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[le.phat]

2 billion dollars? You can make a lot of games with that money. Or you can buy mojang.

 

[hydrophilic attack]

Why is everyone so down on this. Think about the possibilities. Conker in Minecraft.

 

[Jomjom]

I don't know why some people think this would be so funny.

This is Microsoft securing one of the biggest new IPs in forever. They can announce Minecraft 2 and give it the type of flourishes that can cross over from their own games. Halo skins and Forza skins. New features that add to the creative flexibility. Crossovers with Project Spark. Who knows!

I think that's fucked up because that's yet another series that was everywhere and for good reason, and this strategy from Microsoft keeps depriving legions of gamers of franchises like that. But I don't think it's "funny" in the sense that it's a bad idea.

Maybe it is a bad idea, but considering how Minecraft won't stop selling copies, a Minecraft 2.0 could potentially be psycho large.

Yup it's not funny at all. This could potentially be a huge shot to the jugular by MS to Sony. I'm assuming the people who think it's funny are probably just a little too much in the Sony camp and are feeling a bit insecure right now.

Sony has absolutely no answer to something like this, while MS could go spending billions more and buying even more studios. When the kids for the next 10 years hear that the new Minecraft is only going to be on Xbone, I doubt any of them will be picking up a PS4.

 

[krypt0nian]

I don't know why some people think this would be so funny.

This is Microsoft securing one of the biggest new IPs in forever. They can announce Minecraft 2 and give it the type of flourishes that can cross over from their own games. Halo skins and Forza skins. New features that add to the creative flexibility. Crossovers with Project Spark. Who knows!

I think that's fucked up because that's yet another series that was everywhere and for good reason, and this strategy from Microsoft keeps depriving legions of gamers of franchises like that. But I don't think it's "funny" in the sense that it's a bad idea.

Maybe it is a bad idea, but considering how Minecraft won't stop selling copies, a Minecraft 2.0 could potentially be psycho large.

The IP has a end time on it. The concept works because it's so simple. A Minecraft 2 has no realistic expectation to be the phenom the original was. Nintendo found out what chasing lighting in a bottle nets them.

AND the money is far better spent on actual exclusives that would matter and sell consoles.

Yup it's not funny at all. This could potentially be a huge shot to the jugular by MS to Sony. I'm assuming the people who think it's funny are probably just a little too much in the Sony camp and are feeling a bit insecure right now.

Sony has absolutely no answer to something like this, while MS could go spending billions more and buying even more studios. When the kids for the next 10 years hear that the new Minecraft is only going to be on Xbone, I doubt any of them will be picking up a PS4.

If you think one game is worth $2 billion rather than making actual games with that money, it's you that's too close to MS, punkin.

 

[HighResTomato]

Could be a smart move. The Minecraft brand name is massive...slowing down support on the old game while funding a new game and making it exclusive to Xbox/Windows mobile and shit could be a profitable endeavor.

I went to my local ASDA and was shocked to see a "Minecraft" section with BOOKS about it. This would be an investment for the brand name alone.

The amount they can make back from licensing is potentially massive.

 

[chubigans]

a Minecraft 2.0 could potentially be psycho large.

Not if it's Xbox exclusive. Sure as hell not if it's Windows Mobile exclusive.

...what would a Minecraft 2.0 even be at this point?

They can announce Minecraft 2 and give it the type of flourishes that can cross over from their own games. Halo skins and Forza skins. New features that add to the creative flexibility. Crossovers with Project Spark. Who knows!

Pretty sure there are already Halo skins for the Xbox versions, no?

 

[Krilekk]

Notch was a huge criticizer of Windows previously though. Not sure why he would do it for the money, he clearly doesn't need more.

Except what if he does? He did get divorced two months ago? If his ex gets 50 % of everything he might need to sell the company if it is valued at 1+ billion.

 

[Corronchilejano]

Now Minecraft will really never be on WiiU...

Could still be on 3DS.

 

[Oersted]

MS is the underdog now

Microsoft, in a very stretched sense, is. They are old guard like Nintendo and Sony and they have trouble to keep up with the likes of Facebook, Google and Samsung. Apple is the very rare case of a old dog reinventing themselves extremely successful.

 

[DrSlek]

Aren't user mods kind of a big thing in Minecraft?

MS doesn't exactly have a fantastic track record on that front.

 

[Corto]

Could Notch Sell the company but not the Minecraft IP? Curious.

He could, but who would buy it? And for 2 billions no less.

 

[Squire]

Notch is rich as fuck. Why would he sell the company?

