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[Amir0x]

Didnt Sony get the disparity by buying studios?

The way it works for Sony tends to be...

They'll work with a company to make a game exclusively for PlayStation. That game ends up doing well, or they feel they have talent. Then they buy that company and cultivate them. It's like with Media Molecule. They were shopping around their LittleBigPlanet idea (Nintendo rejected it). Then Sony saw it, loved it so much they eventually purchased Media Molecule. Now they cultivate them.

It's not "hey here's a company known for making tons of games everywhere on every platform, so let's buy them so they stop making that popular game series for Xbox!"

There are a few exceptions, just like there's a few exceptions for Microsoft in reverse. But the overwhelming take away is that Microsoft feels this is the type of strategy that works for them. There's certainly an argument to be made about whether this is really negative for gamers or not, but I do interpret it that way. I have much less respect for a company who refuses to cultivate their own studios and games at the wide scale but continue to try to snatch major franchises from the mouths of other consoles just so they don't have it.

I am against Sony's exclusive DLC deals, same as I am for Microsoft. And I'm against Sony when they do deals like this one. I just think it's unhealthy for this industry.

 

[walltowall]

Rare created Donkey Kong and James Bond, name me another studio with that kind of track record with IPs.

Oh did they now?

 

[Alchemy]

As much as I'd hate for the IP to be Microsoft exclusive, Minecraft 2 with AAA production effort behind it would be fucking amazing.

 

[Dirk Benedict]

Two billion?! The mightiest of war chests.

Their cash on hand seems to have gotten larger. I found this quick search fascinating.
http://www.businessinsider.com/global-cash-reserves-companies-nations-2014-4

Rare created Donkey Kong and James Bond, name me another studio with that kind of track record with IPs.

Rare DEVELOPED Donkey Kong Country and Developed a game based off the James Bond IP, namely the Golden Eye movie.

Both IP were not created by Rare.

 

[Aressa]

If MS does buy Minecraft I'm convinced they will never pull out of the video game market.

I hope not, competition is always good for us.

 

[mandiller]

Why would Microsoft buy Mojang? Say it with me, 'Minecraft 2'.

 

[JackAubrey]

Take that and run, Notch.

$2 billion to keep Minecraft 2 off PS4...LOL, gotta love desperate MS.

You're thinking too small.

This is bigger than one platform and silly gamer console loyalties.

 

[Trey]

2B like it's nothing. Do they even have a plan?

 

[Faustek]

Hey guys, isn't competition awesome? Isn't it great that Microsoft is in the game industry?

I see what's happening...

 

[Corto]

this would be a great source of income for MS

good for them if true

As it is, not so much. It would even be difficult to have a return on investment quickly enough. If this is going through, Microsoft must have big plans to Minecraft. Even bigger than it already is. Transmedia, aggressive merchandising, the whole show.

 

[Steverulez]

Worse deal for xbox one owners. They gain nothing and lose $2 billion in potential exclusive new titles.

Considering all the games already announced that MS are publishing for XB1, the new studios that popped up... I don't think this is an opportunity cost either/or situation...

 

[Leafhopper]

Worse deal for xbox one owners. They gain nothing and lose $2 billion in potential exclusive new titles.

You have no proof that the 2 Billion dollars that was used for this, if it happens, would have been used for game development anyway.

 

[outunderthestars]

As much as I'd hate for the IP to be Microsoft exclusive, Minecraft 2 with AAA production effort behind it would be fucking amazing.

Too much money invested to make it exclusive. There would still be ios and Android ports

 

[-tetsuo-]

Minecraft 2 finally coming out.

 

[abadguy]

I think Microsoft has given up on the Xbox: new strategy is popular content across all devices (even competitor devices).

If the deal goes through, I expect MS to wind down Xbox operations substantially.

You'd be disappointed i would imagine.

If MS does buy Minecraft I'm convinced they will never pull out of the video game market.

I'm fine with that. I like my xbox. If only Sega had something like Minecraft at the time...

 

[tuna_love]

The way it works for Sony tends to be...

They'll work with a company to make a game exclusively for PlayStation. That game ends up doing well, or they feel they have talent. Then they buy that company and cultivate them. It's like with Media Molecule. They were shopping around their LittleBigPlanet idea (Nintendo rejected it). Then Sony saw it, loved it so much they eventually purchased Media Molecule. Now they cultivate them.

It's not "hey here's a company known for making tons of games everywhere on every platform, so let's buy them so they stop making that popular game series for Xbox!"

There are a few exceptions, just like there's a few exceptions for Microsoft in reverse. But the overwhelming take away is that Microsoft feels this is the type of strategy that works for them. There's certainly an argument to be made about whether this is really negative for gamers or not, but I do interpret it that way. I have much less respect for a company who refuses to cultivate their own studios and games at the wide scale but continue to try to snatch major franchises from the mouths of other consoles just so they don't have it.

I am against Sony's exclusive DLC deals, same as I am for Microsoft. And I'm against Sony when they do deals like this one. I just think it's unhealthy for this industry.

