Minecraft could have become part of Activision Blizzard: The incredible story of a deal that almost happened

The world of video games is full of stories about mergers and acquisitions, but some of them could have radically changed the industry. Recently, it was revealed that one of the most beloved games in the world, Minecraft, was just a step away from becoming the property of Activision Blizzard, the creators of Call of Duty. Let’s dive into the details of this unrealized deal and find out how Mojang ended up under Microsoft’s wing.

An offer that could be refused

In 2014, when Minecraft was already a global phenomenon, Activision Blizzard’s leadership saw immense potential in Mojang’s creation. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick revealed that the company was ready to pay an impressive $1.5 billion for the studio and its flagship game. Negotiations were underway, and it seemed the deal was inevitable. Activision planned to integrate Minecraft into its powerful ecosystem and possibly apply its monetization and development strategies.

However, according to Kotick, the deal fell through. Despite the attractive offer, something went wrong during the negotiations. While the exact reasons remain unclear, it is speculated that disagreements over creative control or the game’s future direction may have arisen. In the end, Activision Blizzard withdrew its offer, and the story took a different turn.

An unexpected twist: Microsoft steps in

While Activision stepped back, another tech giant saw its opportunity. Microsoft, already holding a strong position in the gaming industry thanks to its Xbox console, began negotiations with Mojang. Xbox head Phil Spencer played a key role in this process. He managed to connect with Mojang’s founders and convince them that Microsoft would be the best home for their creation.

Ultimately, in the same year of 2014, Microsoft announced the acquisition of Mojang for $2.5 billion — a full billion more than Activision’s offer. This deal became one of the largest in gaming history at the time and secured Microsoft the rights to one of the most valuable intellectual properties in the world. Under Microsoft’s leadership, Minecraft continued to evolve, maintaining its uniqueness and attracting millions of new players.

How could the game have changed?

The news of the failed deal with Activision Blizzard makes one wonder: what would Minecraft be like today if things had turned out differently? Perhaps we would have seen more aggressive monetization, integration with Battle.net, or even story campaigns in the style of Call of Duty. On the other hand, Microsoft granted Mojang significant creative freedom, allowing the game to retain its original spirit.

This story — is a vivid reminder of how one decision can change the fate of an entire industry. What do you think would have happened to Minecraft under Activision Blizzard’s management? Would the game have been better or worse? Share your thoughts in the comments.