Markus Persson

Profession: Video Game Designer

Biography: Markus Persson, known as "Notch," created Minecraft, the best-selling video game in history. He founded Mojang Studios and later sold it to Microsoft for $2.5 billion.

Persson began programming at a young age, creating his first game at eight on a Commodore 128. He worked as a web designer and game developer, including a stint at King, where he focused on browser games. In 2009, inspired by "Infiniminer," Persson developed the first version of Minecraft.

Minecraft's success led Persson to found Mojang Studios in 2009. The game's popularity grew rapidly, and Persson transferred creative control to Jens Bergensten in 2011. In 2014, Microsoft purchased Mojang, and Persson left the company after the sale.

After leaving Mojang, Persson founded new ventures, including Rubberbrain and Bitshift Entertainment. He also created a series of narrative-driven events called ".party()". Persson has donated to various charities, including Médecins Sans Frontières and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Persson's personal life has been marked by challenges, including his father's suicide in 2011 and his own struggles with depression. He married Elin Zetterstrand in 2011, but they divorced in 2012. Persson has one daughter.

In recent years, however, Persson has become known for controversial statements on social media, leading to criticism and Microsoft removing mentions of his name from Minecraft in 2019.

Born: June 1, 1979
Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden
Age: 45 years old

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Gemini