Update: 2#: Microsoft and developer Mojang have confirmed the former’s reaching an agreement to acquire the latter’s Minecraft series for $2.5 billion. Minecraft, one of the most popular PC games of all time with over 100 million active users, will be joining the ranks of the company behind such blockbusters are Halo, Gears of War, and Forza.
Mojan has also posted a basic Q&A for gamers concerned and curious about the news, which you can read on their website.
Update 1#: New reports by The Verge suggest that Minecraft developer Mojang may, in fact, announce its sale of Minecraft to Microsoft in full bright and early this coming Monday. The price tag? It’s reportedly going for $2.5 billion. Tune in on Monday for more details as they come in.
Original Story: A new article by the Wall Street Journal suggests the Swedish studio behind Minecraft, Mojang, is about to be bought by Microsoft. According to ”a person with knowledge of the matter”, the deal could be signed next week and is said to be worth more than $2 billion.
If true this acquisition could be a huge success for Microsoft, who are looking for exclusive content to help boost Xbox One sales. Minecraft is consistently one of the top ten selling games in the U.S. and has already sold over 50 million units.
The question is, would Mojang really accept such an offer? Currently the company is completely owned by its three co-founders; Marcus ”Notch” Perrson, Carl Manneh and Jakob Porser. Both Notch and Manneh have publicly spoken out against giving up their independence.
We’l bring you more news on this story as soon as it becomes available.