Microsoft buys Minecraft and developer Mojang for $2.5 billion

Microsoft announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Mojang and the company's hit franchise, Minecraft, for $2.5 billion.

"Our relationship with Mojang began when we initially talked to the team about bringing Minecraft to the console. Minecraft quickly became the top online game on Xbox Live, with over two billion hours played on Xbox 360 in the last two years," Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, wrote on the company blog. "That working relationship set the ground work for other opportunities. We’ve long seen the incredible potential of Minecraft."

As a result of the acquisition, the Mojang team will join Microsoft Studios, which includes the studios behind blockbuster franchises Halo (343 Industries), Forza (Turn 10 Studios), and Fable (Lionhead Studios). Microsoft maintains, however, that Minecraft will remain available on all platforms. This includes Xbox, PlayStation, PC, iOS, and Android.

"The Minecraft community is passionate and diverse, ranging across all ages and demographics. We respect the brand and independent spirit that has made Minecraft great, and we’ll carry on the tradition of innovation to move the franchise forward," Spencer continued. "Our investments in cloud, Xbox Live and mobile technology will enable players to benefit from richer and faster worlds, more powerful development tools, and more opportunities to connect with the Minecraft community."

Microsoft didn't really get into any specifics regarding their plans for Minecraft, but did confirm that Minecon — the convention dedicated to Mojang (but mostly Minecraft) — will continue next year. So that's a good start. It's believed that Microsoft will continue to grow the Minecraft franchise through other mediums outside of the games industry — so perhaps movies, television shows, and other types of merchandise are in the franchise's future.

[Microsoft]