Markus Persson
Early Life and Education
Markus Alexej Persson, commonly known as Notch, was born on June 1, 1979, in Stockholm, Sweden. He grew up in Edsbyn, a small town in the northern part of the country, before moving to Stockholm at the age of seven. Persson developed an early interest in computers and programming, starting to code at the age of eight on his father's Commodore 128. His passion for game development was evident from a young age, as he created his first game at the age of 12.
Persson's formal education in computer science was limited; he is largely self-taught. He attended a vocational school where he studied programming, but much of his knowledge and skills were acquired through personal projects and online communities. His early exposure to programming languages such as BASIC and later, more complex languages like C++ and Java, laid the foundation for his future career in game development.
Career Beginnings
Persson's professional career began at King.com, a company known for its online browser games. He worked there as a game developer from 2004 to 2009, contributing to various projects and honing his skills in game design and programming. During this time, he also worked on personal projects and participated in game jams, which are events where developers create games within a short time frame.
In 2009, Persson left King.com to join Jalbum, a company that provides software for creating online photo albums. However, his tenure at Jalbum was short-lived, as he soon decided to focus on his own game development projects.
Creation of Minecraft
In May 2009, Persson began working on a project that would eventually become Minecraft. Inspired by games like Dwarf Fortress, Dungeon Keeper, and Infiniminer, Persson aimed to create a sandbox game that allowed players to build and explore a blocky, procedurally generated world. The game was initially released as an alpha version on May 17, 2009, and quickly gained popularity within the gaming community.
Minecraft's development was characterized by its iterative approach, with Persson releasing frequent updates and incorporating feedback from players. The game's open-ended nature, allowing for both creative and survival modes, appealed to a wide audience. By the time the game reached its beta phase in December 2010, it had already amassed a large and dedicated player base.
Founding of Mojang
In response to Minecraft's growing success, Persson co-founded Mojang AB in 2010 with Carl Manneh and Jakob Porsér. The company was established to manage the development and distribution of Minecraft, as well as to pursue other game development projects. Mojang's formation allowed Persson to focus more on the creative aspects of game development while delegating business and administrative tasks to his co-founders.
Under Mojang, Minecraft continued to evolve, with regular updates introducing new features, biomes, and gameplay mechanics. The game's full release occurred on November 18, 2011, during MineCon 2011, an event dedicated to Minecraft and its community.
Post-Minecraft Career
In September 2014, Persson made headlines when he sold Mojang to Microsoft for $2.5 billion. The acquisition marked a significant milestone in the gaming industry and solidified Minecraft's status as one of the most successful games of all time. Following the sale, Persson stepped away from Mojang and the Minecraft project, citing the immense pressure and responsibility that came with managing such a popular game.
After leaving Mojang, Persson took a step back from the public eye and focused on personal projects and interests. He continued to experiment with game development, creating smaller games and prototypes, but none achieved the same level of success as Minecraft. Persson also became known for his presence on social media, where he shared his thoughts on various topics, including technology, gaming, and politics.
Legacy and Impact
Markus Persson's creation of Minecraft has had a profound impact on the gaming industry and popular culture. The game's innovative mechanics, emphasis on creativity, and community-driven development set new standards for indie game development. Minecraft's success also demonstrated the potential for small, independent developers to create commercially successful and culturally significant games.
Minecraft has influenced a wide range of media, including books, merchandise, and educational tools. The game's use in educational settings, particularly in teaching subjects like mathematics, history, and computer science, has been widely recognized. Minecraft's open-ended nature and modding community have also inspired countless players to explore game design and programming, contributing to the next generation of developers.
Personal Life
Persson's personal life has been marked by both public and private challenges. Following the sale of Mojang, he purchased a luxurious mansion in Beverly Hills, California, and enjoyed a lifestyle of wealth and leisure. However, Persson has also spoken openly about the difficulties of dealing with sudden fame and fortune, as well as the impact on his mental health.
Despite his success, Persson has faced criticism for some of his statements and actions on social media. His outspoken nature and controversial opinions have led to public backlash and strained relationships within the gaming community.