiary of Xbox Game Studios, which itself is a division of Microsoft. This structure ensures that the core creative and development teams continue to work on the game, backed by the extensive resources and technological infrastructure of Microsoft.
