In 2014, Microsoft made a significant move by acquiring Minecraft for a staggering $2.5 billion (£2 billion), solidifying its presence in the gaming industry. Recently, Microsoft further expanded its gaming empire through a historic $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the creators of the immensely popular Call of Duty franchise. This monumental deal undoubtedly has far-reaching implications for gamers and the gaming industry as a whole.Minecraft is the first video game to sell 300 million copies.
Minecraft’s enduring popularity can be attributed, in part, to its widespread influence beyond the game itself. According to Google, videos related to Minecraft on YouTube have amassed over one trillion views, highlighting its cultural impact. Even renowned YouTubers like MrBeast and PewDiePie have created Minecraft content, underscoring the game’s broad appeal.
Minecraft’s significance extends beyond entertainment, as it has been repurposed for unconventional uses, such as hosting articles authored by Jamal Khashoggi. The journalist, tragically killed by Saudi agents in 2018, used the game as a platform to bypass government censorship.
Minecraft’s sales figures have surged, with the latest announcement revealing an impressive 300 million copies sold. This marks a substantial increase from the previous figure of 238 million sales, reported in April 2021. Achieving this milestone likely involves many players purchasing multiple copies of the game. While Mojang, the developer of Minecraft, has disclosed total sales figures, it remains less transparent about the specific breakdown.
It’s important to note that the 300 million figure encompasses sales on all available platforms. This includes the original PC launch in 2011, sales on mobile devices (iOS and Android), as well as on gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo hardware. Many players acquire the game on multiple platforms, driven by the desire to experience Minecraft on different devices.
A significant factor contributing to these robust sales numbers is the ability for players to carry over their progress across platforms. By using the same login information, players can seamlessly pick up where they left off on various devices. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not all platforms support this feature, so players should check for compatibility, particularly given the existence of multiple versions of the game on PC.
In summary, Minecraft’s journey from Microsoft’s acquisition to its recent record-breaking sales figures exemplifies the enduring appeal of the game and its adaptability to various platforms, making it a cornerstone of Microsoft’s gaming empire.