Markus 'Notch' Persson Teases Spiritual Successor to Minecraft Amid Fan Demand

Markus 'Notch' Persson, the original creator of the best-selling sandbox title Minecraft, has revealed intentions to develop a spiritual successor to his renowned game.

This announcement follows a recent social media poll, where Persson engaged his community to vote on his next project for 2025.

The options presented were a traditional roguelike incorporating a 'tile-based first-person dungeon crawler' or a new sandbox adventure styled after Minecraft.

Respondents overwhelmingly supported the latter, with 81.5% of the vote backing the notion of a Minecraft successor. Persson, who departed Mojang Studios in 2014 following the acquisition of the company by Microsoft, later reflected on the effects of widespread media scrutiny and opted to step away from the high-profile project.

Since the acquisition, Minecraft has become not only a cultural phenomenon but also one of the best-selling video games of all time, establishing itself as a staple across multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and other major consoles.

Mojang Studios and Microsoft continue to build upon the franchise's success, while distancing themselves from Persson after his departure and several controversial public statements. Recently, Persson confirmed his intentions were genuine, sharing that he is, in his words, 'completely serious' about developing this new game and directly responding to a social media comment by stating he has 'essentially announced Minecraft 2.' While this prospective title will not have any official ties to Mojang Studios or Microsoft, it is expected to build upon the foundational elements that made Minecraft an international success.

Persson has emphasized his respect for Mojang’s ongoing efforts and is mindful not to infringe on their work, aiming instead to offer fans a fresh experience that draws on his sandbox game expertise. While there is no indication yet as to which platforms this successor will launch on—including the possibility of a release for Nintendo Switch or via the Nintendo eShop—the community’s response underscores enduring interest in open-world, sandbox experiences originating from influential developers.

As both Mojang Studios and Microsoft continue to evolve the official Minecraft property, all eyes will be on Persson’s next steps in the independent game development scene. Persson’s plans highlight the lasting impact of Minecraft and the significant role community feedback plays in shaping future game development.

As fans await further details, this announcement marks a notable return to game development for one of the industry’s most influential creators.

Microsoft Minecraft Mojang