ORLANDO, Fla. – Two new attractions based on the best-selling video game of all time will open in the next few years as a result of a collaboration between the makers of the game and the owners of several area theme parks.
On Tuesday, Merlin Entertainments announced a partnership that will bring Minecraft adventures to life in the real world through immersive and interactive entertainment attractions.
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“This is a significant milestone for Merlin, which reinforces our commitment to reaching new audiences through bold and captivating concepts and directly supports our ambitions for growth. Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, and this world-first will see fans experience its thrill and creativity in real life, at theme parks and city-centre attractions in leading tourist destinations,” Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Entertainments Scott O’Neil said in a news release.
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The company said that “Adventures Made Real” will create new and exciting ways for people to immerse themselves in the physical Minecraft world including digitally enabled real-life experiences, as well as the creation of touchpoints that will allow guests to unlock exclusive in-game content to continue their gaming journey.
Merlin will be investing $110 million in the first two attractions, which will be launching in the U.S. and the U.K. between 2026 and 2027. This will include the development of Minecraft-themed guest accommodation, retail, and food & beverage, alongside other experiences including a Minecraft-themed ride at Merlin locations in these two countries. Longer-term, Merlin will expand these experiences to other destinations globally.
“This initial investment is just the beginning, replicating Merlin’s tried-and-tested approach to globally launching new concepts and platforms, as we have with LEGO, Peppa Pig, Sony Pictures, CBeebies and others. This is an exciting opportunity for our Merlin Magic Making team, working collaboratively with Mojang Studios to bring cross-reality experiences, themed accommodation and other elements to life for the largest gaming community in the world,” O’Neil continued.
This is Merlin’s first global partnership with a gaming brand. Mojang Studios is owned by Microsoft.
Headquartered in the UK, Merlin Entertainments is the second largest operator of attractions and theme parks worldwide and owns the Orlando Eye, Legoland, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Aquarium, and the Peppa Pig Theme Park, all of which have locations in Central Florida. As of right now, a specific stateside location for a Minecraft theme park has not been revealed.
Before theme parks, Minecraft will attempt to become the next video game movie blockbuster. “A Minecraft Movie” hits theaters April 4.
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