Early Life
Markus Alexej Persson, known to the world as Notch, was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 1, 1979. He spent his early childhood in Edsbyn before his family moved back to Stockholm. From a young age, Persson displayed a keen interest in computer programming, beginning to code on his father's Commodore 128 at the age of seven. He created his first text-based adventure game at eight. Persson's early exposure to video games and programming laid the foundation for his future career.
Rise to Success
Persson's career began in web design. However, his passion for game development led him to work for various companies. In 2009, he founded Mojang Studios to develop Minecraft. The initial release of Minecraft's early version in 2009 quickly gained traction, becoming a global sensation and the best-selling video game in history. Before its official release in 2011, the game had already sold millions of copies.
Key Business Strategies
The success of Minecraft can be attributed to several strategic decisions. Persson allowed players to build and explore a virtually limitless world made of blocks, promoting creativity and engagement. The game's open-world sandbox style, coupled with regular updates and community involvement, fostered a dedicated player base. The 2014 sale of Mojang to Microsoft for $2.5 billion marked a pivotal moment, transforming Persson into a billionaire. After the sale, Persson stepped away from the lead role but his early vision and leadership were critical to the company's growth.
Philanthropy
Persson has donated to charities, including Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). He also gave $250,000 to the Electronic Frontier Foundation in 2012. In 2011, he gave $3 million in dividends back to Mojang employees.
