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[crazycracker]

It is demonstrably Microsoft who does this shit the most, and who focuses on buying shit instead of cultivating their own studios. It's even quantifiable, you can count up the times Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft do it and compare. It's a huge disparity. There was just a thread on it. Numerically the difference between Microsoft and Sony (and Nintendo) in this regard is massive. It represents a very real strategic difference between the companies.

Perhaps there is an actual monetary difference in this facet as well? Microsoft has determined that creating studios and making games is much more expensive and risky than actually buying studios.I know gamers love the idea of this wonderful world of cultivating talent and creating studios, but at the end of the day isn't it all about the games we can play? Do you feel better about yourself because game owner created studio A and employed X number of employees on your favorite franchise or if it was purchased and released on your platform? How does this change your enjoyment? As consumers, does your enjoyment in a game change because activation published the game or Microsoft? Or how about Sony? Does the game become inherently better because Sony published it?

 

[Drac84]

Perhaps there is an actual monetary difference in this facet as well? Microsoft has determined that creating studios and making games is much more expensive and risky than actually buying studios.I know gamers love the idea of this wonderful world of cultivating talent and creating studios, but at the end of the day isn't it all about the games we can play? Do you feel better about yourself because game owner created studio A and employed X number of employees on your favorite franchise or if it was purchased and released on your platform? How does this change your enjoyment? As consumers, does your enjoyment in a game change because activation published the game or Microsoft? Or how about Sony? Does the game become inherently better because Sony published it?

More expensive than $2 billion?

 

[ArkkAngel007]

Maybe someone has brought it up already, would this be why there's no Minecon this year?

Wonder if Minecons will be a thing of the past now. Probably for the best if so, some of the stuff I've seen out of those Q&A sessions has been downright creepy.

I doubt it has any relation to it, since I doubt there will anything ready by spring 2015 out of this deal. But I've been wrong about less obscure situations.

 

[sörine]

That's not happening. It would be cutting off your nose to spite your face. To bring up an actually relevant scenario, you can still use Skype on the PS3 and the Vita even though Microsoft bought them. There's just no PS4 support. If Microsoft were to buy Mojang, the same thing would basically happen. The PS3/4 versions would still be out there, the Vita version would probably still be released (though anyone hoping the Minecraft bundle that already wasn't going to happen would be extra disappointed) because there's been too much work done on that and it's been promoted too heavily to just shelve it. "Minecraft 2", on the other hand, would be MS only (Windows/WP/Xbox), with a possible expansion to Android/iOS.

There's too much of a competitive advantage there for MS not to delist at least the PS4 version. After whatever contractural obligation period there is between Sony and Mojang anyway.

It becomes a question of what's more valuable, revenue from a growing PS4 base or steering the Minecraft audience towards your own platform instead.

 

[B_Boss]

If this is like the Twich rumor soon we will find out that Nitendo bought Mojang for 1.9B$.

That would be killer!

 

[crazycracker]

My god why??? I dont know how much a AAA game cost? 50-100 million dollar?

Instead of spending 2000 million dollar, MS could have make 20-40 AAA games for the Xbone...
Ms please just build and expand your exitance first party team instead of buying them for crazy money...

off topic this is why i love My "San Antonio Spurs"

What do you know about building a successful game franchise? Do you think it is easy? How many studios have been closed in the last 10 years? I'll let you guess, A LOT! Sometimes it is easier to buy something. Why do you think companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Amazon, buy companies instead of creating everything?

 

[Enectic]

There's too much of a competitive advantage there for MS not to delist at least the PS4 version. After whatever contractural obligation period there is between Sony and Mojang anyway.

It becomes a question of what's more valuable, revenue from a growing PS4 base or steering the Minecraft audience towards your own platform instead.

I think it would be more beneficial to let the PS4 Minecraft community grow. That way not only do you increase your revenue but also gain more prospective customers that might switch when the next iteration is announced to be exclusive to Microsoft platforms.

