Microsoft in talks to buy Mojang, Minecraft Xbox and PC only?

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Microsoft is in talks to acquire Minecraft studio Mojang AB for $2 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg. The latter claims that the buy-out was initiated by Markus "Notch" Persson, who will leave the company once the deal is completed - possibly as early as this week.

It's a bit of a shocker, needless to say. Notch has been critical of Microsoft in the past, but has apparently warmed to the company after collaborating to release Minecraft on Xbox 360 and Xbox One. He allegedly reached out to Microsoft "a few months ago", and enjoys a "close relationship" with head of Xbox Phil Spencer. According to one Bloomberg source, Notch will stay on to supervise the transfer of ownership but is "unlikely" to have any involvement beyond that.


Minecraft is now available on PlayStation consoles too, of course. One possible outcome of the acquisition is that Minecraft development will only continue on Xbox platforms and PC, though this would presumably contravene Mojang's agreements with Sony as regards on-going support.

Microsoft may not want to make the game an exclusive, either. Another of Bloomberg's contacts "with knowledge of Microsoft's thinking" suggests that "the company thinks that this kind of product, like its Office productivity software, has to be available with high-quality versions for multiple platforms, including those of its rivals".

Neither Mojang nor Microsoft is available for comment at the time of writing. I'll let you know when I hear more.



Posted:
Related Forum: Gaming Discussion

Source: http://www.totalxbox.com/81065/is-minecraft-about-to-go-xbox-and-pc-only-microsoft-in-talks-to-buy-mojang-claims-report/

Comments

"Microsoft in talks to buy Mojang, Minecraft Xbox and PC only?" :: Login/Create an Account :: 94 comments

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SkamaPosted:

If they do purchase it they won't make it Xbox & PC exclusive since they will generate revenue from Playstation. They will most likely release updates, skin packs, texture packs, ect for Xbox first then Playstation later along the line.

MissPosted:

That would crazy if they bought it out. I can only imagine how mad PS4 users will be if they do make it an exclusive, if they buy it.

ItalianPosted:

eels
vWatsonc I have an Xbox and I think it's kinda sh*tty that Microsoft keep on doing this it's just like a spoiled boy in the playground that wants all the toys to himself


Keep doing this?.. Investing in businesses to increase revenue


Odd of them to invest in businesses to increase revenue, huh? Lol

eelsPosted:

vWatsonc I have an Xbox and I think it's kinda sh*tty that Microsoft keep on doing this it's just like a spoiled boy in the playground that wants all the toys to himself


Keep doing this?.. Investing in businesses to increase revenue

vWatsoncPosted:

I have an Xbox and I think it's kinda sh*tty that Microsoft keep on doing this it's just like a spoiled boy in the playground that wants all the toys to himself

LatencyPosted:

Hilton
Grimlock Dont really see this happening. Would lose a lot of money because Playstation wont be getting it.


They would not lose any money, they would make the money from the sale. Then MS will gain from the new purchace.


They'll charge PS4 users more than xbox users.

HiltonPosted:

Grimlock Dont really see this happening. Would lose a lot of money because Playstation wont be getting it.


They would not lose any money, they would make the money from the sale. Then MS will gain from the new purchace.

LatencyPosted:

KlNG I hope this deal doesn't go through. It will suck to see all the sony players lose their minecraft because of this deal.


They will still have it downloaded, it just won't be available for purchase anymore.

MartialPosted:

I really like both companies but tbh I don't think it'll be good news.

LatencyPosted:

Ha! Now everyone who has a playstation will suffer!