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p>Microsoft pays $2.5bn for Minecraft maker Mojang By Joe Miller Technology reporter, BBC News

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p>Microsoft has bought Mojang, the Swedish firm that developed the popular video game Minecraft for $2.5bn (PS1.5bn).

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p>The title, which has sold over 54 million copies, allows players to build structures with Lego-like blocks and also explore a large map and fight against other players.

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p>Phil Spencer, chief Xbox executive announced the deal.

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p>Mojang, whose three founders have decided to leave the company, has assured its customers that "everything is going to be fine".

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p>Analysts believe that the deal is meant to increase Microsoft's Windows Phone users.

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p>The acquisition comes one year after Microsoft purchased the handset and devices division of Finnish mobile phone manufacturer Nokia.

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p>Minecraft is one of the top-selling apps on both the Apple iOS store and Android's Google Play, and has recently been made available for the Xbox One and PlayStation? 4 and has boosted sales even more.

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p>In the month of March it was the third most-loved console game according to market research firm NPD Group, despite being available for sale for a few days.

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p>The game's creator, Mojang, which was founded in 2009, made more than $100 million in profits in the last fiscal year, and employs about 40 employees.

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p>Microsoft announced that the Mojang team would be joining its game studio, which is responsible games like Halo, Forza, and Fable.

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p>The tech giant's chief executive, Satya Nadella, said: "Minecraft is more than a great game franchise. It's an open world platform, driven by a lively community that we are deeply involved in and full of exciting opportunities for this community and for Microsoft."

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p>Opposition to the sale

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p>Markus "Notch", Mojang's founder, has previously criticised Microsoft and commented to Reuters that there was a niche market for Windows phones, but it wasn't something worth developing applications for.

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p>Minecraft has a huge and enthusiastic fan base, many of whom have reacted angrily to what they perceive as the corporate takeover of an independent company that is spirited and community-oriented.

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p>"Makes me sick, and sad," wrote one user on a popular Minecraft forum. "It could end the gaming community,"" EvilBatsu? added.

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p>Others expressed concerns about whether their talents would be showcased by their fans.

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p>"It will not just cost more to play the game, but it could also cause people to lose their jobs." Many players play Minecraft and upload it to YouTube? as a way to earn money but if Microsoft is the new owner, there will definitely be copyright issues."

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p>Some gamers suggested that Microsoft could use more resources on expansions to the game and enhancements.

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p>In an announcement, Microsoft said it would keep Minecraft across all its existing platforms, and a "commitment to nurture and develop in the long run".

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p>It stated that the acquisition was expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

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p>In a statement that confirmed the deal on its website, Mojang reassured gamers, declaring: "Please remember that the future of Minecraft and you - the community - are crucial to everyone involved. If you take anything away from this post please let it be that."

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p>With regard to Microsoft, Mojang said: "There are only a handful of potential buyers who have the resources to develop Minecraft to the scale it is deserved."

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p>The company also stated that "Notch" has decided that he "doesn't want to be a part of an enterprise with such global importance".

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p>Developer Notch on selling Minecraft:

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p>"I've become an icon. I don't want to be a significator, responsible for something huge that I don't understand and do not want to work on, that constantly comes back to me. I'm not an entrepreneur. I'm not a chief executive officer.

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p>Read his statement in full

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p>Why Minecraft?

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p>James McQuivey? of analytics firm Forrester, noted that "Minecraft is one of the most important gaming properties in the world".

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p>"Not only is it profitable however, it continues to increase in terms of profits even after its launch, largely because of the ardent player base that invests in creating their own Minecraft worlds.

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p>"That helps explain why Microsoft would be interested in Minecraft and would like to ensure that it's always accessible on Microsoft's gaming platforms.

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p>Prof. Mark Skilton, from Warwick Business School Prof Mark Skilton, from Warwick Business School, said the acquisition was about creating the "strong customer base" for Microsoft. https://zenwriting.net/jawscarf56/1-who-is-wisp </p>

p>"The online gaming industry is fast moving from niche collective enthusiast to mass market , and Minecraft is a sensible choice as large businesses follow the traffic numbers in the digital world."

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p>Amazon purchased Twitch last month for $970 million (PS597m).

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p>"It's about my sanity."

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p>Microsoft is'set to purchase Minecraft'

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p>Microsoft completes Nokia phone deal

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p>Microsoft

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p>NPD Group

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