The Microsoft-owned game will arrive in the real world to open a series of attractions in the United Kingdom and the United States, from 2026, in agreement with Merlin Entertainments, one of the world leaders in theme parks.
This is the first block of a building that could become much larger. Minecraft to make real-life appearance after deal struck to open attractions in UK and US in 2026 and 2027, reveals The Guardian this Tuesday, November 19. They should see the light of day in already existing theme parks or in new locations in the city center. The deal was concluded with Merlin Entertainments, the largest theme park operator in Europe and the second largest in the world after Disney, which manages more than 140 attractions, hotels and holiday villages in 23 countries.
Adaptations for cinema and on Netflix
The amount of this operation amounts to 85 million pounds, or 102 million euros, according to the British media. “This collaboration will bring Minecraft adventures to life in the real world through immersive and interactive entertainment attractions”detailed Merlin Entertainments in a press release. The attractions will be accompanied by video game-themed accommodation, shops and restaurants. In the longer term, the two companies plan to extend their strategic partnership called «Adventures Made Real»to other countries. This is also the first partnership concluded with a video game player by Merlin Entertainments, which already collaborates with brands such as Lego Land, Peppa Pig World and Madame Tussauds.
This agreement marks the advent of Minecraft, officially the best-selling video game of all time. Despite its simplistic graphics, it allows you to create unlimited universes by stacking blocks. Developed by Swedish Mojang Studios and released in 2011, it was bought by Microsoft in 2014. At the end of 2023, Minecraft became the first video game to exceed 300 million copies sold, ahead of other behemoths like Grand Theft Auto V (GTA) with 205 million, Nintendo’s Wii Sports and its 83 million and PUBG: Battlegrounds with 75 million.
It still counts 140 million players per month, even in Antarctica or the Vatican. On YouTube, more than 1.3 billion videos have been published on the game since its creation in 2009. Likewise, Minecraft expansions are endless: a film with Jason Momoa and Jack Black should be released next April and Netflix announced plans earlier this year to release an animated series based on the game.
