Minecraft is a sandbox video game where players explore a procedurally generated, virtually infinite world made of blocks. Players can mine raw materials, craft tools and items, build structures, and battle hostile mobs. It has no required goals, offering freedom in gameplay with an optional achievement system. Originally created by Markus "Notch" Persson in Java, Jens Bergensten took over development after its full release. Minecraft is the best-selling video game in history, with over 350 million copies sold.
The game was initially released as an alpha in 2009 and fully launched in 2011 for PCs. It has since been ported to various platforms, including mobile devices and consoles. In 2014, Microsoft acquired Mojang Studios, the developer of Minecraft, for $2.5 billion. As of early 2026, the version numbering system has changed to reflect the release year; for example, version 26.1 would be the first game drop of 2026. "Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition" for PC is now a standard bundle. While prices may vary, the unified bundle can be found for nearly half the cost on third-party sites, compared to buying directly from the official store. As of February 2026, the price is between $21 and $30. Minecraft is readily available for purchase and download through the Minecraft official website and other online retailers.