Markus Persson
@notch Sweden3.3M followers
Creator of Minecraft, sold Mojang to Microsoft for $2.5B; now making Levers and Chests
Minecraft, Levers and Chests
exit story · 2014 · indie game makers
How Markus Persson Sold Minecraft to Microsoft (2014)
Minecraft was built by Markus Persson and sold to Microsoft in 2014 for $2.5B.
Key facts
- Buyer
- Microsoft ↗
- Year
- 2014
- Price
- $2.5B
- Revenue at sale
- —
- Years operated
- 5.5 years
- Channel
- Direct sale
Why they sold: Persson was worn out by the pressure of owning Minecraft and wanted to move on from the game.
The story of Minecraft
Markus Persson released the first alpha of Minecraft in May 2009 and founded Mojang to develop it. The sandbox game of mining, crafting and building grew into a phenomenon, with a full release in November 2011, and Mojang grew around it.
Persson offered to sell his share, and Microsoft announced on 15 September 2014 that it would acquire Mojang for $2.5 billion. The deal was finalized on 6 November 2014.
Persson and his fellow co-founders Jakob Porsér and Carl Manneh left Mojang after the sale. Minecraft went on to become the best-selling video game of all time under Microsoft, and Mojang was later renamed Mojang Studios.
The maker
See the Minecraft product page or Markus Persson's full profile for everything they have built since.
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Sources
Facts are taken from the maker's and buyer's public statements and press coverage. Prices and revenue are shown only when publicly stated; self-reported figures are not independently verified.
Keep exploring
Minecraft acquisition FAQ
Who bought Minecraft?
Minecraft was acquired by Microsoft in 2014 from Markus Persson.
How much did Minecraft sell for?
Minecraft sold for $2.5B, as publicly stated.
Why did Markus Persson sell Minecraft?
Persson was worn out by the pressure of owning Minecraft and wanted to move on from the game.
How long did it take Minecraft to get acquired?
Minecraft was sold about 5.5 years after launch, through a direct sale (sold directly to a buyer, often a competitor, customer or acquirer that reached out).