What do you think of Microsoft buying Mojang?

[bilzkh]

From Engadget's article



Sounds like Notch was ready to sell. Microsoft simply took advantage. Can't be mad at that. Plus, I'm hearing estimates that Microsoft will make that money back in roughly 10 months. Not bad for a game that likely has years of life left. In the end though, nothing really changes except Minecraft on more Windows devices.

IMO, the studio still needs to diversify. They wouldn't even have to abandon Minecraft, not with all that money in the bank. They could have several high profile games going at once (though I'd rather see them work on one great game). They could even do the opposite; make several small indie games and see what catches fire. Then, much like Minecraft, exploit the hell out of it.

It's not that Microsoft will make $2.5bn in 10 months, but rather, they'll earn more per month managing Minecraft than they would if that $2.5bn kept sitting around accruing interest. I don't think Minecraft in of itself will make that $2.5bn back, but it may result in tens of billions of dollars of Microsoft devices and subscription services sales in the long-run (by virtue of the next generation of computer users being exposed to Microsoft).

 

[Jas00555]

You know, if Microsoft rewrites Minecraft so it doesn't require Java, I may actually want to play it again. I hate installing Java.

Also, wouldn't it be cool if they included the free "classic" version of Minecraft with Windows 9? Think of the numbers they could get then.

 

[JeffWeber]

I think it was a great buy from MS. Imagine 2 yrs from now if there was a "Minecraft 2" release. Not saying I want that, but if there were think about how much buzz and money that would generate. Minecraft really is more than just a game...