I know a lot of people believe that MS will ruin Minecraft, but I disagree.

$2.5B is a lot to pay for a single title that's in the mature phase of it's life cycle.

They would be fools to damage the brand name or do something to anger the community. According to this article it was a strategic purchase for their mobile business.

"Games remain one of the biggest categories of apps, including those for mobile devices. Adding one of the most popular offerings could help bolster Microsoft’s Windows series of devices, including phones and tablets."

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/09/15/microsoft-to-buy-creator-of-minecraft-for-2-5-billion/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

Personally, the only thing that would push me away, is if they went the in-game purchase route.  ...Only $10 for a diamond pickaxe..

18 Billion Swedish Kronor....jesus fucking christ!!   It's so much money it makes my head spin!

Notch has succeded in life. Can live freely from now on.

So Microsoft will release Minecraft for their phones. Ok.

I think they'll go heavy on merchandise and eventually do a Minecraft 2.

RIP Minecraft.  It was nice knowing you.

I'd say it's great, but it seems Notch just wants to crawl into a hole and avoid the world, so he's probably not going to do anything revolutionary with his... extensive budget.

I can't call it bad though, Microsoft may not be modder friendly, but when have they ever released a modder friendly product?  Minecraft already is, a little late to shoot yourself in the head and start removing aspects from the game you just shelled out billions for.

I'll take a wait and see approach.

I'm glad they didn't buy out Brad.

Tremendous success for Notch, this catapulted him to the wealthiest elite. Quite an exception, not having to wait in a line of corporate bigwigs, polish someone's backhole or waiting for an elderly family member to kick the bucket. 

For 2.5 billion, it was really a no-brainer, can't imagine anyone saying no to such an offer. 

Why would he crawl into a hole? I bet he will throw parties and drink proudly. 

He'd crawl into a hole because he doesn't like being visible.  He's stated that if he ever does anything that gets a lot of attention like Minecraft did, he'll drop the project.  He likes experimenting, doesn't seem to like success.  I'm sure the money is nice though, he'll be extremely comfortable while he experiments in obscurity.

Boo boo. I had to google search mine craft to find out what it even was. Its not the end of the world and microsoft isn't evil, apple is. From what I can see its just so it can be a phone game, and considering the crap people are currently using its going to be a blessing for many people.

Everyone relax!

DARCA

From what I understand, he became a symbol that he didn't want to be. It came with a level of responsibility and hostility he did not expect or sign up for. This sale has come after it became too much for him.

I suppose this is another warning of what this industry is like. If you do something, you might become big. If you become big then you become a focal point of for people's hopes and dreams... and the target of other people's problems.