The history of minecraft

**Inception (2009):**

Markus Persson started working on Minecraft in May 2009. He was inspired by other games like Dwarf Fortress, Infiniminer, and Dungeon Keeper, and aimed to create a game with open-ended gameplay and a procedurally generated world.

**Alpha and Beta Releases (2010-2011):**

Minecraft entered its alpha phase in June 2010, where players could buy and play the game while it was still in development. The game's popularity grew rapidly during this period. As updates were released, the game expanded with new features and mechanics. Minecraft entered its beta phase in December 2010.

**Official Release (November 18, 2011):**

After several alpha and beta updates, Minecraft officially launched on November 18, 2011. The game was made available for PC and Mac platforms. It received critical acclaim for its creativity, freedom, and the ability to build and explore a vast blocky world.

**Continued Updates and Expansions (2011-2014):**

After the official release, the development team at Mojang continued to update and improve the game. New features were added, including creatures, biomes, enchantments, and gameplay elements. Minecraft's popularity continued to grow, attracting a large and dedicated player base.

**Console and Mobile Versions (2012-2014):**

Minecraft's success on PC led to its expansion on various gaming platforms. Console editions were released for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and later for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and other consoles. Mobile versions were also developed for Android and iOS devices.

**Minecraft: Pocket Edition and Rebranding (2014):**

The mobile version of Minecraft was renamed "Minecraft: Pocket Edition" and became one of the best-selling mobile games of all time.

**Microsoft Acquisition (September 2014):**

On September 15, 2014, Microsoft acquired Mojang Studios, including the rights to Minecraft, for a whopping $2.5 billion. Markus Persson and other original developers left the company, but the game's development continued under Microsoft's ownership.

**Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition (2015):**

Microsoft released Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition, a version specifically designed for Windows 10, with improved performance and cross-platform play capabilities.

**Education Edition (2016):**

Minecraft: Education Edition was launched in November 2016, targeting educational institutions. This version was designed to be a valuable tool for teachers to engage students in various subjects using the game's creative and collaborative features.

**Further Expansions and Updates (2017-Present):**

Minecraft's development has not slowed down since its acquisition by Microsoft. The game continues to receive regular updates, introducing new features, items, and gameplay enhancements.

**Minecraft Dungeons (2020):**

Minecraft Dungeons, a standalone action-adventure game set in the Minecraft universe, was released in May 2020. It offers a different style of gameplay compared to the original Minecraft.

**Minecraft Earth (2020):**

Minecraft Earth, an augmented reality mobile game, was released in 2019-2020. It allowed players to build and explore in the real world using AR technology. However, it was discontinued in June 2021.