MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed

The rumored Microsoft acquisition of Mojang is now official, confirming reports that a $2.5B deal would be announced today. As noted on ZDNet, the Minecraft maker is the fourth non-U.S. company acquired by Microsoft this year. The Mojang website has word that company founders Notch, Carl, and Jakob will leave the company, saying: "We don’t know what they’re planning. It won’t be Minecraft-related but it will probably be cool." Here's more:
Why did you sell Minecraft?
Minecraft has grown from a simple game to a project of monumental significance. Though we’re massively proud of what Minecraft has become, it was never Notch’s intention for it to get this big.

As you might already know, Notch is the creator of Minecraft and the majority shareholder at Mojang. He’s decided that he doesn’t want the responsibility of owning a company of such global significance. Over the past few years he’s made attempts to work on smaller projects, but the pressure of owning Minecraft became too much for him to handle. The only option was to sell Mojang. He’ll continue to do cool stuff though. Don’t worry about that.

There are only a handful of potential buyers with the resources to grow Minecraft on a scale that it deserves. We’ve worked closely with Microsoft since 2012, and have been impressed by their continued dedication to our game and its development. We’re confident that Minecraft will continue to grow in an awesome way.

Minecraft means many different things to millions of people across the world, and to each and every Mojangsta. We feel that this is the best way for everyone – you guys included – to benefit.

What about the other editions of Minecraft? Will they stop being developed?
There’s no reason for the development, sales, and support of the PC/Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Vita, iOS, and Android versions of Minecraft to stop. Of course, Microsoft can’t make decisions for other companies or predict the choices that they might make in the future.

We’re extremely proud of all editions and the awesome things you have achieved through playing together.

Is the game going to change? Will we still be able to make videos, mods, awesome builds, and all the cool stuff we’ve created over the past few years?
Minecraft will continue to evolve, just like it has since the start of development. We don’t know specific plans for Minecraft’s future yet, but we do know that everyone involved wants the community to grow and become even more amazing than it’s ever been. Stopping players making cool stuff is not in anyone’s interests.
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134 Replies. 7 pages. Viewing page 1.
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134.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 19, 2014, 21:51
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 19, 2014, 21:51
Sep 19, 2014, 21:51
 
jdreyer wrote on Sep 18, 2014, 20:50:
Prez wrote on Sep 16, 2014, 15:50:
I get all that, I really do. I guess it's just the number itself - 2.5 BILLION dollars - that just seems surreally absurd to me for a digital boxy sandbox toy. If the brand has legs it may prove to be a sound investment but if it is a fad soon to be on the wane (as I suspect), MS may be screwed.

I don't think it's a fad. Every time I step away from MC, I come back 6 or 12 months later and get hooked all over again. My kids play constantly, and it's fun to play with them. Like Tetris, MC is a timeless design that has the potential to hook successive generations. That, and the worldwide name recognition is what MS paid $2.5B for.

Well Cutter said it's a fad and he's never wrong. It's a fad that's been wildly popular across all demographics for 4 years straight and was just bought for $2.5 billion.
Avatar 17249
133.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 19, 2014, 08:26
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 19, 2014, 08:26
Sep 19, 2014, 08:26
 
They also murdered them all
Avatar 51617
132.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 18, 2014, 20:52
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 18, 2014, 20:52
Sep 18, 2014, 20:52
 
BobBob wrote on Sep 16, 2014, 18:45:
Microsoft published three games that I really enjoyed: Age of Empires, Rise of Nations (Gold) and Crimson Skies (PC).


All of which were like 15 years ago. Just sayin'
If Russia stops fighting, the war ends. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ends. Slava Ukraini!
Avatar 22024
131.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 18, 2014, 20:50
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 18, 2014, 20:50
Sep 18, 2014, 20:50
 
Prez wrote on Sep 16, 2014, 15:50:
I get all that, I really do. I guess it's just the number itself - 2.5 BILLION dollars - that just seems surreally absurd to me for a digital boxy sandbox toy. If the brand has legs it may prove to be a sound investment but if it is a fad soon to be on the wane (as I suspect), MS may be screwed.