Notch doesn't have $2b.

 

[CoG]

Pointless purchase, why waste this money when they can use it to create numerous triple A titles.

This is Microsoft we're talking about. 14 years on and only one homegrown franchise worth a damn (Forza). Everything else was bought.

 

[Loudninja]

Now I understand them buying the Gears IP that made alot sense, but this at that price dont see worth it.

 

[MisterArrogant]

I don't get the purpose. Minecraft is already on every console. It's already sold crazy amounts. Unless MS is planning on capitalizing on the brand with Minecraft 2.0 exclusive to XBO I don't see the point.

Actually, now that I say that, I completely see their point. Prepare for Minecraft 2.

I would guess exactly this. As a brand it's extremely popular. They're buying future total control of what they consider a guaranteed money maker and system seller.

 

[mrhej]

So would people buy an Xbone for Minecraft 2?

 

[Steverulez]

This rumor suggests to me Microsoft might deprecate their console business.

You don't buy the most popular videogame of our time to cordon it off on your semi-popular home console.

Anything they release would obviously be on PC I think, having Minecraft as PC/Xbox only would be huge for them, I think.

 

[DopeyFish]

Why is everyone so down on this. Think about the possibilities. Conker in Minecraft.

Merge spark with minecraft

Release as minecraft 2

 

[Alex_Mexico]

Um..you can do that with 2 million...

2 million dollars are you kidding? while at your 20s or 30s can help a lot but they won't last you the rest of your life to live comfortably without having to work ever again.

 

[dugdug]

Feels like a well controlled leak. Releasing this info the day of Destiny's release. Not that it would hurt sales, obviously, but, it keeps MS in the mind share on a big day for Sony.

 

[allan-bh]

Minecraft 2 Xbox One exclusive.

BOOM.

 

[StoopKid]

Yup it's not funny at all. This could potentially be a huge shot to the jugular by MS to Sony. I'm assuming the people who think it's funny are probably just a little too much in the Sony camp and are feeling a bit insecure right now.

Sony has absolutely no answer to something like this, while MS could go spending billions more and buying even more studios. When the kids for the next 10 years hear that the new Minecraft is only going to be on Xbone, I doubt any of them will be picking up a PS4.

The hyperbole begins!!

 

[Odrion]

Lol at people calling Notch a hypocrite, like you wouldn't sell out your ethics for two billion dollars.

 

[BadRamen]

Minecraft aside, I think the most exciting speculation/H.Y.P.E. is that the chances of Psychonauts 2 happening raised from a whole 0% to at least 1%!!!

 

[Banjo-Kazooie]

WSJ is usually spot on with these things... damn, if true this is huge. 2 billion though...wow.

 

[Aquamarine]

That's a pretty sure fire way to destroy the value of their nice shiny $2bn purchase.

Timed exclusivity, silly.

Rake in the profits from Minecraft now, and then in 2016, time a huge marketing push and "Xbox One Exclusive" Minecraft 2.

Sells gangbusters, then release it out to PC and 360 and profit from the Microsoft ecosystem.

 

[Arion]

Amazon gonna sweep in at the last minute. Calling it now.

That company is real eager to get into the gaming scene

 

[outunderthestars]

Excluding physical goods, Minecraft has earned Mojang about $1.23 billion based that 54 million number from like a month ago and that counter on their site.

How do you get the 1.23 billion number?

Timed exclusivity, silly.

Rake in the profits from Minecraft now, and then in 2016, time a huge marketing push and "Xbox One Exclusive" Minecraft 2.

Kids move on to new random hotness and Xbox One sales remain flat.

 

[-MD-]

Why is everyone so down on this. Think about the possibilities. Conker in Minecraft.

Well now I'm depressed.

 

[Bolts-n-Rays1109]

Wow. $2bil for Mojang. They are just rolling in $$$$$ over there.

 

[Krakn3Dfx]

Only a matter of time until someone hits the magic and takes Minecraft out of the equation, I'm shocked it hasn't happened yet to be honest. Seems like a good idea 12-18 months ago, but now it seems kind of nuts to throw that kind of money at the developer. Better to buy the IP I would think than Mojang.

Has Scrolls been that popular for them? I haven't been following it.

 

[DarthWalden]

Wow crazy if true... ms really wants to win the home console market...

It Would be a good fit though and a good get for Microsoft. 2 billion seems like a lot but think about all the systems, games and dlc this will sell for MS.