 

[Muppet of a Man]

Perhaps there is an actual monetary difference in this facet as well? Microsoft has determined that creating studios and making games is much more expensive and risky than actually buying studios.I know gamers love the idea of this wonderful world of cultivating talent and creating studios, but at the end of the day isn't it all about the games we can play? Do you feel better about yourself because game owner created studio A and employed X number of employees on your favorite franchise or if it was purchased and released on your platform? How does this change your enjoyment? As consumers, does your enjoyment in a game change because activation published the game or Microsoft? Or how about Sony? Does the game become inherently better because Sony published it?

It's inherently better as a third party multiplat because more people can enjoy the ip. It's not so much of a travesty when the game is homegrown. Expectations of it being identified with a particular console are set from the beginning. No one wants to have to invest in yet another console just to play a particular game that was previously always associated with multiple platforms (platform agnostic).

 

[SenjutsuSage]

Now that I think of it, what would be the point in buying Mojang? Minecraft is already on everything and I doubt many would buy a sequel.

I don't know much about Minecraft, but you say this when people still continue to buy the same game over and over at this incredible rate. I assume there's some kind of enhancements or additions each time a release happens?

It's inherently better as a third party multiplat because more people can enjoy the ip. It's not so much of a travesty when the game is homegrown. Expectations of it being identified with a particular console are set from the beginning. No one wants to have to invest in yet another console just to play a particular game that was previously always associated with multiple platforms (platform agnostic).

Likely true, but business is business is business.

 

[NervousXtian]

As a big fan of modded Minecraft I'd hate to see this happen. You can pretend all you want that Microsoft would continue to allow the mod scene as well or better than Mojang does but what you can't pretend is that all of that talent would want to continue modding for a game that went from small dev to megacorp.

I don't think the community would really care as long as it was moddable.

Mojang for the money they've taken in has done a pretty crap job on their own end.. so slow to do things to help the mod community. It's pretty pathetic when you look at the cash flow and then look at the output.

 

[C4Lukins]

That's not happening. It would be cutting off your nose to spite your face. To bring up an actually relevant scenario, you can still use Skype on the PS3 and the Vita even though Microsoft bought them. There's just no PS4 support. If Microsoft were to buy Mojang, the same thing would basically happen. The PS3/4 versions would still be out there, the Vita version would probably still be released (though anyone hoping the Minecraft bundle that already wasn't going to happen would be extra disappointed) because there's been too much work done on that and it's been promoted too heavily to just shelve it. "Minecraft 2", on the other hand, would be MS only (Windows/WP/Xbox), with a possible expansion to Android/iOS.

I dunno, Windows 8 has sold over 200 million licenses as of February I believe. Simply being able to put it on the store could make up for any losses that future sales that Somy would bring them. And Windows 9 does not seem that far off. Even just putting it on Steam would be huge, correct me if I am wrong but I do not believe it is there yet. Then you have Facebook and a few other potentially significant platforms that Notch has stayed away from. I am sure it is making a ton on Sony, but MS would have to be interested in propping up their other platforms in order to commit to such a large purchase. Hard to tell though, just speculation on my part.

 

[crazycracker]

Well, Spencer said he wanted more IP. Wow.

I highly doubt they'd make it Xbox or Windows exclusive. It doesn't fit Nadella's mobile-first, cloud-first direction, or his motion to get their apps and services across as many devices as possible. Heck, even their upcoming Smartband is strongly rumored to be fully compatible with Android and iOS.

Vanilla Minecraft would make the $2B back in its lifetime if all they did was cash in on the IP royalties across devices, so there's little risk in losing money on the IP. That can't be all though.

I wonder if this could be their splash entrance to games as a service in their mobile-first, cloud-first future? Making a cloud-powered version to play on any device would fit Nadella's narrative. I mean, he did acknowledge that gaming has the most time and money spent in a mobile world and he did mention that Xbox contributes technology to the company at large. Cloud-powered Minecraft gives them good reason to advance their online platform infrastructure, cloud compute, and data-driven personalization for a HUGE game.