I don't think it's a fad. Every time I step away from MC, I come back 6 or 12 months later and get hooked all over again. My kids play constantly, and it's fun to play with them. Like Tetris, MC is a timeless design that has the potential to hook successive generations. That, and the worldwide name recognition is what MS paid $2.5B for.
If Russia stops fighting, the war ends. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ends. Slava Ukraini!
Avatar 22024
130.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 18, 2014, 12:50
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 18, 2014, 12:50
Sep 18, 2014, 12:50
 
I read Notch's "leaving Mojang" post. Not pissed any more, so, thanks for Minecraft, Notch. Hope you can discover fire again someday.
Avatar 10520
129.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 17, 2014, 15:15
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 17, 2014, 15:15
Sep 17, 2014, 15:15
 
I don't really agree with your assessment of the situation but it's all moot at this point, Microsoft is going to do what they will with it.
Avatar 51617
128.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 17, 2014, 14:53
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 17, 2014, 14:53
Sep 17, 2014, 14:53
 
I think the current success of the game the way it exists today get confused with any sort of sustainable future. There basically wasn't a future for minecraft, and the scams and viruses plaguing the mod community currently could easily have killed off the interest of modders themselves. IMO, it was going to die on it's own within a few years anyway. Now that definitely won't be the case... at least not for the same reason.

The game is already being affected in negative ways. Simply adding a centralized mod/skin store could extend the life of the existing product by years.

I had asked below and no one responded. What company has the capital, and could have purchased the IP that would have been an acceptable landing spot? Surely not Valve/Ubisoft/Activision/EA/Bioware/Apple...
Avatar 56185
127.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 17, 2014, 14:37
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 17, 2014, 14:37
Sep 17, 2014, 14:37
 
descender wrote on Sep 17, 2014, 13:24:
They essentially bought the keys to the childhood of the digital generation. The lack of foresight or vision displayed by you guys in this thread is astounding.

As others have said, I don't doubt their ability to monetize Minecraft. I do doubt their ability to do it without going too far and affecting the game in negative ways.
Avatar 51617
126.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 17, 2014, 13:24
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 17, 2014, 13:24
Sep 17, 2014, 13:24
 
What is the difference if it's 2 years? or 3? Does it really make that much of a difference to you? Can't they be optimistic about being able to monetize one of the most popular digital IP's in the world?

The game itself has an installed userbase of ~60 million people and there has never been a single ad or promotion done for it. They could easily double that without even changing anything, just marketing the game. Then add in mod and skin sales, and maybe server rentals? Then add in real world tie-ins with toys and games. THEN add in sequels and spinoffs. Apps and other platforms. Apparel, candy, cereal... where does it really stop with the possibilities they have in front of them?

They essentially bought the keys to the childhood of the digital generation. The lack of foresight or vision displayed by you guys in this thread is astounding.
Avatar 56185
125.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 17, 2014, 11:08
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 17, 2014, 11:08
Sep 17, 2014, 11:08
 
Redmask wrote on Sep 16, 2014, 18:26:
They are expecting this to pay for itself by Q2 2015,

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. 2.5B dollars in < 12 months?

Oh Nutella, you're even more insane than Ballmer ever was.
Avatar 15604
124.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 17, 2014, 09:44
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 17, 2014, 09:44
Sep 17, 2014, 09:44
 
[VG]Reagle wrote on Sep 17, 2014, 01:05:
Dear Microsux: CONSOLES ARE F#%$%ING DEAD IDIOTS

I think the PS4 sales figures disagree with you
123.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 17, 2014, 02:06
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 17, 2014, 02:06
Sep 17, 2014, 02:06
 
