Takeover Minecraft exposes Microsoft's desperation at the mobile end

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Editor's note: Klint Finley wrote an article on the wired to analyze Microsoft's acquisition of Minecraft, behind Microsoft's phone-side backwardness and struggles. But for Klint's concerns, Microsoft has said it will continue to support platforms such as iOS and Android.

It seems like a good deal, but judging by the various reports of the deal's strategy, this reflects the desperation of the tech giant.

Last week, The New York Times and Reuters reported that the real reason for Microsoft's acquisition of Minecraft was to move the game onto Windows Phone's operating system and the Windows Store. This is a good move for many people, but it just reflects the fact that Microsoft is lagging far behind in the race for mobile subscribers, and that there are many questions about whether it can return to the track.

One of the main problems with Windows phone system is that it uses fewer apps than Android and iOS systems. Many popular mobile apps, such as Instagram, log on to Windows Phone much later than other platforms. Others like Dropbox, Flipboard and Snapchat have not officially landed on Windows Phone. For Microsoft, it's like a chicken-egg problem: For users, they want to buy windows Phone unless they have a favorite app installed in the system, and for developers, they don't want to spend their time on a platform with few users. It will take Microsoft to pick up the pieces. This year, for example, it has built its own YouTube client.

If Microsoft had moved Minecraft to Windows Phone, it might have attracted customers to buy Microsoft's phones and tablets, especially for young people who would not buy Microsoft products without it. The problem is that it's just one small step to make up for the app Gap, and in fact, it's probably not good to buy Mojang to put the game on the operating system of your phone. While Apple and Google sometimes acquire proprietary rights through acquisitions, they don't buy a company just to force developers to develop a version of their platform.

Microsoft must choose a good route to catch up after the takeover, as Microsoft is moving backwards and the entire gaming industry is migrating to the mobile end. To some extent, Microsoft may have to Minecraft only on its own platform, and then shamelessly drive players to buy Microsoft hardware. But there is a risk of alienating fans who already have doubts about the takeover.

Buying a gaming studio and monopolizing its products on a platform is a surprise for Microsoft and the gaming industry. Microsoft acquired Bungie in 2000 and turned it into a proprietary asset, and Bungie is the team behind the Xbox's flagship game Halo. Sony has done the same thing, bought the next game studio and gave it an exclusive name on the PlayStation. Microsoft can also conditionings, it can keep existing games unchanged, and then on its own platform exclusive release of sequels and peripheral products.

But it's more than just a game host. The problem is that Xbox one is competitive, but Windows Phone is not, at least not now. Finally, limiting the new Minecraft to Microsoft phones will only do more harm than good. And if Microsoft wants Minecraft to flourish on the Xbox, it must also be open to iphones and Android devices. There are so many games to move on the mobile phone, the strength of the pattern has changed, but it is bad for Microsoft.