I sense a AR and VR play here as well. It would probably be the strongest marketing tool they could wish for in selling a new peripheral like their rumored Fortaleza AR glasses. Seeing as how they're good partners with Facebook they'd probably partner with them on it for a VR version? This gives Microsoft some leverage with partners to dig in on development tools for new user interfaces for AR and VR.

I have a feeling this isn't going to happen though.

I really love what you are bringing to the table here. I agree wholeheartedly! (I have my doubts because we have not heard anything in regards to VR from Microsoft....surprisingly!)

 

[TalonJH]

They wouldn't pull Minecraft from PSN. They would probably just take a cut from sales while making sure that Xbox consoles have the superior version through continued updates.

I would be surprised if the PS version kept getting updated at the same time as the XB versions.

 

[sörine]

I think it would be more beneficial to let the PS4 Minecraft community grow. That way not only do you increase your revenue but you also gain more prospective customers who might switch when the next iteration is announced to be exclusive to Microsoft platforms.

I don't agree. Microsoft wouldn't be spending $2B so they can publish PS4 games and hope things work out next gen. And they don't need the revenue anyway, this is a strategic buy. If it's real.

 

[wapplew]

How much copy they need to sell to make 2b?
If future minecraft exclusive to MS platform, how likely?

 

[Amir0x]

Perhaps there is an actual monetary difference in this facet as well? Microsoft has determined that creating studios and making games is much more expensive and risky than actually buying studios.I know gamers love the idea of this wonderful world of cultivating talent and creating studios, but at the end of the day isn't it all about the games we can play? Do you feel better about yourself because game owner created studio A and employed X number of employees on your favorite franchise or if it was purchased and released on your platform? How does this change your enjoyment? As consumers, does your enjoyment in a game change because activation published the game or Microsoft? Or how about Sony? Does the game become inherently better because Sony published it?

I think it's more that Microsoft's goals in this industry are decidedly different. Microsoft is someone who entered the industry for a certain end game, they don't need gaming for their core business. So long-term cultivation is less important than quickly gaining ground to try to meet that goal.

Sony, on the other hand, is at a point where their gaming section is a massive part of their few remaining thriving sectors. They need PlayStation brand to be successful. As a result, they cultivate these studios because they need long-term, reliable solutions to filling in a game library with compelling software.

My issue as always is with any deal that specifically functions to deprive a huge portion of gamers access to something they previously have grown to expect, or in deals that are made to limit other games access to certain content. For example, I was against Sony's Destiny DLC deal. Microsoft fans shouldn't be punished from enjoying big designed chunks of content because Sony signs a deal. In this same way I disapprove of deals like this. It's meant to hurt a specific console, and gamers get caught in the middle of this sort of thing.

 

[MilesTeg]

They wouldn't pull Minecraft from PSN. They would probably just take a cut from sales while making sure that Xbox consoles have the superior version through continued updates.

I would be surprised if the PS version kept getting updated at the same time as the XB versions.

They could just release the sequel only on MS platforms, or just not Sony platforms, whatever. Build the fanbase up on Sony machines and then not give Sony the sequel.

 

[Barack Lesnar]

Mojang made something like $200 million last year from merchandise sales.

Revenue or profit?

 

[timetokill]

I can see them pulling the Sony versions but the PC one will remain. That or just leaving unsupported versions to soak up whatever money they can. And obviously forthcoming Minecraft wouldn't be on those platforms.

 

[Steverulez]

Off-topic? When are NPDs out? This week or next? Deal says (possibly) to be concluded this week, perhaps they will try to over shadow any bad month for NPDs with this news... just a thought.

 

[Kilau]

This is just standard Microsoft tactics. I am not really in favor of this deal but since Mojang seems to be in cruise control we might at least see something new and interesting come of this.

 

[Lace]

Is there $2 billion worth of sales left for Minecraft? I guess a worthy sequel could eek that number out.

Of course I'm probably underestimating Minecraft. Oh well if this deal goes down I wonder if we'll see a psychonauts 2 being produced by Notch.

 

[C4Lukins]

Off-topic? When are NPDs out? This week or next? Deal says (possibly) to be concluded this week, perhaps they will try to over shadow any bad month for NPDs with this news... just a thought.

