Minecraft was originally created by Markus Persson, the Swedish game developer known online as Notch. Minecraft’s official credits list him as “Original Creator of Minecraft.” The game’s first PC version appeared in 2009, followed by its full release in 2011. Persson’s creator credit recognizes his foundational role; it does not mean he alone made every part of the game that followed.
Who created Minecraft?
Minecraft’s official credits identify Markus Persson as its “Original Creator of Minecraft.” Persson is better known to players by his online name, Notch. That is the clearest answer to “Who created Minecraft?”
The same credits distinguish Persson, listed among Mojang Studios alumni, from the studio’s contemporary contributors. “Original creator” describes his foundational role; Minecraft’s later development and stewardship involved a broader team, and the community also became an important part of the game’s story.
When was Minecraft created and released?
Minecraft’s official overview places its first PC version in 2009 and its full release in 2011. Those milestones answer different questions: 2009 marks the game’s first version, while 2011 marks its full release.
#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
What happened to Minecraft after its early development?
In September 2014, Microsoft announced an agreement to acquire Mojang for $2.5 billion. Microsoft said Mojang’s team would join Microsoft Studios and reported that the founders were moving on to new projects. This was a major change in the game’s stewardship, not a change to the official attribution of Persson as its original creator.
Microsoft’s announcement also reported more than 100 million PC downloads since Minecraft’s 2009 launch. That is a historical figure reported by Microsoft in 2014—not a current player count.
Rank #2
- Skins! We have biome settlers, city folk, town folk, and more!
- The Nether and all its inhabitants. Fight Ghasts and make friends with Pigmen
- Cross platform play for up to five players between Pocket Edition and Windows 10
- Revamped touch controls, controller support, and a controller mapping screen
- Enhanced Weather effects! Accumulating snow and more
The announcement framed Minecraft as more than a game franchise. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called it “an open world platform, driven by a vibrant community we care deeply about,” while Mojang CEO Carl Manneh said players had taken the game beyond the company’s expectations. Both comments were made in the context of the acquisition announcement, rather than as independent measurements of the game’s reach.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why is Minecraft’s community part of its story?
In a 2020 article marking Minecraft’s 11th birthday, Mojang Studios described the game’s beginnings in Stockholm as humble and emphasized the community’s importance to its development and success. That context helps explain why Minecraft’s history is larger than a single creator’s credit: Persson originated the game, while later contributors and players helped shape what it became.
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Best Value
- The Minecraft Labyrinth invites 2-4 people aged 7 and over to immerse themselves in the world of Minecraft, move corridors and search for hidden characters and items
- The classic in the look of the well-known and popular computer game Minecraft! The labyrinth has been delighting children and adults for decades and has become a highlight among board games
- A fun family game for children and adults: This board game for ages 7 and up is a must-have in any game collection! Simple rules, entertaining games and exciting rounds ensure long-lasting fun
- A search and slide game that challenges and encourages logical thinking in a playful way
- A great gift or souvenir for all Minecraft fans: the characteristic illustrations provide an authentic gaming experience
Rank #4
- The classic UNO card game builds fun on game night with a Minecraft theme.
- UNO Minecraft features a deck and storage tin decorated with graphics from the popular video game.
- Players match colors and numbers to the card on top of the discard pile as in the classic game.
- The Creeper card unique to this deck forces other players to draw 3 cards.
- Makes a great gift for kid, teen, adult and family game nights with 2 to 10 players ages 7 years and older, especially Minecraft and video game fans.
Rank #3
- DELUXE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, three Bedrock add-ons, three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins.
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world filled with surprises.
- SURVIVE THE ADVENTURE — Face mysterious foes, travel across exciting landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).
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