The relationship between Markus "Notch" Persson, the creator of Minecraft, and Mojang, the company he founded, ended in 2014 when Notch sold his shares in the company to Microsoft.
Notch's Departure
- 2011: Mojang was a small, independent studio, and Notch was its figurehead.
- 2014: Notch sold his shares in Mojang to Microsoft for $2.5 billion.
- Reasons for leaving: Notch cited his desire to focus on personal projects and his growing discomfort with the increasing public scrutiny surrounding him. He also expressed concerns about how Mojang's growth was affecting its creative freedom.
Mojang's Acquisition by Microsoft
- 2014: Microsoft acquired Mojang for $2.5 billion, which included the Minecraft franchise and its intellectual property.
- Impact on Minecraft: Microsoft continued to develop and release new content for Minecraft, including updates, expansions, and spin-offs.
- Mojang's independence: Although acquired, Mojang continues to operate as an independent studio under Microsoft.
Aftermath
- Notch's projects: Since leaving Mojang, Notch has worked on various personal projects, including a game called "0x10c" and a VR game called "Catacomb Snatch."
- Minecraft's success: Minecraft has continued to be a massive success under Microsoft, with over 300 million copies sold across all platforms.
Conclusion
Notch's departure from Mojang marked a significant turning point for the company and the Minecraft franchise. While Notch's vision and creativity were instrumental in the game's initial success, Microsoft's acquisition brought new resources and opportunities for the game's continued development.
