Mojang Studios, the developer of the immensely popular sandbox video game Minecraft, announced a new milestone that has caught the gaming community’s attention. With more than 300 million copies sold globally, Minecraft has eclipsed its nearest competitor, Grand Theft Auto V, which has sold 185 million copies as of August 2023.
The announcement comes after a previous sales figure of 238 million was reported in April 2021, indicating a significant jump in sales in a relatively short period. Helen Chiang, the head of Minecraft Studios, described the achievement as a “milestone no one could have dreamed of.”
While Minecraft’s sales are impressive, it still has some way to go before catching up with the industry’s top franchises. Super Mario retains its position as the best-selling franchise of all time, with over 800 million copies sold across various games in the series. Tetris isn’t far behind, boasting over 520 million copies sold since its inception in the 1980s, a figure greatly boosted by mobile sales.
Minecraft’s success also reflects well on its corporate parent, Microsoft, which acquired Mojang Studios in 2014 for a whopping $2.5 billion. The game has become a cornerstone in Microsoft’s gaming portfolio, particularly in light of its recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Interestingly, Minecraft’s influence isn’t confined to the gaming world. YouTube videos related to the game have been viewed over one trillion times, showcasing its immense cultural impact. The game has even been used for unconventional tasks, such as hosting articles to bypass censorship, widening its scope beyond entertainment.
One factor contributing to Minecraft’s booming sales is its availability across a wide array of platforms, including PC, mobile devices, and various gaming consoles. Some players have purchased the game on multiple platforms, a testament to its broad appeal and versatile user experience. Generally, players can carry over their progress between different platforms, although there are some compatibility considerations.