'Minecraft' Tops 100 million Sales

The Minecraft monster shows no signs of slowing down. Today, the developer Mojang announced that the block-building phenomenon has passed 100 million sales across all platforms including PC, Mac, consoles and mobile. About 53,000 copies of the game have been sold each day since its inception. The game is addictive. More than 40 million people play Minecraft every month to play with the axe, shovel and sword. Apart from Tetris, few games have come close to achieving the 100 million mark.

Much of that success is due to the game's open structure and unlimited possibilities. As long as the outward-facing geometry of the game is composed of simple, vibrant blocks, players are able to create anything they want. The emphasis on creativity is the reason that many players, young and old, have been drawn to the game and continue to play long after the game's launch. Mojang has provided constant updates to the game, introducing new mechanics, creatures, and materials. Its versatility has made it a huge hit in the classroom where it is used to teach geology, art and coding.

Many wondered what Microsoft was thinking of for Mojang when it purchased the company almost two years ago. Is there a sequel? Perhaps an exclusive to Xbox, PC and Windows Phone? Actually, none of that has been realized. Minecraft is available on more platforms than ever before, and there's been no announcement of a Minecraft 2.' Minecraft servers Instead we've got the HoloLens Minecraft version which is a spin-off series of adventure from Telltale Games, and an acquisition by MinecraftEdu. This will soon result in a brand new, education focused Minecraft. Soon, there will be a version specifically for China.

Minecraft's popularity shows no sign of waning. The strength of Minecraft isn't its finite story or its stunning graphics. It has a seemingly timeless appeal that draws young children as they get old enough to play it. If that trend continues, Minecraft will continue to sell in extraordinary numbers.