You do not pay 2 billion dollars to overshadow a bad month of NPD's.

 

[darkside31337]

I can see them pulling the Sony versions but the PC one will remain. And obviously forthcoming Minecraft wouldn't be on those platforms.

Minecraft was made available for the newest generation of consoles, Xbox One and PlayStation 4, earlier this month. Microsoft, if it completes the deal, will keep the game available for rival products, said two people familiar with the company’s plans.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-09/microsoft-said-near-2-billion-deal-for-minecraft-maker.html

Honestly it makes no sense to pull the PS3/PS4 versions. They are passing up money for what? Console wars?

Also the bit in Bloomberg pretty much says Notch is leaving Mojang when the deal is done. Which seemed pretty obvious.

 

[Ol No Bones]

I know Minecraft is huge but 2 billion seems to be too much for a studio even with an IP like that.

 

[Darknight]

Damn and I just bought MC on PS4. I mean if they cut updates, I would need a refund STAT and then buy on PC.

I really hope Mojang is not bought out like RARE. MC is like a game for all platforms. But if they do purchase them, I needs my money back from PSN.

 

[wastedyears]

Perhaps there is an actual monetary difference in this facet as well? Microsoft has determined that creating studios and making games is much more expensive and risky than actually buying studios.I know gamers love the idea of this wonderful world of cultivating talent and creating studios, but at the end of the day isn't it all about the games we can play? Do you feel better about yourself because game owner created studio A and employed X number of employees on your favorite franchise or if it was purchased and released on your platform? How does this change your enjoyment? As consumers, does your enjoyment in a game change because activation published the game or Microsoft? Or how about Sony? Does the game become inherently better because Sony published it?

I think the bigger concern is that Microsoft has a history of buying up companies who made very popular games, only to have those companies becomes a shadow of their former selves. With most, if not all of the creativity that made that studio so successful seemingly draining away. That Microsoft going in and forcing their own company culture on the newly purchased studio having noticeably negative effects on that studio, has been well documented.

 

[Lace]

I think the bigger concern is that Microsoft has a history of buying up companies who made very popular games, only to have those companies becomes a shadow of their former selves. With most, if not all of the creativity that made that studio so successful seemingly draining away. That Microsoft going in and forcing their own company culture on the newly purchased studio having noticeably negative effects on that studio, has been well documented.

It could be argued that Notch is the talent. Would he stick around after the buyout?

 

[LurkerPrime]

There's too much of a competitive advantage there for MS not to delist at least the PS4 version. After whatever contractural obligation period there is between Sony and Mojang anyway.

It becomes a question of what's more valuable, revenue from a growing PS4 base or steering the Minecraft audience towards your own platform instead.

They would be getting the money either way. While they might get more from their own platform, limiting the audience for such a massively appealing game would be foolish.

Seriously... Minecraft would be more than just an ace up the Xbox One's sleeve. I mean, we're talking about the most influential game of the last generation. It is far more valuable - especially in its current form - when available on as many platforms as possible.


This thread has shown me that this sickening, petty hatred of Microsoft needs to end. It's time to let it go. MS is not some evil boogeyman looking for ways to spoil your fun or hurt your favourite companies. If they are anything, it would be a blind, impulsive creature with insatiable greed... They grope around in the dark, looking for evermore to add to their hoard. Microsoft is pitiable, and not worthy of being reviled; please, let go of your hatred towards this lost, misguided creature.

 

[TalonJH]

They could just release the sequel only on MS platforms, or just not Sony platforms, whatever. Build the fanbase up on Sony machines and then not give Sony the sequel.

It could happen that way as well but the idea of "Minecraft 2" feels crazy. The game was always meant to just be built upon and I would be surprised if Notch ever planned to do a sequel. Then again, if MS owns it they can do whatever they want with it.

 

[Kilau]

Honestly it makes no sense to pull the PS3/PS4 versions. They are passing up money for what? Console wars?

Yeah, I know Minecraft sells a lot but does it have the power to be a system seller?

