Minecraft: The Business Behind the Makers of Minecraft

Big Brands

by Chris Martin

How did the video game Minecraft become the most popular game in the world? Find out about the development of the global phenomenon that is Minecraft, along with the story of Mojang, the company behind it.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2016

About the author

Chris Martin is this very moment endeavoring to become himself, a somemany and tilted thinking animal who sways, hags, loves, trees, lights, listens, and arrives. He is a poet who teaches and learns in mutual measure, as the connective hub of Unrestricted Interest/TILT and the curator of Multiverse, a series of neurodivergent writing from Milkweed Editions. His most recent book of poems is Things to Do in Hell (Coffee House, 2020) and his first book of nonfiction is May Tomorrow Be Awake: On Poetry, Autism, and Our Neurodiverse Future (HarperOne, 2022). He lives on the edge of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, among the mulberries and burr oaks, with Mary Austin Speaker and their two bewildering creatures.

Reviews

[Laura N · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do you have any Minecraft books?” I get asked this question every single day. People LOVE Minecraft. I would be happy to Minecraft: The Business Behind the Makers of Minecraft into the hands of my Minecraft obsessed patrons! Martin tells the story of Minecraft from its humble beginnings in Sweden to its ongoing global status as one of the most popular video games ever. In doing so, he talks about the history of video games, the men and women behind Minecraft’s success, and the ‘extras’ that have followed: t-shirts, books, actions figures, Legos, conventions and more.
The book is well written, and children will enjoy learning about the game they love so much. I see Martin’s book being used for countless school projects. It is a great resource not only for information about Minecraft, but the gaming industry in general. It defines key terms both in side boxes in each chapter, and in a glossary at the back of the book. Last year, I was assigned a Minecraft program to create for our public library patrons. I knew nothing about Minecraft! My internet searches turned up results that explained how to play the game, but not what it was. Minecraft: The Business Behind the Makers of Minecraft would have been the perfect resource for my research. I would also suggest it to caregivers curious to know more about the game their child is so obsessed with.

[Darren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This magazine supplement-type book has a simple goal, to inform the uninitiated about the successful electronic game called Minecraft that has taken much of the world by storm.

There is not a lot to say about this book, it provides a reasonable, if not superficial, look at Minecraft, its development, history and operation, as well as trying to look at the future. It just did not grab this reader either, perhaps due to the style and layout that seemed to irritate rather than draw one in. It just felt like an elongated magazine, warts and all, so the book just did not stand out to be something special, instead remaining relegated to an “OK in any case”-sort of thing.

The price tag felt a bit, err optimistic, so maybe one can deservedly be a little more critical, when you see how little you get for your money (32 pages). Manage your expectations accordingly and all may be well. It felt a bit of a lost opportunity. It could have been so different, a lot greater. One reason for the price is that the publisher is hoping to attract the library market. Even so, other publishers also do, yet they provide a lot more content for a similar price.

As it is, if you really need this book in this form, you may be happy with what you get. Your children will get it, but then again they won’t be looking at the credit card bill either. So one isn’t saying this is a bad book per se, but it certainly could have been better priced, or featured more content. Check it out at a bookstore if you are in doubt.

[Katie Zebrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

My third grade students will be all over this when it comes in( as will my 4th and 5th graders!) This book fits in nicely with the increased focus on informational texts to meet the common core standards. The kids are going to love reading this book for pleasure, but also as a mentor text to look at when they are creating their own informational essays. A great addition to the classroom library! I received a digital copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written nonfiction book about creating and running a business involving a brand using minecraft as an example. Will appeal to the many minecraft fans we have and provide examples they can easily relate to.