Microsoft buys Mojang, Notch joins the exit, and others involved are leaving.
Microsoft buys Mojang, Notch joins the exit, and others involved are leaving.
Source: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-0...-minecraft Sorry if it's a repost, I did a quick search, found nothing. Personally, I don't see this as being a good thing. I never was big into the Minecraft scene (that's not to say that I didn't play it, I actually put the time in to learn the intricacies of redstone), but I think it was better left as an indie developer. We shall see what the future holds for the most successful indie game to date.
We've been enjoying Minecraft together for years, and it's always been our favorite game. We're worried about any changes that might affect its originality. Personally, I've heard mixed things about Notch—some say he's a sellout, others claim he left the project. But what I really respect is his journey: from a struggling developer to a multi-billionaire. GG Notch!
In general, it seems like Notch and the other founders seem to have sold out, but understanding his past (especially online) shows he wasn't driven by money. He didn't aim for a multi-billion dollar game; his focus was more on passion than profit. When Minecraft gained popularity, he kept it separate from himself. Microsoft's recent offer highlighted this shift—he accepted the deal and moved further away from both the game and Mojang as a whole.
Man... check out the sheer size of Notch's head. He was sure his big payday was near, and he expected it to be huge. Just like Notch, I wouldn't mind being ignored once I'm rich... so I'd make everyone around me think I'm quiet and modest. Then, when I finally got my fortune... it would be the perfect moment and no one would even notice. A smart guy like Notch definitely knows how to keep his ego in check and avoid showing off or acting greedy. That's exactly how he did it—now he's been rewarded big time. Lucky black hat fedora wearing motherfucker!!!
Successful indie titles are rare, don’t they? Even when some break through, how many others fall short? Possibly dozens, maybe hundreds or even thousands. Minecraft stands out as an exception among those that manage to thrive. I believe it’s highly improbable Notch anticipated a financial payoff—he didn’t just release the game for free; he was clearly aiming to profit. The EULA from earlier days clearly mentioned releasing it at no cost once its lifecycle ended. Of course, it never happened as Mojang expanded rapidly and transformed beyond Minecraft. Still, his values remained consistent. His charitable efforts and fair treatment of staff suggest he wasn’t primarily motivated by money, though there’s strong circumstantial support for that view.