It's on so many platforms, it seems crazy to buy a new console just to play it when lots of people can just download it on their phones or tablets.

Then again, like others have said, is there $2 billion+ worth of profit left in Minecraft if you aren't using it as a chip in the "system wars" game?

 

[El Sloth]

Never would have thought Notch was the one that initiated negotiations. Guess he wants out.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-09/microsoft-said-near-2-billion-deal-for-minecraft-maker.html

The deal came together after Mojang founder Markus Persson reached out to Microsoft a few months ago, based on a positive working relationship on Minecraft for Xbox, said the person familiar with Microsoft.

The two companies quickly agreed on a framework and approximate price and have been working out the details since, the person said. Persson will help out with the transition, though he is unlikely to remain beyond that, according to the person.

 

[riskVSreward]

Err... What would be the point? Minecraft has already been released on PS4.

Minecraft + No Mans Sky = Minecraft Universe exclusive to xbone. That should put some butts in the seats.

 

[Enectic]

I don't agree. Microsoft wouldn't be spending $2B so they can publish PS4 games and hope things work out next gen. And they don't need the revenue anyway, this is a strategic buy. If it's real.

I just don't see any risk with keeping it on Sony platforms. The money was already spent to develop and publish the game. It has been out for years now and is available on a multitude of platforms. It'd be really hard to convince people to switch to their platform with the current release. Continuing to build and sustain the gigantic Minecraft fanbase and releasing the highly sought after successor exclusively on Microsoft platforms (while still generating a ton of revenue from competing platforms) I think would be the smartest strategy.

EDIT: Seems this is probably the case.

Minecraft was made available for the newest generation of consoles, Xbox One and PlayStation 4, earlier this month. Microsoft, if it completes the deal, will keep the game available for rival products, said two people familiar with the company’s plans.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-09/microsoft-said-near-2-billion-deal-for-minecraft-maker.html

Honestly it makes no sense to pull the PS3/PS4 versions. They are passing up money for what? Console wars?

Also the bit in Bloomberg pretty much says Notch is leaving Mojang when the deal is done. Which seemed pretty obvious.

 

[Guevara]

Minecraft was made available for the newest generation of consoles, Xbox One and PlayStation 4, earlier this month. Microsoft, if it completes the deal, will keep the game available for rival products, said two people familiar with the company’s plans.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-09/microsoft-said-near-2-billion-deal-for-minecraft-maker.html

Honestly it makes no sense to pull the PS3/PS4 versions. They are passing up money for what? Console wars?

Also the bit in Bloomberg pretty much says Notch is leaving Mojang when the deal is done. Which seemed pretty obvious.

This should hopefully end the ridiculous idea that Microsoft would pull Minecraft from the PS4.

 

[Bsigg12]

Never would have thought Notch was the one that initiated negotiations. Guess he wants out.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-09/microsoft-said-near-2-billion-deal-for-minecraft-maker.html

Interesting. Will be waiting for an official announcement soon (I would guess Thursday if it's as far along as everyone seems to think).

 

[Amir0x]

Never would have thought Notch was the one that initiated negotiations. Guess he wants out.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-09/microsoft-said-near-2-billion-deal-for-minecraft-maker.html

Gonna be interesting to hear the reasons why later.

This is starting to seem clear now that it's true. Bloomberg reporting it too with new details?

This shit is going down.

This should hopefully end the ridiculous idea that Microsoft would pull Minecraft from the PS4.

Would be a nice thing. But Minecraft 2... ;P

 

[Two Words]

This is why I don't like Microsoft. They are not interested in a business model of creating great games or studios. They're interested in buying great games and studios and holding them hostage over us.

 

[Bsigg12]

This is why I don't like Mucrosoft. They are not interested in a business model of creating great games or studios. They're interested in buying great games and studios and holding them hostage over us.

Read the Bloomberg article a couple posts up. Sounds like Notch started the whole thing.

 

[Gattsu25]

I would be annoyed if the PC version suffered as a result of this.

 

[NickFire]

They would be getting the money either way. While they might get more from their own platform, limiting the audience for such a massively appealing game would be foolish.