[VG]Reagle wrote on Sep 17, 2014, 01:05:
Dear Microsux: CONSOLES ARE F#%$%ING DEAD IDIOTS

dude, maybe they just want it exclusive to Windows Phones and other Windows devices? not just the Xbone.
Avatar 571
122.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 17, 2014, 01:05
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 17, 2014, 01:05
Sep 17, 2014, 01:05
 
Dear Microsux: CONSOLES ARE F#%$%ING DEAD IDIOTS
DON'T LIKE MY COMMENTS?!? THEN STOP RELEASING GARBAGE.
Avatar 8515
121.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 17, 2014, 01:03
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 17, 2014, 01:03
Sep 17, 2014, 01:03
 
Wraith wrote on Sep 16, 2014, 17:13:
It's Microsoft. Of course they'll fuck it up.

I hope Microsux dies
DON'T LIKE MY COMMENTS?!? THEN STOP RELEASING GARBAGE.
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120.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 16, 2014, 18:45
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 16, 2014, 18:45
Sep 16, 2014, 18:45
 
Microsoft published three games that I really enjoyed: Age of Empires, Rise of Nations (Gold) and Crimson Skies (PC).

Don't like my post? Submit a complaint
119.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 16, 2014, 18:26
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 16, 2014, 18:26
Sep 16, 2014, 18:26
 
Bundy wrote on Sep 16, 2014, 16:41:
Buying the mine picks was exactly the issue that led to the EULA this summer. And I know that for the most part its all free. I was just saying a lot of people didn't seem to realize Minecraft was already being heavily monetized on some servers. And the consoles are filled with skin dlc already.

It doesn't matter how monetized it is or isn't on some random idiots server, Microsoft now owns it and will monetize it more than he could have possibly imagined. They are expecting this to pay for itself by Q2 2015, that and their legendary abilities to fuck up gaming properties says it all.
Avatar 57682
118.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 16, 2014, 17:13
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 16, 2014, 17:13
Sep 16, 2014, 17:13
 
It's Microsoft. Of course they'll fuck it up.
117.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 16, 2014, 16:54
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 16, 2014, 16:54
Sep 16, 2014, 16:54
 
Bundy wrote on Sep 16, 2014, 16:41:
Buying the mine picks was exactly the issue that led to the EULA this summer. And I know that for the most part its all free. I was just saying a lot of people didn't seem to realize Minecraft was already being heavily monetized on some servers. And the consoles are filled with skin dlc already.

And that skin DLC makes a fortune.
There's no reason for Microsoft to charge for things that would ruin the game when people are so willing to pay for things that don't. Again, see: TF2. See: DOTA2.

This does not mean Microsoft won't be stupid and ruin it, it just means they'd have to be actively stupid to do so. That's very possible. But the game will make good money with them simply creating a store to sell what they already sell on consoles and allowing modders to sell if they want to sell.
116.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 16, 2014, 16:41
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 16, 2014, 16:41
Sep 16, 2014, 16:41
 
Buying the mine picks was exactly the issue that led to the EULA this summer. And I know that for the most part its all free. I was just saying a lot of people didn't seem to realize Minecraft was already being heavily monetized on some servers. And the consoles are filled with skin dlc already.
115.
 
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed
Sep 16, 2014, 16:10
Re: MS/Mojang $2.5B Deal Confirmed Sep 16, 2014, 16:10
Sep 16, 2014, 16:10
 
Bundy wrote on Sep 16, 2014, 14:46:
It surprises me how many people suggest MS will ruin this by adding micro-transactions. Clearly these people haven't played this game recently b/c that's already been happening for some time on a lot of servers.

There's tons of content in MC that isn't free. Especially on console.

Those are the exception, not the norm. You can host your own server completely free of these things, there are also tons of free alternatives if you can't host. Microsoft takes nickle and diming to all new levels that minecraft modders could only dream of.

Now I'm starting to wonder if you've played. That's only true of consoles and every one of those I've seen is cosmetic. People are worried that you're going to buying mine picks for $0.20, not about an optional skin.
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