According to a recent report by the WSJ, Microsoft are in talks with Mojang AB, the Swedish company behind the massively popular video game Minecraft.
Microsoft are said to be looking to pay around $2 billion to purchase Mojang AB, both Mojang and Microsoft have declined to comment on the deal.
The Popularity and Impact of Minecraft
Minecraft has been an incredibly popular game, it has sold over 50 million copies since the game was released back in 2009, and the game earned around $100 million in profit last year. The game was created by Marcus ‘Notch’ Pearson, and it is available on the PC, smartphones, tablets, the Xbox and the PlayStation.
The game is massively popular and is listed in the top 5 paid apps in both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store, and it could help Microsoft grow its customer base with its Xbox consoles and also its Windows Phone and Windows tablet devices.
Minecraft’s success can be attributed to its unique gameplay mechanics, which allow players to build and explore virtual worlds made up of blocks. This sandbox-style game has captivated players of all ages, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. The game’s educational potential has also been recognized, with many schools incorporating Minecraft into their curriculum to teach subjects like mathematics, history, and computer programming.
Potential Benefits for Microsoft
Acquiring Mojang AB and Minecraft could provide Microsoft with several strategic advantages. Firstly, it would bolster Microsoft’s gaming portfolio, adding a highly successful and beloved title to its lineup. This could attract more gamers to the Xbox platform, especially considering the cross-platform nature of Minecraft, which allows players to enjoy the game on various devices.
Furthermore, integrating Minecraft with Microsoft’s existing services could enhance the overall gaming experience. For instance, leveraging Microsoft’s cloud computing capabilities through Azure could lead to improved performance and new features for Minecraft players. Additionally, incorporating Minecraft into Microsoft’s educational initiatives could further solidify the company’s presence in the education sector.
Another potential benefit for Microsoft is the opportunity to expand Minecraft’s reach even further. With Microsoft’s resources and expertise, the game could see new updates, expansions, and spin-offs, keeping the player base engaged and attracting new users. This could also open up new revenue streams through in-game purchases, merchandise, and licensing deals.
Moreover, the acquisition could strengthen Microsoft’s position in the mobile gaming market. With Minecraft already being a top-paid app on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store, Microsoft could leverage this popularity to promote its own mobile devices and services. This could be particularly advantageous for the Windows Phone and Windows tablet devices, which have struggled to gain significant market share.
The potential acquisition of Mojang AB by Microsoft represents a significant move in the gaming industry. Minecraft’s immense popularity and success make it a valuable asset, and Microsoft’s resources and expertise could further enhance the game’s potential. While both companies have declined to comment on the deal, the implications of such an acquisition are undoubtedly far-reaching, potentially benefiting both Microsoft and the millions of Minecraft players worldwide.
Source
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
