Microsoft is distancing itself from Minecraft creator Markus 'Notch' Persson

[Shawn Knight]

The big picture: Microsoft's move might seem like a snub but the truth is, they have no obligation – legal, moral or otherwise – to involve Persson in future Minecraft-related matters, especially if they believe he could tarnish the brand. A check for $2.5 billion afforded them that right.

Microsoft is distancing itself from Minecraft creator Markus “Notch” Persson. The developer will not be taking place in an upcoming event to celebrate the “past, present and exciting future of the decade-old franchise,” a Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed to Variety.

Persson released the first version of Minecraft to the public on May 17, 2009, and updated it incrementally until the first full version dropped on November 18, 2011. By that time, Persson had quit his job and launched Mojang as the game’s official studio.

Things accelerated rapidly from that point and on September 15, 2014, Microsoft agreed to buy the studio and the full rights to Minecraft for a whopping $2.5 billion.

Although Persson hasn’t been involved in Minecraft since that time, his name still appears in the credits and up until recently, was featured in random splash text messages on the game’s opening menu screen. Those have been removed as of the most recent patch.

The Microsoft spokesperson told Variety that Persson’s comments and opinions do not reflect those of Microsoft or Mojang and are not representative of Minecraft.

Lead image courtesy rafapress via Shutterstock

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https://www.techspot.com/news/79855-microsoft-distancing-itself-minecraft-creator-markus-notch-persson.html

 

[Trillionsin]

Seems that removing all credit is morally despicable... In my opinion, without knowing what's he's said, if he's said anything out of line anyways... shouldnt matter, but I dont know.

The Microsoft spokesperson told Variety that Persson’s comments and opinions do not reflect those of Microsoft or Mojang and are not representative of Minecraft.

So, did he say or do something that made them take this action? This action, being removing his credit..

 

[texasrattler]

Again, $2.5 billion gives them the right to do what they want. That does include not saying anything about why. They don't owe him or any of us a explanation. It's now their game/software not his.
This could have been a private matter or if he did say something publicly, they simply don't want any of his views representing them. Either way it's their right.

 

[Trillionsin]

No amount of money changes who developed and/or created something. Doesnt matter what it is.

I guess this is just my opinion..

 

[gigantor21]

Seems that removing all credit is morally despicable... In my opinion, without knowing what's he's said, if he's said anything out of line anyways... shouldnt matter, but I dont know.

The Microsoft spokesperson told Variety that Persson’s comments and opinions do not reflect those of Microsoft or Mojang and are not representative of Minecraft.

So, did he say or do something that made them take this action? This action, being removing his credit..

Notch has said a LOT of stupid, straight up awful stuff on social media over the years--about race, about gays and lesbians, and so on--that no sane company would ever want associated with their kid-friendly IP. I don't blame them for distancing themselves in light of that.

 

[ghostf1re]

Seems that removing all credit is morally despicable... In my opinion, without knowing what's he's said, if he's said anything out of line anyways... shouldnt matter, but I dont know.

The Microsoft spokesperson told Variety that Persson’s comments and opinions do not reflect those of Microsoft or Mojang and are not representative of Minecraft.

So, did he say or do something that made them take this action? This action, being removing his credit..

Notch has said a LOT of stupid, straight up awful stuff on social media over the years--about race, about gays and lesbians, and so on--that no sane company would ever want associated with their kid-friendly IP. I don't blame them for distancing themselves in light of that.

Is this something that has made any kind of tech or gaming news, because if it has, I haven't heard of it. I'm not saying it never happened, but considered today's political climate, it should have made some kind of news. I'd love to know about what this guy said, because I didn't know there was any sort of controversy surrounding him.

One way or the other, Microsoft bought out the rights to the game and the original creator isn't even involved anymore, so they can do whatever they please. It's their property now.

