Microsoft has announced the acquisition of Minecraft developer Mojang for $2.5 billion.
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The technology giant announced the news on its website this morning, and the Xbox team also released a statement.
"Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will acquire Mojang for $2.5 billion," Microsoft stated. "Microsoft expects the acquisition to be break-even in FY15 on a GAAP basis. Subject to customary closing conditions and any regulatory review, the acquisition is expected to close in late 2014."
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Since launching in 2009, Minecraft has been downloaded 100 million times on PC alone, and sold millions of copies across Microsoft and PlayStation consoles, as well as mobile devices. Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's Xbox division, explained that the game will continue to be available on all platforms.
"Minecraft adds diversity to our game portfolio and helps us reach new gamers across multiple platforms. Gaming is the top activity across devices and we see great potential to continue to grow the Minecraft community and nurture the franchise. That is why we plan to continue to make Minecraft available across platforms - including iOS, Android and PlayStation, in addition to Xbox and PC."
Mojang released a statement as well, and confirmed that the studios founders--including Minecraft creator Markus 'Notch' Persson--will be leaving the company.
"Yes, the deal is real. Mojang is being bought by Microsoft. It was reassuring to see how many of your opinions mirrored those of the Mojangstas when we heard the news. Change is scary, and this is a big change for all of us. It's going to be good though. Everything is going to be okay. <3"
The developer's statement helps answer several other questions about its future, so head there to read more about the plans moving forward. Notch has also posted his own thoughts on the subject, which can be found here.
