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who owns minecraft

Microsoft owns Minecraft. Acquired in 2014 for $2.5 billion, the game and its developer Mojang Studios remain under their full control as of 2026.

Ownership History

Minecraft started as a solo project by Markus "Notch" Persson in 2009 under Mojang Specifications, later Mojang Studios. Persson sold it to Microsoft after growing pressures and public backlash from his social media posts led him to step away. The deal closed November 6, 2014, making Mojang a Microsoft subsidiary—Persson cashed out his 71% stake and left.

Imagine a scrappy indie hit exploding into a global phenomenon, then a tech giant swoops in to nurture it: that's Minecraft's journey from bedroom coder to billion-dollar franchise.

Current Status

Today, Mojang operates as Mojang Studios within Microsoft's gaming division (now Xbox Game Studios). No ownership changes since—no sales, splits, or rival bids panning out post-2014. Microsoft has poured resources into updates like mobile ports and education editions, fueling over 300 million sales.

Community Views

Forums buzz with mixed takes—some feared "corporate meddling" killing modding, others praise stability.

  • Pro-Microsoft : Updates flow steadily; cross-play unites Java/Bedrock players.
  • Skeptics : Notch's exit and EULA tweaks sparked "soul-selling" rants; modders worry about restrictions.
  • Neutral ground : Game thrives—2025 saw fresh biomes and AI experiments, untouched by drama.

"Modding is fine, and if not will be improved upon." – Early Reddit thread post-acquisition

Trending chatter on Reddit still debates Microsoft's influence: Does it cater to players or design purity? Recent posts affirm Mojang leads creatively.

Key Timeline

  1. 2009 : Persson launches Mojang, prototypes Minecraft.
  2. 2011 : Alpha sales boom; Jens "Jeb" Bergensten joins as lead dev.
  1. Sept 2014 : Microsoft announces $2.5B buyout.
  1. Nov 2014 : Deal finalizes; Persson exits.
  1. 2026 : Minecraft hits 15+ years, with Microsoft steering expansions.

Fun Facts

  • Billionaire Notch : Sold for sanity over cash, per his tweets—now a Forbes listee.
  • Rivals sniffed around : EA, Activision bid but lost to Phil Spencer's pitch.
  • Legacy intact : No major feature cuts; community mods flourish despite policies.

TL;DR: Microsoft has owned Minecraft via Mojang since 2014—no changes since, thriving under their wing.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.