The gaming world is abuzz as Markus “Notch” Persson, the creator of the iconic Minecraft, has hinted at a potential spiritual successor to the beloved sandbox game. With a poll on social media and cryptic comments, Persson has reignited interest in his creative journey, leaving fans wondering: Is Minecraft 2 finally on the horizon? Here’s everything we know so far.
The Backstory of Minecraft and Its Creator
Minecraft, originally developed by Markus Persson’s studio Mojang, took the gaming world by storm when it launched in 2011. Offering limitless creativity through its block-building mechanics, it quickly became a global phenomenon.
- Microsoft Acquisition: In 2014, Persson sold Mojang to Microsoft for $2.5 billion, stepping away from the game to explore other ventures.
- Controversial History: Over the years, Persson has faced backlash for controversial statements, leading Microsoft to remove his name from Minecraft’s opening credits. Despite this, his influence on the gaming world remains undeniable.
What’s Been Announced About Minecraft 2?
1. The Social Media Poll
In a poll posted on X (formerly Twitter), Persson asked followers to choose between two potential projects:
- A spiritual successor to Minecraft.
- A traditional roguelike combined with a tile-based first-person dungeon crawler, which Persson claims to be “passionately working on.”
Despite Persson’s enthusiasm for the roguelike project, the poll’s results were clear:
- 81.5% of 286,962 votes (over 233,000) favored the idea of a Minecraft successor.
- Persson himself admitted defeat, humorously pleading for support for the roguelike but acknowledging the demand for a Minecraft-like game.
2. Notch’s Remarks on Minecraft 2
In response to the poll’s results, Notch stated:
- “I basically announced Minecraft 2.”
- He expressed a renewed love for game development and indicated that he is open to creating a spiritual successor to Minecraft.
While he clarified that he’s not attached to any particular project, Persson seemed genuinely intrigued by the idea of revisiting the blocky sandbox concept that brought him global acclaim.
Could Notch Collaborate with Microsoft?
Persson addressed the potential of working with Microsoft on this successor:
- “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.”
- He added that he would offer Microsoft a larger share of the project to demonstrate his good intentions but admitted he might be “difficult to work with.”
This openness marks a surprising shift in tone, considering his past criticism of Microsoft following their acquisition of Mojang.
What Do We Know About Minecraft 2?
1. Release Date
As of now, Minecraft 2 has not been officially confirmed, and no release date has been announced. Persson’s comments indicate that the project is still in its conceptual stages.
2. Platforms
Minecraft’s original success was due, in part, to its widespread accessibility, being available on platforms ranging from PC and consoles to mobile devices and VR. A Minecraft 2 would likely follow suit, aiming to reach as many players as possible across:
- PlayStation 5 and 4
- Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
- PC and Mobile Devices
Why Does Minecraft 2 Matter?
Minecraft has achieved legendary status in gaming, with its endless creative possibilities and vibrant modding community. Fans are naturally excited about a potential sequel, but questions remain:
- What Would Minecraft 2 Add? Minecraft has been continuously updated with new features, biomes, and mechanics, making the original game feel fresh even years after release. A sequel would need to offer groundbreaking innovations to justify its existence.
- Can Notch Recapture the Magic? While Persson’s vision was instrumental in Minecraft’s success, Microsoft and Mojang have carried the game forward since his departure. Fans are curious whether Notch can deliver a successor that rivals or surpasses the original.
What Fans Are Saying
The prospect of a spiritual successor has sparked mixed reactions:
- Some fans are excited about the idea of a new sandbox experience designed by Minecraft’s original creator.
- Others question whether a sequel is necessary, given the ongoing evolution of the original game.
Conclusion: Is Minecraft 2 Happening?
While Minecraft 2 isn’t officially confirmed, Markus Persson’s comments and the overwhelming support for a successor suggest it’s a real possibility. Whether or not it becomes a reality, fans can rest assured that the original Minecraft will continue to evolve, offering endless opportunities for creativity and exploration.
Stay tuned for updates as we learn more about this exciting development in gaming history!