Does Mojang Still Own Minecraft?
The short answer is no, Mojang no longer owns Minecraft. In a surprise move, Microsoft acquired Mojang, the studio behind the iconic sandbox game, in 2014. Since then, Microsoft has been the rightful owner of Minecraft. But let’s take a deeper dive into the history and current status of Mojang and Minecraft.
Early Days of Mojang
Minecraft was first created by Markus "Notch" Persson, a Swedish game developer, in 2009. He was just 28 years old at the time and was working on the game as a solo project. The game quickly gained popularity, and Persson founded Mojang in 2010, which would go on to develop and publish Minecraft.
Mojang’s Ownership and Sale
In September 2014, Microsoft announced that it was acquiring Mojang and the rights to Minecraft for a whopping $2.5 billion. At the time, Mojang consisted of only 40 employees, making the sale a significant one. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella praised Minecraft, stating that it was a " phenomenon that has become a cultural phenomenon" and that the acquisition would allow Mojang to "reach an even broader audience."
Post-Sale Developments
After the sale, many wondered what would happen to Mojang and Minecraft. Would the game still be developed and updated? Would Microsoft’s ownership change the direction of the game? The answer is that Mojang continued to operate as an independent studio, with Persson serving as the company’s CEO.
In 2015, Persson stepped down as CEO, citing the immense pressure and stress that came with being responsible for a game of such immense popularity. Jens Bergensten, who had been working on Minecraft since 2010, took over as the game’s lead developer. Under Microsoft’s ownership, Mojang continued to develop and update Minecraft, with new features and content being added regularly.
Current Status
As of today, Microsoft owns Minecraft, and Mojang exists as a subsidiary of the company. Mojang continues to develop and update Minecraft, and the game remains one of the most popular video games of all time. Microsoft has used its vast resources to expand Minecraft’s reach, adding new features and content to the game, as well as releasing versions of the game for new platforms such as the Nintendo Switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Minecraft still developed by Mojang?
A: Yes, Minecraft is still developed and updated by Mojang, which is now a subsidiary of Microsoft.
Q: Who owns Minecraft now?
A: Microsoft owns Minecraft, having acquired the rights to the game and Mojang in 2014.
Q: What happened to Markus "Notch" Persson?
A: Persson, the co-founder of Mojang, stepped down as CEO in 2015 and sold the majority of his shares in Mojang to Microsoft. He has since stated that he is no longer involved in the game’s development.
Q: Will Mojang continue to operate as an independent studio?
A: While Mojang continues to operate as a subsidiary of Microsoft, it is still an independent studio responsible for developing and updating Minecraft.
Q: Can Mojang still create their own games?
A: While Minecraft is Mojang’s primary focus, the studio is free to develop new games under Microsoft’s ownership. However, there is no word on any new projects or titles announced.
Q: Can Mojang still make money off of Minecraft?
A: Yes, Mojang still earns money from the sales of Minecraft, as well as through microtransactions and other revenue streams. The game remains one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.
Q: Does Microsoft have control over Mojang?
A: While Microsoft has the ultimate authority over Mojang and Minecraft, the studio is still largely independent in its operations and decision-making processes.
Q: Will Microsoft merge Minecraft with other games?
A: There is no indication that Microsoft plans to merge Minecraft with other games, at least not in the short-term. The company has stated its commitment to maintaining Minecraft’s independence and ensuring the game continues to thrive as a standalone title.
Conclusion
Mojang no longer owns Minecraft, but the studio continues to play a significant role in the game’s development and growth under Microsoft’s ownership. Microsoft has been instrumental in expanding Minecraft’s reach and adding new features to the game, cementing its status as one of the most beloved and iconic video games of all time. As Mojang continues to update and refine Minecraft, fans can rest assured that the game will remain in good hands for years to come.