Minecraft nets over NZ$40M

In a Reddit thread created by Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson, it transpires that the indie PC-gaming phenomenon Minecraft has generated over NZ$40 million.

"The game sold about 800,000 copies at 9.95 euro, and then so far 1 million more at 14.95 euro," wrote Persson. "Paypal takes a cut, there are taxes and such, but it's still a huge wad of money."

Minecraft is currently in a paid-beta status, although a free, non-updated classic version is also available. It was originally released to the public in May 2009. With decidedly 8-bit style graphics (albeit in 3D), the game is not much to look at, but that's beside the point; the block-crafting gameplay enables players to construct virtually anything they desire, which has resulted in a great deal of incredibly creative monuments.