Merlin Entertainments has introduced a brand new partnership with Mojang Studios to “carry Minecraft adventures to life” with rides and sights the world over.
Merlin is spending greater than $110 million on this deal, which the corporate says will result in “immersive and interactive leisure sights in fastened areas across the globe.”
The press launch was gentle on official particulars, nevertheless it did point out how the deal additionally covers the event of real-world “touchpoints” that individuals can entry to unlock in-game content material.
The preliminary $110 million funding covers two sights, one every for the US and the UK; they’re set to open in both 2026 or 2027 at unspecified areas. “It will embrace the event of first-of-its-kind ideas for Minecraft-themed visitor lodging, retail, and meals & beverage, alongside thrilling experiences–including a Minecraft-themed ride–at Merlin areas in these two nations. Longer-term, Merlin will broaden these experiences to different locations globally,” the corporate stated.
Merlin runs the Legoland theme parks, in addition to theme parks within the UK, Italy, and Germany, together with Alton Towers Resort and Gardaland Resort. Merlin additionally operates what it calls “Gateway” sights, which embrace Madame Tussauds, Sea Life, and sights themed round manufacturers like Peppa Pig and Shrek.
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Merlin’s Magic Making staff is working with Mojang to attempt to “guarantee authenticity” for the Minecraft rides and sights that it creates. Minecraft is the primary online game franchise that Merlin has partnered with.
Minecraft is among the many best-selling video video games of all time, and the franchise stays common. A Minecraft film is on the way in which, starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, and the most recent trailer comes out right now, November 19.
In different theme park information, Nintendo and Common simply introduced more details on the Donkey Kong Country area of Universal Studios Japan, which is ready to open in 2025. Within the US, it is the ultimate countdown for one among Disney World’s greatest rides, Magic Kingdom’s Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad, which closes on January 6, 2025 and will not open for a whole yr.