Question: Which Swedish programmer created Minecraft?
Show answer
Markus Alexej Persson, also known as Notch.
Minecraft, one of the most popular and influential video games in history, was created by Swedish programmer Markus Persson, also known by his online alias “Notch.” Born in 1979, Persson developed an interest in programming at a young age, beginning to create his own games when he was just eight years old.
Minecraft was initially released as a public alpha for personal computers in 2009 after Persson had spent about a week developing the initial mechanics. The game, which allows players to construct and explore virtually infinite worlds made up of block-like pixels, quickly gained popularity due to its unique blend of creativity, exploration, and survival elements.
Minecraft’s official version was launched in 2011 by Mojang, a company co-founded by Persson. It was around this time that the game began to truly explode in popularity, spreading across multiple platforms and captivating players around the world with its open-ended gameplay and iconic, simple graphics. Players could build complex structures, explore vast landscapes, battle creatures, or simply enjoy the serene experience of shaping their own world, block by block.
In 2014, Persson sold Mojang and the rights to Minecraft to Microsoft for a staggering $2.5 billion. Following the sale, Persson stepped away from the game and has since largely retired from major game development. However, his creation continues to thrive and evolve, maintaining its status as a cultural phenomenon. Markus Persson’s legacy in the video game industry is solidified by the ongoing success and impact of Minecraft.
