Notch :
"I don’t see myself as a real game developer. I make games because it’s fun, and because I love games and I love to program, but I don’t make games with the intention of them becoming huge hits, and I don’t try to change the world. Minecraft certainly became a huge hit, and people are telling me it’s changed games. I never meant for it to do either. It’s certainly flattering, and to gradually get thrust into some kind of public spotlight is interesting.
A relatively long time ago, I decided to step down from Minecraft development. Jens was the perfect person to take over leading it, and I wanted to try to do new things. At first, I failed by trying to make something big again, but since I decided to just stick to small prototypes and interesting challenges, I’ve had so much fun with work. I wasn’t exactly sure how I fit into Mojang where people did actual work, but since people said I was important for the culture, I stayed."
Mojang has partnered with Merlin Entertainments to build the world's first Minecraft theme park in the UK.
Not everything needs to go free-to-play!
I'm pretty sure that the vast majority of money Minecraft makes these days is from DLC, so going f2p would make a lot of sense. But given how cheap the game actually is ($30 for consoles/PC and $7 on mobile) I don't think it would make that much of diference.
If 50% of all kids buy just one copy of this game (made up number but not unrealistic as the game has become almost a rites of passage) then Microsoft is doing great by being paid for each copy.
it would actually make no sense to go f2p.
If you can charge something for the basegame and people pay for it (obviously they are still doing it) then going f2p would be idiotic.
Puting a entry price on anything also reduces it potential player base and therefore its paying costumer for DLC. That mind you likely make the bulk of Minecraft revenue. That is basic business since at least a decade, so I would get in with the times.
Funny how they and their parent company have different views on subscription-based delivery.
Our ability to support PlayStation VR has come to an end, and will no longer be supported in updates after March of 2025.
so i assume PSVR2 is not going to take its place. That's a shame as I do think it could benefit from the VR2 improved fidelity and controls.
Well, they did just announce a native PS5 version the other day. Maybe there's hope, but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Never was a Minecraft fan, so no more support isn’t a big deal for me.
What I would like for Xbox and Bethesda to do is update Skyrim VR to be playable on the PSVR2. That’s the only game I want out of the Xbox catalog.
I wasn't a Minecraft fan until VR. It heightened the experience for me, but I prefer to use texture packs to improve the look a little bit.
I'm slightly bummed about the drop of PSVR support bc I was starting co-op w my daughter w this. Her on the PSVR Minecraft, and myself on the PC version w my Quest 2. :\
Thank you & good luck for the future, and give a million dollars to me for being supportive.
I don't think you always say it's about money. Notch didn't want the spotlight and responsibilities so he sold his company. Obviously he's going to sell it for as much as he could get.
i dont get this guy. he sold out and leaves his baby behind like it means nothing to him. this is what i was afraid of. In a few month nobody from the original team will be left and M$ will have total creative freedom and omg i just dont know if this will end well. M$ has driven the car in the wrong direction for a long time now.
Edit: I remember when they criticized Oculus for selling out to Facebook and now he has done the same as if he would not make enough money already.
I find the timing of this announcement interesting considering it's right after Microsoft announced the acquisition. Kinda of an FU to MS. Also, looks like he is tired of all the nasty gamer trolls.
WOW!!! I wish Notch the best of luck. My children are going to be depressed. I guess he's right about being a symbol to many. My advice, buy a nice cabin up on a mountain top somewhere where its nice and quiet. Then again, with all the money that you have made, just buy the damn mountain. Peace!!