 

[Trillionsin]

Notch has said a LOT of stupid, straight up awful stuff on social media over the years--about race, about gays and lesbians, and so on--that no sane company would ever want associated with their kid-friendly IP. I don't blame them for distancing themselves in light of that.

Thanks for explaining, I'll have to take your word on that for now without any citations or sources.

 

[gamoniac]

Seems that removing all credit is morally despicable... In my opinion, without knowing what's he's said, if he's said anything out of line anyways... shouldnt matter, but I dont know.

The Microsoft spokesperson told Variety that Persson’s comments and opinions do not reflect those of Microsoft or Mojang and are not representative of Minecraft.

So, did he say or do something that made them take this action? This action, being removing his credit..

This is from a pretty reputable site: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019...ch-persson-out-of-minecraft-10th-anniversary/

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Microsoft, as mojang's owner are free to do as they please.

If I was Notch, I wouldnt really care as I cried into my $100 bills. Or alternatively, I never would have never sold minecraft in the first place, but whatever. I doubt a billionare whom isnt afraid to voice his opinions no matter how politically incorrect really cares if his name is removed from a product he sold years ago, especially as it is widely known what he made.

You could also argue that this is scrubbing people who go against certain political ideologies from history to promote an agenda, but I doubt that is the motivation or goal here, its just a big company protecting their precious pearl clutching shareholders.

 

[Squid Surprise]

No amount of money changes who developed and/or created something. Doesnt matter what it is.

I guess this is just my opinion..

They didn't remove his name... it's still in the credits... they've just removed the in-game references to him as well as not inviting him to their event...

 

[gamoniac]

Microsoft, as mojang's owner are free to do as they please.

If I was Notch, I wouldnt really care as I cried into my $100 bills. Or alternatively, I never would have never sold minecraft in the first place, but whatever. I doubt a billionare whom isnt afraid to voice his opinions no matter how politically incorrect really cares if his name is removed from a product he sold years ago, especially as it is widely known what he made.

You could also argue that this is scrubbing people who go against certain political ideologies from history to promote an agenda, but I doubt that is the motivation or goal here, its just a big company protecting their precious pearl clutching shareholders.

It's the other way around. They removed his name because of things he has said.

 

[Trillionsin]

They didn't remove his name... it's still in the credits... they've just removed the in-game references to him as well as not inviting him to their event...

Then the article is unclear and needs to be worded properly.

Although Persson hasn’t been involved in Minecraft since that time, his name still appears in the credits and up until recently, was featured in random splash text messages on the game’s opening menu screen. Those have been removed as of the most recent patch.

I interpret this as "Those" in the sentence "Those have been removed as of the most recent patch" As I understand you are suggesting that "Those" is only referring to the random splash text messages on the game's opening menu screen. There's no way you could really know what the writer intended, but there's other ways for you to know for certain.

After re-reading it a couple times, my best assumption would be that you are correct and my original interpretation was incorrect. Thanks for pointing that out. I just think it could have been worded a little better.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Microsoft, as mojang's owner are free to do as they please.

If I was Notch, I wouldnt really care as I cried into my $100 bills. Or alternatively, I never would have never sold minecraft in the first place, but whatever. I doubt a billionare whom isnt afraid to voice his opinions no matter how politically incorrect really cares if his name is removed from a product he sold years ago, especially as it is widely known what he made.

You could also argue that this is scrubbing people who go against certain political ideologies from history to promote an agenda, but I doubt that is the motivation or goal here, its just a big company protecting their precious pearl clutching shareholders.

It's the other way around. They removed his name because of things he has said.

My comment didnt state otherwise, so I'm confused as to why you quoted me?

Of course MS is removing Notch's mention from the game because of what he said, because nothing scared big companies (and their shareholders)more then naughty opinions and shitposting. And like I said, I doubt Notch actually GAF about it, because hes a billionaire that sold off his work. It doesnt hurt him in the slightest, and someone willing to go against the political gran publicly is not the type of person to be emotionally hurt by something like this.