Category: Finance | Title: Who Owns Minecraft and What Is Their Net Worth | Tag: Minecraft Net Worth | Meta Description: Facts about the owners of Minecraft, their net worth, and the companies behind the game...
Who Owns Minecraft
Minecraft is owned by Microsoft, which acquired Mojang Studios, the game's original developer, in 2014 for 2.5 billion USD. The deal transferred all intellectual property rights, including the Minecraft brand, to Microsoft. Markus Persson, known as Notch, created Minecraft and founded Mojang, but he sold his majority stake and left the company after the acquisition. Forbes reported the acquisition details. Today, Mojang operates as a Microsoft subsidiary, and the Minecraft franchise is managed under Microsoft Gaming.
Microsoft is the legal owner of Minecraft and all related assets. The game is published and distributed by Microsoft, with Mojang Studios continuing to develop updates and manage the Minecraft community. Microsoft's ownership places Minecraft within one of the largest gaming and technology ecosystems in the world, alongside Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and other major franchises.
Net Worth of Minecraft Owners
Markus Persson, the creator and original owner of Minecraft, had an net worth estimated at 1.7 billion USD by Forbes in 2014, driven largely by the Minecraft sale and his earlier Mojang shares. After selling his stake to Microsoft, Persson's wealth shifted from active Minecraft earnings to diversified investments and other ventures. He is no longer involved with Minecraft or Mojang.
Microsoft's ownership of Minecraft contributes to the company's overall market value, which exceeded 3 trillion USD in 2024, making it one of the most valuable companies globally. While Microsoft does not break out Minecraft revenue separately, the game remains a major part of its gaming division, which includes Xbox hardware, Game Pass subscriptions, and third-party titles. Microsoft's SEC filings list gaming revenue segments.
Minecraft Ownership and Revenue Structure
Minecraft generates revenue through game sales, in-game purchases, Minecraft Marketplace, and Minecraft Legends and other spin-offs. Microsoft bundles Minecraft with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC subscribers, expanding its user base while earning recurring subscription revenue. The game is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
Mojang Studios, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, continues to operate under Microsoft's gaming division. The studio employs hundreds of developers and focuses on Minecraft updates, community features, and new content. Forbes covered the Microsoft acquisition and has since tracked Minecraft's commercial performance as part of Microsoft's broader gaming strategy.