Markus Persson

Profile Summary: Markus Persson (Notch)
- Full Name: Markus Alexej Persson
- Nickname(s): Notch
- Birthday: June 1, 1979 🎂
- Age: 45 years old (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden
- Nationality: Swedish
- Ethnicity: Mixed (Swedish and Finnish)
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini ♊
Family Life
Parents & Siblings:
- Father: Birger Persson (Swedish railway employee).
- Mother: Ritva Persson (Finnish nurse).
Relationship Status:
- Previously Married: Elin Zetterstrand (married on August 13, 2011; declared single on August 15, 2012).
- Current Status: Possibly single, with no public information about a current relationship.
Personal Life:
- Known for keeping his personal life private, though his controversial social media presence has often brought him into the public eye.
Education
- Attended Tumba Gymnasium (1995–1998).
- Enrolled at Säbyskolan and later Rotebergs Skola .
- Completed an online programming course, further honing his skills in game development.
Career Highlights
Professional Background
- Primary Professions: Video Game Programmer, Designer, Entrepreneur.
Early Career:
- Began programming at the age of 7 on his father’s Commodore 128 home computer, showcasing his early passion for technology and gaming.
Breakthrough Role:
- Co-founded Mojang, a video game company, alongside Carl Manneh and Jakob Porser in 2010.
Notable Achievements:
- Minecraft:
- Released his groundbreaking survival sandbox game Minecraft on November 18, 2011.
- The game sold over 1 million copies, revolutionizing the gaming industry and earning him global recognition.
- In 2014, Mojang was acquired by Microsoft for $2.5 billion, marking a monumental moment in gaming history.
- Caller’s Bane:
- Released this free game in 2012 following a lawsuit settlement with ZeniMax Media.
- 0x10c:
- Announced an alternate reality space game in March 2012, but its production was halted in August 2013.
Legacy in Gaming:
- Recognized as one of the most influential figures in modern gaming, particularly for creating Minecraft, which has become a cultural phenomenon.
Controversies & Criticism
- Known for expressing controversial opinions on social media, leading to widespread backlash:
- June 2017: Homophobic tweets sparked outrage.
- November 2017: Racist remarks drew heavy criticism.
- March 2019: Comments labeling a transgender woman as “mentally ill” were widely condemned.
- Criticism of Feminism: Described feminism as a “social disease,” alienating many in the gaming community.
- These controversies resulted in his dissociation from Microsoft and tarnished his public image to some extent.
Trivia/Facts
- Born under the zodiac sign Gemini, symbolizing adaptability, curiosity, and creativity.
- Of mixed Swedish and Finnish descent, reflecting his diverse cultural heritage.
- Began programming at a young age, demonstrating his innate talent for technology and innovation.
Legacy
Markus Persson, better known as Notch, is a pioneering figure in the world of video game design and programming. His creation of Minecraft, one of the best-selling games of all time, has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry and popular culture. The game’s innovative gameplay and creative freedom have inspired millions of players worldwide, making it a cornerstone of modern gaming.
As the founder of Mojang, Markus played a pivotal role in shaping the indie gaming landscape before selling the company to Microsoft for $2.5 billion in 2014. This acquisition solidified his status as a trailblazer in the tech and gaming worlds.
However, his legacy is not without controversy. Markus’s outspoken and often polarizing views on social media have drawn significant criticism, particularly regarding issues of sexism, homophobia, and racism. These controversies have overshadowed some of his professional achievements and led to his dissociation from Microsoft.
Despite the controversies, Markus Persson’s contributions to gaming remain unparalleled. His ability to create immersive, open-ended experiences like Minecraft continues to inspire developers and players alike. As a programmer, designer, and entrepreneur, he has cemented his place in gaming history, leaving behind a legacy that transcends both praise and criticism. 🌟🎮✨