Minecraft has some 100,000,000 users with 14% of them paid versions. If Microsoft can elicit just $25 from each user, they break even. That's not just from stra

Minecraft has some 100,000,000 users with 14% of them paid versions. If Microsoft can elicit just $25 from each user, they break even. That's not just from straight sales, that includes "sticky ecosystem" money (somebody might not pay for Minecraft outright, but may buy an Xbox and related games/gear as a consequence) and brand licensing ("pixelated" foam costumes & swords, books, other inane paraphernalia). If we assume just 14% of users pay game-related costs, break-even comes at $180 each (which still isn't that high considering entry cost + monthly server + upgrades). Sounds like a sensible move, if they don't screw it up. They may be able to improve the franchise by raising standards for infrastructure & participation. Yeah, Notch is certainly at the "take the money and run" stage. There won't be another chance at $1B cash.