why do microsoft purchased minecraft in 2014

In 2014, Microsoft purchased Mojang, the company that developed and owned Minecraft, for $2.5 billion. There were several factors and strategic reasons behind this acquisition:

1. Expanding Gaming Portfolio: Microsoft aimed to strengthen its position in the gaming industry by adding a popular game like Minecraft to its portfolio. This acquisition provided them with a significant user base and a unique gaming platform.

2. Cross-Platform Potential: Minecraft had already been ported to multiple platforms, including PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Microsoft saw the potential to leverage their own platforms, such as Windows, Xbox, and future devices, to extend Minecraft's reach even further.

3. Educational and Creative Opportunities: Minecraft has been recognized for its educational value, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration among players. Microsoft saw an opportunity to integrate Minecraft into educational initiatives and develop new learning tools.

4. Community and Ecosystem: Minecraft has a massive, dedicated, and creative community. Microsoft aimed to tap into this community to create a more extensive ecosystem around the game, including user-generated content, mods, and other extensions.

5. Long-term Growth: Minecraft was already a successful franchise with strong sales and a loyal player base. Microsoft believed that with their resources and expertise, they could further grow the game, enhance its features, and maintain its popularity over time.

6. IP Ownership: By purchasing Mojang, Microsoft obtained full ownership of the Minecraft intellectual property (IP). This control allowed them to manage the game's future development, marketing, and expansion without relying on an external developer.

The acquisition was a strategic move for Microsoft to bolster its gaming division, expand its reach across various platforms, and capitalize on the unique opportunities presented by the Minecraft brand and community.