Markus "Notch" Persson is the creator of Minecraft, the block-building game that became a global phenomenon. This Swedish programmer developed Minecraft independently before it grew into one of the best-selling video games of all time.
Early Development of Minecraft
Markus Persson began creating Minecraft in May 2009 while working as a game developer at King.com. Initially called "Cave Game," he developed the prototype in just six days. The game combined elements from Dwarf Fortress, Infiniminer, and his own creative vision for a sandbox building game.
Persson released the first public version on May 17, 2009, on the TIGSource forums. Players could build and explore in a simple blocky world. Despite its basic graphics, the game's creative freedom immediately attracted attention.
From Indie Project to Phenomenon
Alpha and Beta Phases
Minecraft's development followed an unusual path:
- June 2009: Pre-Classic versions released for free
- June 2010: Alpha version launched with paid access
- December 2010: Beta phase began with more features
- November 2011: Official full release at MineCon
During development, Persson regularly updated the game based on community feedback. This transparent development process helped build a dedicated fanbase who felt involved in the game's creation.
Founding Mojang Studios
In 2010, Persson co-founded Mojang AB (later Mojang Studios) with Jakob Porsér and Carl Manneh. The company name comes from the Swedish word "mojäng," meaning "gadget." This allowed Persson to work on Minecraft full-time as sales exceeded his salary at King.com.
The Microsoft Acquisition
On September 15, 2014, Microsoft announced it would acquire Mojang Studios for $2.5 billion. Persson decided to leave the company after the sale, stating he wanted to return to smaller projects and escape the pressure of owning such a massive game.
Key facts about the sale:
- Persson owned 71% of Mojang at the time
- He received approximately $1.8 billion from the sale
- Microsoft has continued developing Minecraft across all platforms
- The game has sold over 300 million copies since the acquisition
Notch's Role Today
After leaving Mojang, Markus Persson no longer works on Minecraft. The game is now developed by Mojang Studios under Microsoft's ownership, with Jens "Jeb" Bergensten serving as the lead developer since 2011.
Persson occasionally creates small experimental games and prototypes but hasn't released another major title. He maintains a low profile in the gaming industry, focusing on personal projects and investments.
Minecraft's Other Key Developers
While Persson created Minecraft, several others played crucial roles:
Jens Bergensten (Jeb):
- Joined Mojang in 2010
- Lead developer since December 2011
- Responsible for many updates including redstone improvements and new biomes
Nathan Adams (Dinnerbone):
- Joined in 2012
- Worked on multiplayer improvements and commands
Agnes Larsson:
- Became lead developer for Minecraft Java Edition in 2020
- First female lead developer in Minecraft's history
Minecraft's Legacy
The creator of Minecraft built more than just a game—he started a cultural phenomenon. Today, Minecraft is:
- The best-selling video game of all time
- An educational tool used in schools worldwide
- A platform for creativity with millions of user creations
- Available on virtually every gaming platform
Conclusion
Markus "Notch" Persson created Minecraft in 2009, transforming a simple cave-building prototype into gaming history. While he no longer works on the game after selling Mojang to Microsoft in 2014, his creation continues to inspire millions of players worldwide. The answer to "who is the creator of Minecraft" remains simple: Notch built the foundation that became the world's most successful sandbox game.