Well they had Minecraft exclusive on console for a while and I think it did pretty well for the. Now there just cultivating them

 

[Amir0x]

You only listed reasons why Microsoft would want to buy Mojang. Can you think of a reason why Mojang would want to be bought by Microsoft?

There is never a reason simpler than "that's a shitload of money."

Additionally, Notch is a known quantity now. He can take that money, start a new studio, and now he'll still be making unique games AND he has 2 billion dollars. Who wouldn't take that deal? Well, of course there would be some who wouldn't. But there's no greater motivation then hearing you can become a friggin' billionaire. Not sure there needs to be a bigger reason

 

[krypt0nian]

Why are you assuming that $2b would then be spent on other gaming initiatives? Clearly MS see something bigger beyond standard Minecraft on XB1.

You have no proof that the 2 Billion dollars that was used for this, if it happens, would have been used for game development anyway.

Oh I don't assume it. They show little signs over the years for doing this. I'd think that xbox one owners would prefer it though.

Stockholm syndrome.

 

[Ambition]

Why would Microsoft buy Mojang? Say it with me, 'Minecraft 2'.

There is no need for a Minecraft 2

 

[The Rain King]

does MS look in the mirror and go "how can we make more people hate us today?"

They're like the ultimate villain.

 

[outunderthestars]

Minecraft 2 finally coming out.

People developers in the bloated corpse of Rare have to be reading this and worrying that are doomed to spend the rest of their lives making DLC skins for Minecraft...

 

[Seanspeed]

As much as I'd hate for the IP to be Microsoft exclusive, Minecraft 2 with AAA production effort behind it would be fucking amazing.

Really would be.

 

[inner-G]

There is no need for a Minecraft 2

I already built Minecraft 2 inside Minecraft

 

[USC-fan]

Too much money invested to make it exclusive. There would still be ios and Android ports

yeah right. Would be lucky to get a pc port. Lets be real here.

 

[mejin]

The way it works for Sony tends to be...

They'll work with a company to make a game exclusively for PlayStation. That game ends up doing well, or they feel they have talent. Then they buy that company and cultivate them. It's like with Media Molecule. They were shopping around their LittleBigPlanet idea (Nintendo rejected it). Then Sony saw it, loved it so much they eventually purchased Media Molecule. Now they cultivate them.

It's not "hey here's a company known for making tons of games everywhere on every platform, so let's buy them so they stop making that popular game series for Xbox!"

There are a few exceptions, just like there's a few exceptions for Microsoft in reverse. But the overwhelming take away is that Microsoft feels this is the type of strategy that works for them. There's certainly an argument to be made about whether this is really negative for gamers or not, but I do interpret it that way. I have much less respect for a company who refuses to cultivate their own studios and games at the wide scale but continue to try to snatch major franchises from the mouths of other consoles just so they don't have it.

I am against Sony's exclusive DLC deals, same as I am for Microsoft. And I'm against Sony when they do deals like this one. I just think it's unhealthy for this industry.

And that's why Microsoft will never ever have a studio like Naughty Dog. Their philosophy is different from Sony like day and night.

 

[Odrion]

There is no need for a Minecraft 2

LLlllllllllllllloooooooooooooooooooooooooool, this is not how things work. Microsoft will make the need for Minecraft 2.

 

[DryvBy]

Oh joy...

 

[Zombie James]

I'd be more excited if MS didn't have a history of fucking up acquisitions. Rare and Lionhead immediately come to mind.

 

[Zuhzuhzombie!!]

What about it makes no sense?


1. Minecraft is one of the biggest new IPs in years. It's one of the most talked about games period.
2. Minecraft helps leverage an audience Microsoft has traditionally had trouble gaining - children.
3. Minecraft comes with tons of associated merchandising possibilities.
4. Minecraft comes with very easy crossover potential; Halo skins, Banjo skins, Conker skins, etc.
5. Minecraft 2.0 would not be a sequel that would take a terribly long turnaround time to develop if they were serious about it, so they can start to leverage the deal for future purposes relatively quickly if they wanted to.

I'm not saying it's true, I don't know. I think it's fucked up and illustrates well why Microsoft has earned the scorn of so many gamers. But as a business strategy, I can see the clear reasons why.

These are also really good reasons to buy Rovio but that would also be a bad idea.

 

[TyrantII]

I wonder what the operating budget of ND, SP, SSM, QD, ES, and GG is combined on a 1 game per studio, 4 year dev cycle.

This seems foolish when you put it in those terms. Now think most of those studios have one in the pipe as they're finishing something else.

Why is MS so reactive and such a negative force on the industry (buying out competition, buying out exclusivity, blocking competition)? Why can't they be proactive and additive?

Is it they don't know how, or they think they can't win that way?

 

[Chris1]

Can they even pull the digital versions of minecraft from PS3/PS4? Seems strange but if so, it could be huge for MS.

If not, like I expect.. this just seems like a waste of money, that $2billion would be better spent on Capcom or something.

 

[Truespeed]

This would be a surprising move. Not only does it smell of desperation, but the amount of money they would be paying for a one trick game company doesn't really make sense. I would find it hard to believe the board of directors would even approve such a deal. Their game division has always been in the red so I'm not sure that throwing 2 Billion more into it is suddenly going to reverse their position.

