Which country owns Minecraft?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Minecraft is owned by Microsoft, an American company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. However, Minecraft was originally created in 2009 by Swedish developer Markus "Notch" Persson and his studio Mojang Studios, based in Stockholm.

A Brief History of Minecraft‘s Origins and Ownership

  • 2009: Markus Persson creates Minecraft (originally called "Cave Game")
  • 2010: Persson founds Mojang Studios to develop Minecraft
  • 2011: Minecraft officially launches
  • 2014: Microsoft purchases Mojang and the Minecraft IP for $2.5 billion

So while Minecraft was conceived and initially developed in Sweden, the game is currently owned by an American tech giant. However, Mojang still exists as a Microsoft studio and is responsible for ongoing development of Minecraft.

Why Did Microsoft Purchase Minecraft?

There were a few key reasons behind Microsoft‘s decision to acquire Minecraft:

  • Minecraft was hugely popular – By 2014, it had sold over 54 million copies across multiple platforms
  • Massive potential for future growth – Microsoft saw opportunities to expand Minecraft to more platforms and markets
  • Good fit with Microsoft‘s gaming strategy – Minecraft aligned with Microsoft‘s focus on cross-platform gaming experiences

Essentially, Microsoft saw Minecraft as a promising gaming franchise that could strengthen its overall gaming ecosystem across Xbox, Windows, and mobile devices. The $2.5 billion price tag was worth it for access to Minecraft‘s millions of engaged players.

Minecraft Continues to Dominate Globally

Today, Minecraft remains a global gaming phenomenon, with some staggering statistics:

  • 238+ million copies sold across all platforms (best-selling video game ever)
  • Over 130 million monthly active users in 2020
  • Total player time of 400,000 years logged in China alone
  • Approximately $110 million in mobile revenue globally (2021 figure)

Few games have achieved such monumental success spanning multiple countries and platforms. Even under Microsoft‘s ownership, Mojang has retained autonomy over Minecraft‘s development. With new updates and spin-off titles expanding the Minecraft universe, fans around the world continue mining and crafting.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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