Why Microsoft Wants Minecraft

Microsoft is seeking to buy electronic game maker Mojang for two billion dollars.Mojang,based in Stockholm,Sweden,makes the wildly popular Minecraft game.It is described as being a sandbox game,in which players create their own projects with the available material-in this case,virtual building blocks.*
Acquiring this online Lego-type diversion would snag a popular game they can couple with their Xbox gaming console franchise.It is a play for younger consumers and lends the firm the cool factor.The indie game studio Mojang has come up with an addictive product in Minecraft,and many others would like to list it among their assets.*
Minecraft is currently the second most popular console game and part of a more lucrative entertainment business than cinema or books.With no rules to follow,Minecraft is an adventure that is up to the players.They can build whatever they like 24/7.It is available in a PC/Mac version that has sold well over 16 million units so far;on Xbox 360 and Sony's Playstation 3 as well.It may also be purchased in the Pocket Edition for iOS and Android devices.*
Microsoft(MSFT),Sony(SNY)

China's Exports Drop

China's exports dropped 2.8% in December,following a 2.2% slip in November.The December result was the worst in 10 years.Foreign purchases have fallen sharply in the financial crisis,generating big layoffs.Chinese exports had grown 26.7% in January of 2008,but the situation is so bad now,it threatens social stability.Meanwhile,in Japan,Sony may report an operating loss of as much as 1.1 billion dollars in March,as the crisis crimps sales,business daily The Nikkei said.Sony says it will soon announce a restructuring plan,including layoffs,to deal with the downturn.