 

[Bsigg12]

There is no need for a Minecraft 2

It not being based on Java says otherwise.

 

[outunderthestars]

yeah right. Would be lucky to get a pc port. Lets be real here.

MS has office apps on Mac, ios, and android. Why wouldn't they do the same with minecraft?

 

[MilesTeg]

Why would Microsoft buy Mojang? Say it with me, 'Minecraft 2'.

They could be saying:

"GTAVI"
"GTAVII"
"GTAVIII"
"GTAIX"
"GTAX"

Etc. Of course it's possible the Houser bros and company bail out after purchase.

 

[Ambition]

Microsoft will make the need for Minecraft 2.

Well I'd sure like to see that.

 

[SeanR1221]

No no guys. Phil is for the gamers! He told me himself on twitter!

 

[mreddie]

Good luck Mojang...you'll need it.

 

[Ferrio]

This would be a surprising move. Not only does it smell of desperation, but the amount of money they would be paying for a one trick game company doesn't really make sense. I would find it hard to believe the board of directors would even approve such a deal. Their game division has always been in the red so I'm not sure that throwing 2 Billion more into it is suddenly going to reverse their position.

Board: "My daughter plays minecraft all the time, we should buy it!"

Good luck Mojang...you'll need it.

I'd be surprised if a single member of mojang sticks around. That'd have to be in the actual deal, cause I know I'd bolt.

 

[EmCeeGramr]

Oh did they now?

Rare DEVELOPED Donkey Kong Country and Developed a game based off the James Bond IP, namely the Golden Eye movie.

Both IP were not created by Rare.

It's a joke about an anecdote that a Rare employee once told. Apparently shortly after getting bought out by Microsoft, some MS execs took a tour of the offices; one of them saw a Donkey Kong Country poster on the wall and believed that Microsoft now owned the Donkey Kong IP.

 

[-tetsuo-]

There is no need for a Minecraft 2

I guess you aren't counting all the money it would make?

 

[open_mouth_]

No brainer.

Microsoft could leverage this ip in ways Notch and co. can't.

A movie. A kids cartoon. Books, clothing, toys, etc. that's one aspect. A minecraft section in universal studios.

Then a minecraft upgrade (not 2.0 yet) exclusive to pc, Xbox, windows phone. Pretty big get. Still available to a wide audience but it helps Microsoft platforms the most. Current minecraft will continue to sell of course.

Then you drop the bomb with minecraft 2.0 available for those three platforms as well. Minecraft becomes synonymous with Microsoft like Mario is with Nintendo. Just treat the ip right and you got a gold mine. Microsoft's new CEO is no fool. Chances are they will do this right.

 

[Garrett Hawke]

I can't believe there are people saying this could be a good thing. I don't see anything good about a future where one company has half the third party IPs exclusive to their console.

 

[Guevara]

No no guys. Phil is for the gamers! He told me himself on twitter!

Phil's probably reading about the news same time we are. Seriously, this isn't about Xbox.

 

[Miles X]

This would be a surprising move. Not only does it smell of desperation, but the amount of money they would be paying for a one trick game company doesn't really make sense. I would find it hard to believe the board of directors would even approve such a deal. Their game division has always been in the red so I'm not sure that throwing 2 Billion more into it is suddenly going to reverse their position.

A) you're looking at it closed minded
B) Gaming division has not always been in the red. It started making pretty good bank a few years into the 360's life.

 

[LinkMaster111]

I hope not, competition is always good for us.

How is this good for anyone except Microsoft?

 

[Nintendojitsu]

Now this would make sense.
2 Billion. I can't even



A sequel, sure.

When has anything Microsoft ever done made sense?

 

[abadguy]

No brainer.

Microsoft could leverage this ip in ways Notch and co. can't.

A movie. A kids cartoon. Books, clothing, toys, etc. that's one aspect. A minecraft section in universal studios.

Then a minecraft upgrade (not 2.0 yet) exclusive to pc, Xbox, windows phone. Pretty big get. Still available to a wide audience but it helps Microsoft platforms the most. Current minecraft will continue to sell of course.

Then you drop the bomb with minecraft 2.0 available for those three platforms as well. Minecraft becomes synonymous with Microsoft like Mario is with Nintendo. Just treat the ip right and you got a gold mine. Microsoft's new CEO is no fool. Chances are they will do this right.

It would pretty much be their Pokemon. Honestly surprised they took this long to go for it.

 

[ohlawd]

As it is, not so much. It would even be difficult to have a return on investment quickly enough. If this is going through, Microsoft must have big plans to Minecraft. Even bigger than it already is. Transmedia, aggressive merchandising, the whole show.

yeah no way they'll just sit on this.

I can't wait to see what they have cooked up for the future with Minecraft

... assuming this deal is actually true. I wouldn't mind it either.

 

[FinalStageBoss]

I don't think MS would buy Minecraft and make it exclusive to one platform. It would be incredibly stupid to spend 2 billion on something like Minecraft and cut off a huge portion of it's audience.