The Dorset-based owner of Alton Towers and Legoland has agreed a major deal to build Minecraft attractions in the 海角视频 and US.
Merlin Entertainments said the partnership with Mojang Studios - the creator of the best-selling video game - would involve immersive and interactive experiences in fixed locations on either side of the Atlantic. It is the Poole-based company's first global partnership with a gaming brand.
Merlin will make a initial investment of £85m in the 'Adventures Made Real' concept, which has been described as Minecraft-themed "real-life experiences". The parks will be the first location-based immersive Minecraft attractions in the world, although it has not yet been disclosed where they will be.
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Details of timescales have also not been released, but the entertainment giant said the experiences will be launching in the US and the 海角视频 between 2026 and 2027.
According to the Poole-based company, the attractions will create "new and exciting ways" for people to immerse themselves in the Minecraft world and will include the creation of touchpoints that will allow guests to unlock exclusive in-game content.
“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," said Scott O'Neil, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments.
"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.
"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.
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"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.”
The concept includes Minecraft-themed guest accommodation, retail, a food and drink offering, and a ride. Longer-term, Merlin will expand the experiences to other destinations globally.
The company said the collaboration aligns with its strategy to engage and work with leading intellectual property and brands across its estate.
"Partnering with Merlin Entertainments is an incredibly exciting step for us at Mojang Studios," said Kayleen Walters, vice-president franchise development for gaming at Microsoft.
"Our vast and diverse community is always looking for new opportunities to explore and engage with Minecraft, and we are thrilled to build touchpoints around the globe that will surprise and delight them. These new real-life Minecraft experiences will not only grow our community but also offer fans many more opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of Minecraft in ways they've never imagined."
Mr O'Neil and Ms Walters will be speaking about the partnership – and the global roll-out of these real-life experiences – at IAAPA Expo 2024 in Orlando at 4pm (EST) on November 19.