How nice would it to be waking up on a Monday knowing that you are officially a billionaire. For one person they are now officially a billionaire. Following rumors earlier last week about Microsoft buying the popular Minecraft developed by Mojang for 2.5 billion. The rumors were actually true and the deal actually went down between Notch (Markus Persson) and Microsoft.

Microsoft earlier today announces they have acquired both the Minecraft IP and its development studio Mojang for 2.5 billion. As result of this acquisition, Mojangs founder/co- founders Notch (Markus Persson), Carl Manneh, and Jokob porser will be leaving the company. On his personal site in a post titled “I’m leaving Mojang” Notch writes:

"I don’t see myself as a real game developer. I make games because it’s fun, and because I love games and I love to program, but I don’t make games with the intention of them becoming huge hits, and I don’t try to change the world. Minecraft certainly became a huge hit, and people are telling me it’s changed games. I never meant for it to do either. It’s certainly flattering, and to gradually get thrust into some kind of public spotlight is interesting."

"A relatively long time ago, I decided to step down from Minecraft development. Jens was the perfect person to take over leading it, and I wanted to try to do new things. At first, I failed by trying to make something big again, but since I decided to just stick to small prototypes and interesting challenges, I’ve had so much fun with work. I wasn’t exactly sure how I fit into Mojang where people did actual work, but since people said I was important for the culture, I stayed."

To see Notch's full post: http://notch.net/2014/09/im-leaving-mojang/
Mojang press release: https://mojang.com/2014/09/yes-were-being-bought-by-microsoft/
Microsoft press release: http://news.microsoft.com/2014/09/15/minecraft-to-join-microsoft/

Amazing isn't it, a little indie game project developed and first published back on November 18,2011 exclusively on PC, now grown into a multi-platform triple A title. Currently available on PC/Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Android, and IOS; With the PS vita and PS4 coming later this year. Having already sold over 100 million copies on PC alone, curious to see where Microsoft will be taking Minecraft, its brand, and pop culture popularity in the future. Only time can tell….

Tags:Microsoft, Minecraft, Mojang