Minecraft Xbox One And PS4 Update: 'Mojong Bought Out For $2.5B', Game Now Belongs To Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) Studios Family
According to published reports, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) now owns Minecraft after acquiring Mojong - it's official confirms latinpost.com among other news outlets. Microsoft has bought 'Minecraft' developer Mojong for a pricey $2.5 billion and it looks like the Redmond, Seattle-based tech giant is ready to test its luck in the video gaming business. Microsoft will be adding Mojong to its accumulation of video game studios.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Game Studios, said via Twitter, that 'Mojong had been bought out.' It's official, today we welcome Mojang to the Microsoft Studios family. We're excited for the possibilities ahead w/the Minecraft community.
- Phil Spencer (@XboxP3)
Polygon reports Microsoft will add Mojong to its internal studio segment that includes "Gears of Wars" maker Black Tusk Studios and "Halo" developer 343 Industries. Microsoft also said it will not stop making Minecraft versions for Android, PS3, Windows PC and iOS.
However, for Apple iOS users who cannot get Minecraft, Johan Bernhardsson Mojang developer tweeted the "Minecraft Pocket Edition", the latest build, would be passed on to Apple:
"Johan Bernhardsson @jbernhardsson
We have no idea why build 8 did not go out to people. One more day of testing...and then submit to Apple."
The move to jump into video games comes on the heels of a turnaround after losing out to Apple and Google in the smartphone race. It's also too early to tell if the Nokia acquisition can compete with Apple's giant screen smartphones, the recently unveiled iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. The result was more acquisitions, which also replaced former CEO Steve Ballmer for the new man at the helm, Satya Nadella.
