Notch Unveils Ambitions for 'Minecraft 2'

In an exciting turn of events, Markus 'Notch' Persson, the creator of the renowned sandbox game Minecraft, has hinted at the possibility of creating a spiritual successor to the game, often referenced as Minecraft 2. This announcement emerged following a poll he conducted on social media, where fans were asked to decide between two potential game concepts. Not surprisingly, the overwhelmingly popular choice was a continuation of his iconic sandbox game.

The Poll Results

On January 1, 2025, Persson engaged his 3.6 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), presenting two options. The first was a traditional roguelike game mixed with a tile-based first-person dungeon crawler, while the second, aptly named Minecraft 2, emerged as the fan favorite with around 81% of votes cast (over 282,968 votes) leaning in its favor. This statistic alone reflects the immense loyalty and expectation from the Minecraft community regarding any new ventures from Notch.

Notch's Vision for the Game

In the wake of the poll results, Notch, in a series of engaging posts, commented on his serious intentions about Minecraft 2. He expressed a willingness to venture into new territories while maintaining a deep respect for the original game and its legacy. Notch stated, "I don’t super duper care exactly which game I make first, but I do know I’m making one..." stressing that his aim would not infringe on the amazing work currently ongoing at Mojang, the original developer of Minecraft, now a subsidiary of Microsoft.

Avoiding Microsoft's Influence

One of the more controversial points raised by Notch was his desire to avoid what he refers to as Microsoft’s “sh*tification” of the original Minecraft. This statement hints at his grievances about the direction he perceives the franchise has taken since being acquired by Microsoft for a whopping $2.5 billion in 2014. Notch acknowledges that while he respects the current team's efforts, he seeks to create something fresh that can stand apart from the corporate influences that have shaped the game post-acquisition.

What Will 'Minecraft 2' Look Like?

While details regarding Minecraft 2 remain scarce, Notch reiterated that it won't be a direct sequel, as he no longer holds the rights to the original game. Instead, he aims to craft a game reminiscent of Minecraft that might appeal to the audience who has shown a steadfast demand for a follow-up. The absence of a narrative-focused format could mean a return to the sandbox element, allowing players to explore, create, and interact in a free-form environment similar to what established the original game's phenomenal success.

Acknowledging Past Designs

Notch has also indicated that while he has re-entered the gaming development space, he intends not to tread the same ground his original game covered. He clarified, "I still want to ensure that whatever I do does not step on the team's toes at Mojang," reinforcing a sense of respect for his former collaborators,

A Glimpse Into the Future

Despite all the hype, Notch tempered expectations by admitting that there’s a possibility that Minecraft 2 may never come to fruition. Having already gained substantial wealth from his previous creations, the driving force behind any new project may simply be passion rather than financial gain. If he enjoys the development process, however, it could lead to creating a meaningful successor that resonates with both new players and the dedicated fanbase.

In summary, Notch's announcement about the potential creation of a spiritual successor to Minecraft is met with excitement and anticipation across gaming communities. With a rich heritage as the original creator and a desire to innovate, fans eagerly await more information about any developments in this new venture.