Leading Minecraft: Java Edition client Lunar Client announced Tuesday that it has acquired Minecraft: Java Edition launcher Badlion from ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) for an undisclosed amount. The company said in its announcement that this acquisition will expand its active user base to over 3M monthly players, and will unite “two of the most influential platforms in the Minecraft ecosystem.”
Microsoft-owned Minecraft is one of the best-selling video games of all times, with over 300M copies sold and nearly 170M monthly active players. Both clients aim to optimize the Minecraft player experience by providing a launcher that supports improvements, customization options, and mods that can change gameplay mechanics, add new content, or offer quality-of-life improvements.
“By bringing Badlion into the Lunar Client ecosystem, we’re creating a unified platform that combines the best of both worlds—enhanced performance, customizable mods, and innovative features that players love. What began as a high school project has grown beyond our wildest dreams, and we’re thrilled to take this next step in elevating the Minecraft experience for everyone through this acquisition,” commented Matheus Fonseca, CEO and co-founder of Moonsworth, Operator of Lunar Client. “2025 is set to be a year of growth for us and, in addition to the acquisition, we’re exploring incredible brand partnerships with leaders in retail, entertainment, and beyond to bring even more benefits to our community.”
Badlion was originally acquired by ESL Gaming from creators “Archybot” and “MasterGberry” in 2016. The original vision for Badlion was to create esports in Minecraft, but that lofty goal ran into some road blocks, and the focus was eventually changed in 2018 from a Minecraft minigame server to a Minecraft client that offered anti-cheat technology.