As it nears its 15th anniversary in May of next year, Minecraft shows no signs of slowing down. During Minecraft Live, Helen Chiang, the head of Mojang Studios, recently announced that the game has sold over 300 million copies. This makes it one of the best-selling games ever, and its popularity doesn’t seem to wane.
The last significant sales announcement came in 2021 when Minecraft had sold 238 million copies. In the time since, the franchise has expanded with several spin-off titles. Minecraft Dungeons, an action RPG, amassed over 25 million lifetime players. Minecraft Legends, a real-time strategy spin-off developed in collaboration with Blackbird Interactive, gained three million players in less than two weeks. However, these numbers are still small compared to the main title’s massive success.
One of the factors contributing to Minecraft’s enduring success is its wide availability. Players can enjoy the game on various platforms, from mobile devices like iOS and Android to gaming consoles like PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. A recent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating suggests that the game is also making its way to Xbox Series X/S.
Although sales numbers are impressive, Minecraft’s reach extends far beyond that. The game has spawned a culture of creativity, including mods, community events, and educational initiatives. It’s not just a game; for many, it’s a platform for learning, socializing, and expressing creativity.
With Minecraft Legends and Minecraft Dungeons performing well on Game Pass, the franchise branches out into different genres and attracts new types of gamers. However, none of these have managed to match the original game’s sales, indicating that the classic Minecraft experience still holds a special place in players’ hearts.
