Who created Minecraft, the sandbox video game first released publicly in 2009?

Markus Persson created Minecraft, the sandbox video game first released publicly in 2009.

Persson, known online as Notch, began developing Minecraft in 2009. The early version was inspired by games including Infiniminer, Dwarf Fortress, and Dungeon Keeper. Its block-based world allowed players to gather materials, craft objects, build structures, and explore procedurally generated environments.

Persson founded Mojang to develop the game, which reached a full release in 2011. Microsoft acquired Mojang in 2014. Jens Bergensten later became a leading developer on Minecraft, so he is sometimes mistakenly credited as its original creator. Persson’s role refers to the game’s creation and early development, not every later feature or version.