Markus “Notch” Persson, the original creator of Minecraft, has announced he’s developing a spiritual successor to the iconic game. While Microsoft owns Minecraft and Mojang Studios, Persson retains the right to create games inspired by his original concept. This announcement follows Persson’s departure from Mojang after selling the company to Microsoft in 2014.
Persson revealed his plans on X (formerly Twitter), following a poll asking his 3.6 million followers whether they preferred a Minecraft-like game or “Uncursing Potions,” a project he compared to Stardew Valley. Unsurprisingly, the “Minecraft 2” concept won overwhelmingly.
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Persson acknowledged the potential pitfalls of spiritual successors, admitting they can often feel derivative or uninspired. However, he expressed his renewed passion for game development and a desire to create something fans genuinely want. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and ethical development, ensuring his project doesn’t infringe on the ongoing work of Mojang and Microsoft. He even praised Microsoft for allowing Mojang to maintain its creative autonomy.
Notch’s Vision for a New Block-Building Experience
Persson stated, “I basically announced Minecraft 2… I’m loving working on games again.” He explained his decision to revisit the familiar block-building genre stemmed from the positive response from his followers. He seems less concerned about which game he makes first and more focused on creating something enjoyable.
Funding and Development Plans
Persson’s financial success allows him significant freedom in his development process. Though the scale of the project is unclear, his comments suggest a smaller, possibly solo endeavor. He acknowledges past failures and emphasizes his intention to use his resources for good.
Respecting Mojang and Microsoft
Persson was careful to emphasize his respect for Mojang and Microsoft, stating he intends to avoid infringing on their work with the current Minecraft IP. He acknowledges and respects their ownership and ongoing development of the original game.
The Future of Notch’s New Game
While details about the game remain scarce, Persson’s announcement has generated considerable excitement. The prospect of the original Minecraft creator revisiting the genre holds significant appeal for fans. Whether the game lives up to the high expectations remains to be seen.
