Microsoft set to buy Minecraft's developer Mojang according to reports by Leo Kelion Technology desk editor
The video games studio behind Minecraft is in talks to be bought by Microsoft, according to reports.
It has been suggested that Mojang could sell for more than $2bn (PS1.2bn).
The Swedish studio claimed that it had sold 54 million copies of its world-building title in June. Since then, it has been released for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 and has boosted sales even more.
Mojang's founder, Markus "Notch" Persson has previously publicly criticised Microsoft.
Prior to the release of the Windows 8 operating system, Mr. Smith claimed that the company was "trying to ruin the PC as an open platform" because it had wanted to validate third-party games prior to their release.
He was also a staunch advocate of independent studios. In 2012, he said: "The more studios can be free of the publisher system, the more games will be developed out love rather than profits."
However, according to Bloomberg news agency, it was Mr Persson who "reached out" to Microsoft in the last few months.
The report said that a source suggested that if the deal went through the deal would be approved, Mr Persson would be able to assist with the transition, but it was likely to leave afterward.
The New York Times reported that Persson would be leaving within six months. However the person who was briefed about discussions said that Persson was likely to leave within six months. However, Mojang wanted to keep its younger developers.
Microsoft spokespersons said they do not comment on speculation or rumours.
Mojang declined to respond to. The BBC's questions were not addressed by Mr Persson.
Virtual world
Minecraft was first released in the year 2011 and has since become the third bestselling game ever and an international phenomenon.
London's Victoria and Albert Museum hosted an evening to explore its design culture. Lego has made spinoff toys, Ordnance Survey created a version for mainland Great Britain in the game, and Denmark has constructed an scale model.
The title is set in a virtual universe composed of cubes of various materials, such as dirt and rocks. MINECRAFT SERVERS These cubes can be used to create blocks or transformed into usable raw materials.
The blocks can be used to build shelters or even weapons to defend themselves from the zombies and other creatures that are in the game.
They can also engage in huge construction projects to develop their creativity.
One extreme example was the creation of a virtual hard drive that could be used for work.
Mojang has worked on a variety of titles, but they have either not achieved Minecraft's success - like the role-playing game (RPG) Scrolls - or been put on hold until completion - such as 0x10c, a space-themed game that Mr Persson was working on up until last year.
'Worried gamers'
The Wall Street Journal first reported on negotiations between Mojang, Microsoft and that they might end this week.
It also noted that this will be the first multibillion-dollar acquisition by Satya Nadella (Microsoft's chief executive) since he took over the management of the company.
Harry Bradshaw, who interviewed Mr. Persson via Twitch and stated that a lot of gamers would be worried by the news.
He added that there have been instances in the past where big corporations took another's game, and transformed it into a massive flip to test the amount they could earn,"
"Gamers will naturally be worried about this.
"And I am still unsure the reason Mojang is able to make such a huge profit when it's the most popular PC game ever and still sells thousands of copies every day."
One market watcher said that it was unlikely that Microsoft will pull its existing Minecraft games off sale for the PlayStation, Mac, Android, Linux and other rival platforms.
He suggested that Microsoft's system could be preferred when it comes to future products.
"Minecraft is among the top IPs (intellectual property) within the gaming industry that is potentially acquirable," said Piers Harding-Rolls the lead games analyst at the consulting firm IHS.
"The brand has the potential to continue growth over the next ten years,"
"So, as an investment - even one at a very high cost, it still offers value for larger companies trying to acquire exclusive rights to a highly-engaged franchise."
Minecraft maker shelves games
19 August 2013
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IHS
New York Times
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