Microsoft has acquired Stockholm-based games developer Mojang, which makes the popular open world game Minecraft, for $2.5 billion.
The Swedish firm boasts more than 100 million users of the title, which is available on a number of platforms including PC and mobile.
The deal will see Minecraft stand alongside other Microsoft-owned franchises like Halo, Fable and Forza.
In a post to the Microsoft website, head of Xbox Phil Spencer said the game would continue to be available on other companies' platforms, and promised Mojang's "independent spirit" would be maintained.
He said the company had been drawn to the game as it had been the best ever selling title on its Xbox Live service, while also appealing to a broad demographic of gamers.
The deal is expected to close in late 2014.
"Gaming is a top activity spanning devices, from PCs and consoles to tablets and mobile, with billions of hours spent each year," said Microsoft's chief executive Satya Nadella.
"Minecraft is more than a great game franchise - it is an open world platform, driven by a vibrant community we care deeply about, and rich with new opportunities for that community and for Microsoft," he added.