 

[DangerMouse]

Yup definitely a smart move if this happens. MS has been trying to fix their PR and change their message to a "we care about the gamer" just like Sony to compete with Sony. You can't beat the leader by copying the leader.

In any case, Sony's strategy is born out of not having any money to do much other than messaging. MS has a near infinite warchest and it's time they started competing with Sony in a way Sony has no answer to. MS changing their message means that Sony can just react quicker and come up with an even better message. MS pulling out its enormous wallet and buying anything and everything leaves Sony sitting there with its empty pockets turned inside out and scratching its head.

Wow....

You could make 7.5 GTA 5s for that amount of money.

This.

 

[Corronchilejano]

Merge spark with minecraft

Release as minecraft 2

Mindblown.

 

[Cmagus]

Minecraft is such an amazing that should be left alone. No doubt if MS buys them they will fuck it all up somehow. I guess the money the game is making now isn't enough, I seriously hope this doesn't go through.

 

[Spaghetti]

hopefully the people at mojang are smarter than this.

within ten years an MS owned mojang will be gutted out and put to work on menial tasks or supporting a dumb peripheral.

don't be another rare.

 

[Leafhopper]

Notch doesn't have $2b.

And he probably wants to retire.

hopefully the people at mojang are smarter than this.

within ten years an MS owned mojang will be gutted out and put to work on menial tasks or supporting a dumb peripheral.

don't be another rare.

They havent made enough quality games to even be considered Rare.

 

[Aquamarine]

2 billion dollars? You can make a lot of games with that money. Or you can buy mojang.

Mojang is tiny and disposable.

The $2 billion is for the Minecraft IP.

I'm not sure if Microsoft would even want to keep Mojang around as a company anymore. Maybe dissolve it and integrate the staff and brand name into something else.

 

[MightyHedgehog]

Unless MS is willing to breach a contract they won't do that. Previous contracts will be maintained and probably NOT renewed but what's done is done.

Not that I believe this craziness, but why would they take it out anyway? If they wanted to make it an issue of making their platforms more attractive, it would be better to stop updating the competing platform's versions beyond a certain level of support while they keep selling it to make that money across the board, and then give their own home platforms the advantage with exclusive updates and content.

 

[Daemul]

Why not just buy Take Two? Then Xbox would have GTA, Bioshock, Borderlands, etc exclusive.

That deal would make much more sense.

 

[Maintenance]

Amazon gonna sweep in at the last minute. Calling it now.

That company is real eager to get into the gaming scene

I wish, but they don't have that much money, and they just bought Twitch.

 

[Throwaway123456789]

Except what if he does? He did get divorced two months ago? If his ex gets 50 % of everything he might need to sell the company if it is valued at 1+ billion.

Divorces rarely happen that way in Sweden.

 

[Seanspeed]

Minecraft aside, I think the most exciting speculation/H.Y.P.E. is that the chances of Psychonauts 2 happening raised from a whole 0% to at least 1%!!!

You're thinking of Double Fine, not Mojang.

 

[Ambition]

Not gonna lie, I'd be extremely excited at the idea of a Minecraft 2.

Why? What could they do that mods on PC haven't?

 

[nephilimdj]

Excluding physical goods, Minecraft has earned Mojang about $1.23 billion based that 54 million number from like a month ago and that counter on their site.

"Mojang made a $129 million profit in 2013"
"Mojang's profits more than doubled in 2013"

Got to assume they have made like 300-400million

 

[Riky]

Maybe Microsoft have seen their next game?

 

[efyu_lemonardo]

2 million dollars are you kidding? while at your 20s or 30s can help a lot but they won't last you the rest of your life to live comfortably without having to work ever again.

You invest the money and live off interest, dividends etc.
It's not that hard to do with 2 million bucks.

 

[RoadHazard]

I can see why Notch would want this, but I don't really see what's in it for MS. It's not like Mojang is some magical studio that keeps releasing megahit after megahit. They (well, Notch) had one simple but good idea that grew into something bigger than anyone could have imagined. That's it. And while Minecraft will keep selling, there's no way its remaining sales are worth $2 billion.

 

[Guevara]

Why not just buy Take Two? Then Xbox would have GTA, Bioshock, Borderlands, etc exclusive.

That deal would make much more sense.

This isn't about Microsoft's console business.

 

[Loudninja]

Wow crazy if true... ms really wants to win the home console market...

It Would be a good fit though and a good get for Microsoft. 2 billion seems like a lot but think about all the systems, games and dlc this will sell for MS.

I really don't see this at a system seller at all.