Seriously... Minecraft would be more than just an ace up the Xbox One's sleeve. I mean, we're talking about the most influential game of the last generation. It is far more valuable - especially in its current form - when available on as many platforms as possible.


This thread has shown me that this sickening, petty hatred of Microsoft needs to end. It's time to let it go. MS is not some evil boogeyman looking for ways to spoil your fun or hurt your favourite companies. If they are anything, it would be a blind, impulsive creature with insatiable greed... They grope around in the dark, looking for evermore to add to their hoard. Microsoft is pitiable, and not worthy of being reviled; please, let go of your hatred towards this lost, misguided creature.

You are half right and half wrong. Their insatiable greed does lead them to constantly looking for ways to spoil the fun of anyone not giving them money. That plus the constant spin amounting to little more than lies is plenty of reason to hate them. And if you think they will not make Minecraft a new console exclusive first opportunity you are nuts.

 

[Guevara]

Never would have thought Notch was the one that initiated negotiations. Guess he wants out.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-09/microsoft-said-near-2-billion-deal-for-minecraft-maker.html

very surprising, also was not aware of this

Xbox chief Phil Spencer has a close relationship with Persson, and has flown out to have dinners with the Mojang founder, another person familiar with Microsoft said.​

 

[Zing]

And what of the Wii U version? Cancelled?

 

[Two Words]

Read the Bloomberg article a couple posts up. Sounds like Notch started the whole thing.

Yeah but a $2 billion figure is ridiculous. They should invest that money into developing an army of exclusive games. If Notch was offering to sell it to them for cheap I'd get it.

 

[Vestax]

I know Minecraft is huge but 2 billion seems to be too much for a studio even with an IP like that.

Yup. Mr. Pessner is coming out like a bandit if this deal goes through. Sell it while it's hot, I don't see Minecraft having longer legs.

Reminds me of the whole ATT and TMobile proposed merger...TMobile got out 3 billion dollars out of the botched deal.

 

[LilWayneSuckz]

They would be getting the money either way. While they might get more from their own platform, limiting the audience for such a massively appealing game would be foolish.

Seriously... Minecraft would be more than just an ace up the Xbox One's sleeve. I mean, we're talking about the most influential game of the last generation. It is far more valuable - especially in its current form - when available on as many platforms as possible.


This thread has shown me that this sickening, petty hatred of Microsoft needs to end. It's time to let it go. MS is not some evil boogeyman looking for ways to spoil your fun or hurt your favourite companies. If they are anything, it would be a blind, impulsive creature with insatiable greed... They grope around in the dark, looking for evermore to add to their hoard. Microsoft is pitiable, and not worthy of being reviled; please, let go of your hatred towards this lost, misguided creature.

It could be argued Call of Duty is the most influential game of last generation as opposed to Minecraft. I know there were many Minecraft clones but how many FPSs and shooters were released because of the money that Call of Duty made?

 

[Guevara]

Updated, 9:08 p.m. | Microsoft is in advanced talks to acquire the maker of the game Minecraft for more than $2 billion, people briefed on the discussions said on Tuesday. The move was intended to ensure that one of the most popular games was available for the computing giant’s family of devices.

...

For Microsoft, the interest in a deal is motivated in large part by a desire to ensure that attractive content is available for some of its most important platforms. Minecraft is not currently available on Windows Phone, the mobile operating system that Microsoft has struggled to turn into a strong competitor to Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android.

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/09...-be-in-advanced-talks-to-buy-minecraft-maker/​

New York Times now too. But seriously: buy Mojang to ensure your phone gets a Minecraft port? That's nuts to me.

 

[Two Words]

Minecraft == L.A. Clippers;

 

[Steverulez]

You do not pay 2 billion dollars to overshadow a bad month of NPD's.

Of course not but if the deal is done and you've got some bad news coming up why not use it? I don't expect MS to sit on this news for long but I was just speculating, theres obviously a long game here

 

[Ken Masters]

Already on PS4, damage done?

What would MS get out of this?