Minecraft breaks records with over 300 mn copies sold worldwide

WEB DESK: Minecraft has set a new sales record, surpassing 300 million copies sold worldwide.

According to media reports, the game developer Mojang Studios revealed the milestone during a weekend event, showcasing the enduring popularity of the sandbox game.

The figure puts Minecraft far ahead of its closest competitor, Grand Theft Auto V, which had sold 185 million copies as of August 2023. However, the title of the best-selling franchise still belongs to Super Mario, with over 800 million games sold across its multi-game series.

Tetris, the retro puzzler, claims the second position with more than 520 million copies sold since the 1980s. Notably, Tetris’s success is attributed to its various versions, including mobile adaptations that have sold at least 425 million units.

Unlike Tetris, Minecraft stands out as a consistent game experience across platforms, whether played on Nintendo Switch or mobile. Helen Chiang, the head of Minecraft Studios, remarked that the 300 million figure was a “milestone no one could have dreamed of.”

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Initially released in November 2011 by Mojang Studios, Minecraft gained immense popularity due to its sandbox nature, allowing players to build virtually anything with its Lego-like blocks. Microsoft acquired Minecraft in 2014 for $2.5 billion (£2 billion), integrating it into its gaming empire.

Minecraft’s success extends beyond the gaming world, as Google reports that YouTube videos related to the game have been viewed over one trillion times. Prominent YouTubers, including MrBeast and PewDiePie, have also contributed to Minecraft’s widespread popularity.

The recent sales milestone marks a significant increase from the previous figure of 238 million sales announced in April 2021. Although the exact breakdown of these numbers remains undisclosed, it includes sales across all platforms, such as PC, mobile (iOS and Android), PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo hardware.

The game’s cross-platform compatibility allows players to continue their progress seamlessly, contributing to the sustained demand for Minecraft across different devices. The game’s universal appeal and adaptability continue to drive its remarkable sales figures.