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There’s only one statistic that you need to know about the scale and popularity of Minecraft – Microsoft spent $2.5bn buying it.
Since its full lauch on PC in 2011, the game has been sold to 54m gamers globally, making the construction title the biggest video game of all time.
People on YouTube talking about the game and playing it have even built careers out of doing so. It’s that big.
In fact, it’s so big that Microsoft has also decided to keep the game open-platform, which allows even its rivals like Sony to get in on the act.
Although a digital title primarily, there are boxed versions for Minecraft on all console platforms and these have barely left the Top Ten Charts since its launch.
Meanwhile, Minecraft has been a permanent fixture at the top of the Xbox Live and iOS charts.
It has also become a merchandise phenomenon, with toys, books, clothes and much, much more.
In fact, book publisher Egmont says its best-selling Minecraft book has sold 1m copies in the UK alone. That’s more than most games.
INFO
Formats: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PS Vita
Developer: Mojang/4J Studios
Publisher: Microsoft/Sony
Distributor/Contact:
Exertis (Xbox): 01279 822 822
CentreSoft (PS): 0121 625 3388
Minecraft: The Official Handbooks
Players new to the block-building game can quickly get to grips thanks to these guides.
SRP: 7.99
Manufacturer: Egmont UK
Distributor: Egmont UK
Contact: 0844 576 8113
Creeper Plush
Nasty in-game, but cuddly now, the Creeper is one of Minecraft’s most iconic creatures.
SRP: 7.99
Manufacturer: Jazwares
Distributor: Jazwares
Contact: +1 945 845 0800
LEGO Minecraft Microworlds
Brick-building meets block-building in this mashup of two of the world’s biggest franchises.
SRP: 34.99
Manufacturer: LEGO
Distributor: LEGO
Contact: 0800 5346 5555
Minecraft T-Shirts
Fans can show their fondness with these shirts.
SRP: 19.99
Manufacturer: Jinx
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Minecraft Posters
With a variety of designs including art-noir and in-game art, these posters will suit any taste.
SRP: 6.99
Manufacturer: GB Eye
Distributor: GB Eye
Contact: 0114 276 7454
Papercraft Kit
This kit recreates the virtual world in paper form.
SRP: 11.99
Manufacturer: Character Options
Distributor: Character Options
Contact: 0161 633 9808
