The critically acclaimed computer game Minecraft has achieved a historic milestone by selling 300 million copies worldwide, breaking yet another record.
The critically acclaimed computer game Minecraft has achieved a historic milestone by selling 300 million copies worldwide, breaking yet another record. Developer Mojang Studios staged a special event where the news was made.
This remarkable achievement places Minecraft far ahead of its closest competitor, Grand Theft Auto V, which had reached 185 million copies sold as of August 2023. However, when it comes to overall franchise sales, Super Mario reigns supreme, boasting a staggering 800 million games sold across its multi-game series.
Following closely behind is the retro classic Tetris, which has garnered over 520 million copies sold since its debut in the 1980s. Notably, Tetris has seen immense success on mobile platforms, with at least 425 million units sold on iOS and Android devices alone.
Minecraft’s success story is further accentuated by its uniformity across various gaming platforms. Whether played on a Nintendo Switch or a mobile device, the essence of the game remains unchanged. This sets it apart from Tetris, which has seen diverse iterations over the years, each with distinct mechanics and graphics.
Helen Chiang, the head of Minecraft Studios, expressed her astonishment at the 300 million sales figure, deeming it a “milestone no one could have dreamed of when we were all placing our first blocks.”
Since its initial release in November 2011, Minecraft has garnered a devoted following spanning children, young adults, and adults, owing to its sandbox-style gameplay, where players have the freedom to construct virtually anything using the game’s Lego-like blocks.
In 2014, Microsoft acquired Minecraft for a substantial $2.5 billion (£2 billion), solidifying its position within the tech giant’s gaming portfolio. This acquisition has proven to be a cornerstone in Microsoft’s gaming empire, particularly following its recent groundbreaking $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard, makers of the renowned Call of Duty franchise.
The widespread popularity of Minecraft extends beyond the confines of the game itself. Google reports that YouTube videos related to Minecraft have accumulated over one trillion views. Even prominent YouTubers like MrBeast and PewDiePie have dedicated segments to Minecraft on their channels.
Moreover, the game has found unconventional uses, such as serving as a platform to host articles authored by the late journalist Jamal Khashoggi, enabling them to reach audiences despite government censorship.
Reaching the 300 million mark signifies a substantial leap from the previous figures disclosed by the company – 238 million sales, revealed in April 2021.
It’s worth noting that this number likely includes multiple purchases by individual users, across various platforms including PC, mobile, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo hardware. The ability to seamlessly transition progress across devices has played a pivotal role in Minecraft’s enduring success.
While Mojang has publicly announced its sales figures, the precise breakdown remains undisclosed. Nevertheless, the game’s universal appeal and adaptability across platforms continue to be a driving force behind its soaring popularity and sales.