Markus “Notch” Persson, the visionary behind Minecraft and the founder of Mojang Studios, has remained largely out of the gaming limelight since his departure from the industry nearly a decade ago. Following the sale of Mojang to Microsoft for a staggering .5 billion in 2014, Persson opted for an early retirement, stepping back from the world of game development. Yet, in a surprising twist this January, he hinted at a potential return, launching a poll on social media to gauge interest in his next venture.
With Minecraft continuing to flourish after 13 years—boasting over 300 million copies sold and inspiring a global community of players—the prospect of its original creator embarking on a new project has ignited excitement and speculation among fans.
Notch’s Post-Mojang Life
After leaving Mojang, Persson embraced a quiet life away from game development for nearly a decade. However, his recent social media poll suggested a change on the horizon. He posed a thought-provoking question to his followers: Should his next endeavor be a brand-new game, or should he consider a sequel to Minecraft?
Persson indicated that he was leaning towards a roguelike genre for his new game, yet he sought feedback from his fanbase to determine whether they preferred a fresh concept or a continuation of the beloved Minecraft universe. While pursuing a sequel would necessitate legal approval from Microsoft, creating an independent game would be entirely within his purview.
The Poll and Community Reaction
The response from the community was varied and passionate. Some fans encouraged Persson to follow his creative instincts, while others expressed a strong desire for a Minecraft 2. In his interactions, Persson reiterated his passion for game development, emphasizing that creating games is what truly brings him joy. However, he also voiced concerns about the challenges of crafting a Minecraft sequel, acknowledging that any attempt to do so without Microsoft’s involvement would be legally unfeasible. He cautioned that even a spiritual successor could risk being overshadowed by nostalgia, potentially leading to mediocrity.
Shifting Focus to Levers and Chests
Just two days after launching the poll, Persson made his decision known. Despite the enthusiastic support for a Minecraft sequel, he and his team chose to develop a roguelike dungeon crawler titled Levers and Chests.
While some fans expressed disappointment, Persson defended his choice, explaining that spiritual successors often evoke a bittersweet sense of nostalgia. He reassured his audience that the new game would provide an engaging experience, distinct yet reminiscent of his earlier work.
The Challenges of Collaboration
When discussing the possibility of collaborating with Microsoft on a Minecraft sequel, Persson maintained an open yet realistic stance. He acknowledged that such a partnership could be fraught with challenges, stating, “If Microsoft, for some reason, would want me to do it, and we, somehow, agreed on the terms, I’d absolutely be willing to do that.”
This complicated relationship may have influenced Microsoft’s decision to remove all references to Notch from Minecraft and to exclude him from the game’s tenth-anniversary celebration in 2019. Since the acquisition of Mojang, Microsoft has distanced itself from Persson, with his name appearing only in the game’s credits. This distancing stems, in part, from his controversial remarks and social media activity, particularly his involvement in the divisive “Gamergate” discussions that began in 2014.
Since the acquisition, Microsoft has not shown interest in developing a direct sequel to Minecraft, despite the original game’s monumental success as the best-selling game of all time. Several ambitious projects from Mojang Studios, including the canceled space sandbox game 0x10c, underscore the inherent risks in pursuing grand ideas.
As for Persson’s new project, details regarding its ultimate form and release date remain elusive. He has committed to creating a game that honors Minecraft’s legacy while respecting Mojang’s intellectual property. Persson has also indicated that the new title will not be story-driven but may undergo early access testing to align with community feedback.
From Notch’s recent updates, it appears that Levers and Chests will retain a voxel/pixelated art style reminiscent of Minecraft, ensuring a familiar aesthetic for fans of sandbox and creative games. With major projects like the upcoming Minecraft movie set to debut on April 4, the renewed excitement surrounding the franchise may indirectly benefit Levers and Chests, reminding players of Persson’s pivotal role in shaping one of the most influential games in history.
Disclaimer: Annenberg Media and the writer do not endorse Markus Persson’s past statements or views. This article aims to report on his return to game development and its potential impact on the gaming industry.
