Microsoft just announced in a press release that it has acquired Mojang, makers of Minecraft, in a $2.5 billion deal. Phil Spencer (Head of Xbox) talks about the acquisition in an Xbox Wire blog post, where he confirms that the official Minecraft convention, heres what he had to say.
“Our relationship with Mojang began when we initially talked to the team about bringing Minecraft to the console. Minecraft quickly became the top online game on Xbox Live, with over two billion hours played on Xbox 360 in the last two years. That working relationship set the ground work for other opportunities. We’ve long seen the incredible potential of Minecraft.”
“At Microsoft, we believe in the power of content to unite people. Minecraft adds diversity to our game portfolio and helps us reach new gamers across multiple platforms. Gaming is the top activity across devices and we see great potential to continue to grow the Minecraft community and nurture the franchise. That is why we plan to continue to make Minecraft available across platforms including iOS, Android and PlayStation, in addition to Xbox and PC. “
“The Minecraft community is passionate and diverse, ranging across all ages and demographics. We respect the brand and independent spirit that has made Minecraft great, and we’ll carry on the tradition of innovation to move the franchise forward. Our investments in cloud, Xbox Live and mobile technology will enable players to benefit from richer and faster worlds, more powerful development tools, and more opportunities to connect with the Minecraft community.”
“We’re excited to confirm that MINECON will continue next year. We’ll look to create even more ways for the vibrant community of YouTuber’s, innovators, bloggers and players to connect with each other – both in person and online. We will have much more to share in the coming months.”
“The Minecraft team’s unique vision, creative energy and innovative mindset make them a perfect fit alongside our other global studios. Microsoft Studios includes 343 Industries, Turn 10 Studios, and Lionhead Studios just to name a few. These industry-leading game studios within Microsoft that have had great success with beloved games and massively popular franchises like Halo, Forza, and Fable. We’re excited to welcome Mojang to the Microsoft family and we are thrilled to support the success and longevity of Minecraft for years to come.”
Mojang has just launched a new minigame for Minecraft, a lava-dodging challenge called Tumble. In Tumble, players start out on platforms that are floating above certain lava death. Armed with shovels and snowballs, it's up to each player to simultaneously undermine the ground beneath their foes while ensuring that they don't end up falling themselves. The update is available for Minecraft on consoles now for free.
Nintendo is teaming up with Mojang to introduce the Super Mario Mash-Up pack as a free download to Minecraft. Players will have access to new skins which include Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and more. The update also features Super Mario inspired music and item textures. The update adds 40 new skins and 15 pieces of music. There are new enemies too, such as battle Hammer Bros. and Dry Bones being Creepers and Zombies. The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack will be included with Minecraft: Wii U Edition when the retail version is released on June 17. You can download the digital version of Minecraft: Wii U Edition now on the eShop for $30. 
Minecraft has come to Virtual Reality. Mojang’s sandbox game will include 2 VR modes. You can either play in a Minecraft cabin while watching the action on a virtual screen or in the first person. Minecraft Gear VR Edition supports both creative and survival modes. You can use all of the features of Minecraft Pocket Edition, including skins and multiplayer. It’s available know on the Gear VR store for $6.99.
Back in 2011, Minecraft: Education Edition launched as a version of the game specifically for classrooms. Microsoft has now acquired Minecraft: Education Edition and is investing in a new and expanded version. It will be available as a free trial this summer. A community will be formed at education.minecraft.net, and the site will host resources like lesson plans and a new Minecraft Mentors page that allows experienced people to connect with those playing for the first time. You can check out the video for more info. What do you think of Minecraft: Education Edition ? Curious to see what it does for students in the classroom. 
Microsoft have announced that Minecraft is coming to Wii U this month. Minecraft Wii U will cost $29.99, but it includes a number of packs. The packs included are as listed:
Telltale Games has announced that the first episode of Minecraft: Story Mode will be made available worldwide in October. The episode will be available via the Telltale Online Store, Steam, PSN, Xbox Games Store, and other digital distribution services on October 13. It will be available for iOS and Android on October 15. Also the series will be coming to Wii U and PS Vita but the date is unknown. Minecraft: Story Mode will be available on October 13 for PS4, PS3 Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC. 
