$3.9b made Minecraft creator depressed: 'I've never felt more isolated'

The creator of Minecraft has let loose on Twitter, revealing his depression and calling his colleagues 'assholes'

He's created one of the most popular video games in the world, then sold it for $2.5 billion. But the creator of Minecraft has revealed just how depressed his success has made him.

Markus Persson, who created the Lego-like video game in 2009, let loose in a series of tweets highlighting just how empty a life of riches can be.

"The problem with getting everything is you run out of reasons to keep trying, and human interaction becomes impossible due to imbalance," Persson, also known as 'Notch', said at the beginning of his five-tweet rant.

Last September, Persson sold his company Mojang and Minecraft's intellectual rights to Microsoft for US$2.5 billion (NZ$3.9b). Since then, the programmer has splashed out, buying a US$70 million (NZ$110m) mansion in Los Angeles that he's used to host pool parties with A-list celebrities.

Yet the lifestyle has left him feeling alone and isolated. Persson revealed in one tweet that he lost his girlfriend because she was "afraid" of his lifestyle.

He also hints at dissatisfaction with the industry, saying that he doesn't want to "save the world" as it would mean dealing with "assholes".

Though he ended on a positive note, Persson's tweets suggest a deep frustration with the industry that has made him millions.

Since its alpha version first went online in 2009, Minecraft has sold more than 20 million copies for Mac and PC and 70 million units across all platforms.

Part of its popularity comes from videos on YouTube, where gamers showcase their creations. The Diamond Cart, one Minecraft-based channel, has become the most popular channel on YouTube with more than 400 million views in July.

A film adaptation is in development, with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney set to direct.

- nzherald.co.nz