Minecraft, a highly successful video game, is entering the real world with a £85 million global theme park deal between Merlin Entertainments and Microsoft. The partnership, called ‘Adventures Made Real’, will bring Minecraft-themed attractions to UK and US theme parks.
Overview
Background
Minecraft is a highly successful video game that was launched in 2011. It has sold more copies than other popular games like Tetris and the Super Mario franchise. In addition to its commercial success, Minecraft has also been used for educational purposes. In 2020, the company made 12 digital lessons available for free to help pupils who were unable to attend school due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Partnership Details
The partnership between Merlin Entertainments and Microsoft will bring Minecraft-themed attractions to theme parks in the UK and US. The first two attractions are expected to open in 2026 and 2027, with a total investment of over £85 million ($110m). The partnership is called “Adventures Made Real” and plans to expand to other countries and territories.
Quotes
Scott O’Neil, Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments, stated that they look for partners who have the right scale, community, and brand recognition. He mentioned that Minecraft is one of the biggest video game brands in the world, making it an ideal partner.
Upcoming Release
A Minecraft movie is scheduled for release next April, further expanding the brand’s presence in the entertainment industry.
Related News
The partnership between Merlin Entertainments and Microsoft is part of a larger trend of theme park operators partnering with popular brands to create immersive experiences. In 2022, Merlin struck a deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment to bring the Jumanji franchise to its parks. The company also announced an expansion of its Peppa Pig deal to create rides and attractions in Duplo-themed areas at several of its parks.
Key Statistics
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Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
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The game has been viewed over 1.3 trillion times on YouTube.
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Minecraft is the first single video game to pass 300 million sales.
Upcoming Projects
A Minecraft Movie is scheduled for release in April 2025. Merlin has also struck a deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment to bring the Jumanji franchise to its parks, with rides and attractions opening at Chessington in the UK last year.
