Markus “Notch” Persson, the visionary behind the wildly popular Minecraft, has been away from the game’s development for some time after selling the IP to Microsoft. But recently, he sparked excitement among fans when he hinted at the possibility of creating a spiritual successor to Minecraft.
While this new game may not bear the Minecraft name or its familiar gameplay, Notch’s new project offers something that could reignite the imaginations of those who loved the original. Let’s dive into what we know about this new title and whether it can live up to the legacy of Minecraft.
Notch’s New Game A Roguelike Dungeon-Crawler
In a January 1st post on X (formerly Twitter), Notch revealed that he’s working on a new game that diverges significantly from Minecraft in terms of genre. Described as a traditional roguelike dungeon-crawler, this game will draw inspiration from classics like ADOM (Ancient Domains of Mystery) and NetHack, blending it with a tile-based first-person dungeon crawler feel similar to Legend of Grimrock or Eye of the Beholder.
This genre shift may come as a surprise to fans expecting a game similar to Minecraft in style or mechanics, but Notch clarified that his project is something completely different. The combination of old-school roguelike mechanics with dungeon exploration presents a fresh and exciting direction, especially for players who enjoy challenge-based games with procedural generation and intense dungeon crawling.
The Possibility of a Minecraft “Spiritual Successor”
While Notch is clearly focused on developing his roguelike dungeon-crawler, the more intriguing aspect of his announcement lies in the second half of the tweet. Notch asked his followers whether they would prefer him to create a game that would feel like a “spiritual successor” to Minecraft. Essentially, he’s proposing a game that captures the spirit and essence of Minecraft but under a different name and with a new premise.
Notch’s willingness to explore this option has fueled speculation about what such a project could entail. It’s clear that he’s not interested in making Minecraft 2, given that Microsoft now owns the IP and would likely not allow him to develop a direct sequel. However, fans could still see a game with similar open-world, sandbox gameplay and creative building mechanics. This game would likely feature the same charm and freedom that Minecraft is known for, but in a completely different form, setting, or storyline.
Is Notch Making Minecraft 2?
The answer is clear: No, Notch will not be working on Minecraft 2. When questioned about the possibility of creating a sequel, he responded that, due to Microsoft’s ownership of the Minecraft IP, it’s simply not feasible. While the possibility of another Minecraft-like game is real, it will be completely separate and distinct from the Minecraft franchise.
This clarification is important for anyone hoping to see Notch’s return to the Minecraft universe. Instead, he seems to be focusing on creating an entirely new experience while keeping some elements familiar to those who enjoyed Minecraft. A new game that draws on the magic of Minecraft without being a direct sequel could be the perfect balance for Notch, offering something fresh while maintaining the heart of what made his previous creation so beloved.
What Does the Future Hold?
Notch’s new game is still in development, and while he’s hinted at the possibility of a release in 2025, it’s unclear when exactly we’ll see it hit the market. Fans eager for another Minecraft-like experience may have to wait a while, but Notch’s ongoing work is a clear indication that something new is coming. Whether it’s a roguelike dungeon-crawler or a “spiritual successor” to Minecraft, there’s no doubt that Notch’s creative spirit will continue to inspire new gaming experiences.