Minecraft founder Markus Persson has sold his hugely popular game to Microsoft. The announcement was made on Microsoft's official Xbox blog, and reports claim the software giant paid $2.5 billion (£1.5 billion) for Persson's company Mojang, which includes rights to the game. And, once the deal is finalised, Persson has announced he will leave the company. Scroll down for video Minecraft founder Markus Persson has sold his hugely-popular game (pictured) to Microsoft. Reports claim the deal is worth $2.5 billion (£1.5 billion). Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, made the announcement on Microsoft's official blog 'Today is an incredibly exciting day for our team as Mojang and the Minecraft franchise join Microsoft,' explained Phil Spencer, head of Xbox.
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Minecraft founder Markus Persson has sold his firm Mojang to Microsoft
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Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, made the announcement on an official blog
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Reports claim the deal is worth $2.5 billion (£1.5 billion)
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In 2012, Persson openly criticised Microsoft and its Windows 8 software
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He also separately tweeted that his price to endorse 'cr*p' was $2 billion
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This price exceeds the amount Facebook paid for Oculus Rift
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Persson has announced he is leaving Mojang once the deal is finalised
He also said 'Got an email from Microsoft, wanting to help 'certify' Minecraft for @placeholder.