Microsoft Buys 'Minecraft' to Strengthen Mobile Presence

Microsoft Buys 'Minecraft' to  Strengthen Mobile Presence

Microsoft, despite being a large success in the IT industry, finds it difficult to contend with its competitions, Android and iOS, in the mobile apps industry. Hence, as reported, the tech giant bought "Minecraft" maker Mojang in its bid to create a strong mobile phone presence.

Windows phones are simply way behind in the "app race" against its rivals. Many famous mobile apps such as Instagram have just been recently featured in Windows phone. The problem with this is that these apps have been in Android and iOS device since day 1.

It's only normal for users to prefer a device that features the apps that they want, and in this situation, Microsoft is missing out in a huge way. Moreover, app developers are difficult to persuade to produce an app for a phone that people do not prefer. This scenario presents a real picture of Microsoft's plight  to keep itself relevant in the field.

If you are to consider that the gaming industry is shifting into mobile, then Microsoft's problem is not that easy to resolve. That is because younger generations, who are the ones mostly into mobile gaming, comprise a huge percentage of the total number of mobile users in the world.

Microsoft hopes to address the issue by purchasing Mojang AB, creators of the hit video game "Minecraft". This game was introduced in 2009 and has since then sold more than millions of copies. The deal was successfully closed at $2.5 billion. This may seem extravagant. Money, however, is not much of an issue for a huge company such as Microsoft  who wants desperately to stay relevant.

On paper, this would appear as a very good move as it provided the tech giant a huge tool in reaching out to the elusive young mobile users. However, it also showed the desperation of the company to create a presence in the mobile industry.

Buying a company to make sure you get exclusive rights to its technology is a bit of an underhand strategy. But it is a good one that could provide the company a solid foothold in the industry, especially considering the number of users who are into Minecraft.

 

 

 

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