Bloomberg: Notch “unlikely” to remain at Mojang following Microsoft sale

Mojang founder Markus “Notch” Persson is “unlikely” to stay at the company if the rumored sale to Microsoft is completed, according to a Bloomberg report.

Corroborating on yesterday’s Wall Street Journal story, which claims Microsoft is in talks to buy the Minecraft company for $2 billion, Bloomberg reports that the deal came together after Persson reached out to Microsoft “a few months ago” based on Mojang’s positive working relationship on Minecraft for Xbox.

Both companies “quicky agreed” on a framework and approximate price and have been working on the details since. And while Persson will help with the transition, “he is unlikely to remain beyond that.”

Microsoft reportedly wants to increase sales of Minecraft via its position in video games and computers, and expand its licensing for things like toys and movies. If the deal is completed, Bloomberg says that Microsoft “will keep the game available for rival products.”