For the first time ever, Merlin Entertainments will partner with a gaming brand, as the company announced a collaboration with the creators of Minecraft.
The company will partner with Swedish-based Mojang Studios to develop location-based attractions based on the ultra-popular video game.
The announcement comes as the world’s largest theme park and attractions convention, IAAPA, returns to Orlando’s convention center.
Merlin has a handful of theme parks and attractions in Central Florida, including Legoland and Madame Tussaud’s wax figure museum.
The “Adventures Made Real” project will include a $110 million investment in attractions on both sides of the Atlantic.
“This world first will see fans experience (Minecraft’s) thrill and creativity in real life, at theme parks and city-centre attractions in leading tourist destinations,” said Scott O’Neil, Merlin Entertainments CEO.
O’Neil called it a “significant milestone” for the behemoth theme park company.
The partnership with Mojang Studios will bring virtual Minecraft adventures into real-world settings through immersive and interactive entertainment.
Launch in the U.S. and U.K. is expected in 2026 and 2027.
“Partnering with Merlin Entertainments is an incredibly exciting step for us at Mojang Studios, said Kayleen Walters, Microsoft’s VP of franchise development for gaming. “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.”