Minecraft is about to enter the real world.
A theme park inspired by the computer game in which you make everything from rollercoasters to entire cities out of virtual blocks is coming to the UK.
Minecraft-maker Monjang has struck a deal with Merlin Entertainments – Europe’s largest theme park operator that runs Alton Towers, Legoland, among other attractions – to open two attractions between 2026 and 2027.
The parks, one of which will open in the US, will include ‘first-of-its-kind concepts’ for Minecraft-themed accommodation, shops and restaurants plus a Minecraft-themed ride.
Concept images show a ‘Minecraft village’ featuring one of the sandbox game’s most famous characters, Steve, sitting by a campfire surrounded by farm animals and a children’s play area.
A Creeper – a darkness-loving monster – can be seen poking out of a rubbish bin by some TNT. Neither of which, we assume, are real.
Another shows people petting blocky animals between pink cherry blossoms in an indoor bar area.
‘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,’ Merlin Entertainments chief executive Scott O’Neil said.
Kayleen Walters, vice-president of franchise development for gaming at Microsoft, which bought Monjang 10 years ago, added: ‘Merlin’s expertise in creating world-class attractions makes them the perfect partner to help us bring Minecraft to life in new and immersive ways in permanent locations around the globe.’
The coronavirus pandemic and the cost of living crisis dealt a double blow to many theme parks, forcing some to close their doors for good and others to introduce surge-pricing.
But it seems Merlin hopes to keep family attractions booming by collaborating with Minecraft, which has 140,000,000 monthly players.
Also bringing the video game into the 3D world is a long-delayed Minecraft film starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black which will be released in April.
Minecraft fans are even getting an animated Netflix series based on the 15-year-old game
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