Markus “Notch” Persson, the original creator of Minecraft, has ignited conversations online by hinting at the development of a new game that he describes as a “spiritual successor” to Minecraft. In a Twitter exchange over New Year’s, Notch ran a poll asking his followers whether he should pursue his current project—a roguelike dungeon crawler—or pivot to creating a game more akin to Minecraft.
The poll results overwhelmingly favored the latter, with 78% of participants choosing the Minecraft-like option over the dungeon crawler. In his candid tweets, Notch remarked, “I basically announced Minecraft 2,” a statement that has generated significant buzz among his followers and the gaming community at large.
Table of Contents
- A Fork in the Road
- A Cautious Approach to Microsoft
- A Polarizing Figure
- A Competitive Market
- What’s Next?
A Fork in the Road
Notch’s initial project was a roguelike game inspired by classic first-person dungeon crawlers such as Wizardry and Eye of the Beholder. Describing the game as a blend of retro nostalgia and modern roguelike mechanics, he admitted that while the concept excited him, he began to wonder if his audience preferred something closer to the sandbox survival experience Minecraft is known for.
“And I mean sure, I’d take that cash,” Notch quipped, acknowledging the commercial appeal of a Minecraft successor. Despite jokingly urging followers to vote for his roguelike idea, he conceded that the audience’s preference was clear: they want a game that captures the essence of Minecraft.
A Cautious Approach to Microsoft
Notch sold Mojang, the studio behind Minecraft, to Microsoft in 2014 for $2.5 billion. Despite his separation from the franchise, he appears mindful of his former creation’s legacy. He emphasized that any potential spiritual successor would steer clear of infringing on Microsoft’s intellectual property. “Using the Minecraft name would be super illegal,” he admitted, adding that he respects Mojang’s work under Microsoft’s ownership.
Instead, he envisions a fresh game with similar mechanics, possibly drawing inspiration from Minecraft’s creative sandbox, survival gameplay, or modding ecosystem. Notch described the endeavor as his version of Gremlins 2, a sequel that sought to defy expectations.
A Polarizing Figure
While Notch remains a notable figure in gaming, his reputation has been marred by a series of controversial and offensive statements over the past decade. His comments have often targeted marginalized communities, including women and transgender individuals, and have sparked widespread criticism. In response, Microsoft and Mojang have distanced themselves from him, even removing his name from Minecraft’s opening credits.
A Competitive Market
If Notch moves forward with a Minecraft-like project, he’ll face a crowded field of competitors. Games such as Terraria and Dragon Quest Builders already serve as spiritual successors to Minecraft, not to mention the countless survival and crafting games inspired by its formula. Notch’s dungeon crawler idea, in contrast, appears to explore a less saturated niche, but it seems unlikely he will pursue it given the poll’s results.
What’s Next?
Notch has expressed enthusiasm for game development once again, stating, “I’m loving working on games again.” However, he has also tempered expectations, acknowledging that spiritual successors often fall short of their inspirations.
While there’s no official announcement or timeline for this project, one thing is clear: Notch’s return to the gaming spotlight has already reignited conversations about the lasting impact of Minecraft and what its creator might bring to the table next.
For now, the gaming world watches and waits as Notch contemplates his next move. Whether it’s “Minecraft 2” or something entirely different, his return to game development promises to be as unpredictable as his tweets.
A passionate content creator specializing in viral trends, fashion, beauty, and news. With a keen eye for the latest in style and pop culture, Dilshan Senarath delivers fresh, engaging insights that keep audiences informed and inspired. Expertise in curating viral stories with style and impact.
