A Solo Coder with a Big Idea
Markus Persson, also known as "Notch," was a Swedish coder who loved making games. In 2009, at the age of 30, he started working on Minecraft as a hobby project while working a day job at King, a game development company.
Persson built Minecraft using the Java programming language, inspired by games like Dwarf Fortress and Infiniminer. He wanted to create a game where players could build anything they imagined in a blocky, open world.
The first public version of Minecraft, called the alpha build, was released on May 17, 2009, on indie-game forums. It gained popularity quickly because of its simplicity and endless creativity.
The Rise of Minecraft and Mojang
In 2010, Persson founded Mojang Studios with his friend Carl Manneh to focus on Minecraft full-time. By early 2011, the game had sold over 1 million copies, a huge milestone for a small team.
Minecraft's success came from its unique appeal: no rules, no goals, just pure imagination. Players could build castles, explore caves, or fight monsters, all in a pixelated world made of blocks.
Persson was a member of Mensa, a high IQ society, which highlights his creative and problem-solving skills. He designed Minecraft to be a sandbox game, meaning players had the freedom to create their own adventures.
Fun Fact: Minecraft's Early Days
In its early versions, Minecraft had no music or sound effects. The iconic Minecraft music we know today, composed by Daniel Rosenfeld (C418), was added later in 2011, giving the game its magical atmosphere.
The game's blocky design wasn't just a style choice—it was practical. Persson chose this look because it was easier to program and allowed players to build quickly without complex graphics.
Global Success and a Big Decision
By 2014, Minecraft was selling 15,000 copies a day and had become a cultural phenomenon. Kids, teens, and adults worldwide were playing it on computers, consoles, and even phones.
Persson handed over the lead developer role to Jens "Jeb" Bergensten in 2011 so he could focus on new ideas. However, running Mojang became stressful for Persson, who preferred coding over managing a company.
In 2014, Microsoft bought Mojang and Minecraft for $2.5 billion. Persson stepped away from the company, leaving behind a game that had changed the gaming world forever.
Why Minecraft Matters
Minecraft has inspired millions to be creative. It's used in schools to teach coding, math, and even history—some students have rebuilt ancient cities like Rome in the game!
The modding community has kept Minecraft alive by creating new features, like mini-maps or new creatures. Mojang even added official tools so players can customize the game with resource packs.
In 2019, Microsoft removed Persson's name from Minecraft's credits due to controversial comments he made online, showing how his legacy with the game became complicated over time.
What Can We Learn?
Markus Persson's story shows that a single idea, when paired with passion, can change the world. He started with nothing but a computer and a dream, and created a game you love to play today.
It also teaches us that success isn't just about money—it's about finding joy in what you do. Persson struggled after selling Minecraft because he lost his sense of purpose, reminding us to chase what makes us happy.