• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Gameranx

Gameranx

Video Game News, Lists & Guides

  • News
  • Features
  • Platforms
    • Xbox Series X
    • PS5
    • Nintendo
  • Videos
  • Upcoming Games
  • Guides

Minecraft Creator Notch Turned Down a Job at Valve

December 10, 2013 by Stephen Daly

Markus Persson wanted ‘to create a Valve, rather than work at Valve.’

Markus 'Notch' Persson has revealed that he made the "tough decision" to reject a job offer from Valve while we was working on Minecraft.

In an extract from the book Minecraft: The Unlikely Tale of Markus 'Notch' Persson and the Game that Changed Everything which has been republished by AllThingsD; Persson revealed his visit to Valve. 

The trip happened while the beta version of Minecraft was beginning to gain popularity. Having toured Valve's studio and meeting Gabe Newell he was led to a small room where a HR staffer talked to him. 

According to the book:

"[Persson] told him a little about himself and his plans for Minecraft before realising that he was in the middle of a job interview".

Persson answered a few questions before being asked if he would like to work at Valve and "answered politely but firmly, no".

Speaking about why he turned down the job offer he said, "Somehow, I felt that Minecraft was maybe my chance to create a Valve, rather than work at Valve,"

Minecraft has since sold 33 million copies across all platforms with PS3, PS Vita, PS4, and Xbox One versions all on the way. Of those, the PS3 edition will be released first. 

Share this post:

FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest

Recent Videos

10 Games We Don't REGRET Playing 100%

10 Games We Don't REGRET Playing 100%

20 Emotional Story Games You Can GET LOST IN

20 Emotional Story Games You Can GET LOST IN

GTA 6: NEW Gameplay Details We FOUND

GTA 6: NEW Gameplay Details We FOUND

XBOX RAISES CONSOLE PRICES, STEAM MACHINE IS CRAZY EXPENSIVE & MORE

XBOX RAISES CONSOLE PRICES, STEAM MACHINE IS CRAZY EXPENSIVE & MORE

10 Things Game Companies NEED TO STOP DOING

10 Things Game Companies NEED TO STOP DOING

Top 10 NEW Games of July 2026

Top 10 NEW Games of July 2026

GTA 6 Price & Ultimate Edition REVEALED

GTA 6 Price & Ultimate Edition REVEALED

10 Upcoming AAA Games That Aren't Like Any Other Games

10 Upcoming AAA Games That Aren't Like Any Other Games

10 Recent Games To PLAY BEFORE GTA 6

10 Recent Games To PLAY BEFORE GTA 6

Category: Updates

Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Will Be A Game Card, Not Game-Key Card, On Switch 2
  • Splatoon Raiders’ Co-Op Multiplayer Might Elevate It To Being Nintendo’s Best Online Game To Date
  • Are GTA 6 Pre-Orders Being Hurt By The Lack Of A Physical Disc Release?
  • Rumor: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Coming To Nintendo Switch 2
  • “We Should’ve Asked First” Dbrand Cancels Steam Machine Companion Cube After Valve Takedown

Copyright © 2026 · Gameranx · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme