Minecraft, the record-breaking sandbox game, is about to break out of the digital world and enter the real one.
Mojang Studios, the creators of Minecraft, have teamed up with Merlin Entertainments, known for Legoland and other iconic attractions, to bring Minecraft-themed parks to the UK and the US.
Openings are planned between 2026 and 2027.
This partnership is nothing short of ambitious. Merlin is pouring a massive £85 million (roughly $110 million) into creating these parks, which will be either part of existing theme parks or standalone city-centre destinations.
Fans will finally get a chance to step into Minecraft’s blocky world for real, with experiences designed to capture the game’s charm while offering something entirely new.
The attractions promise to combine the best of both worlds—literally. You can expect Minecraft-themed rides, cutting-edge interactive digital features, and themed spaces like hotels, gift shops, and cafes.
A statement from Merlin said:
“This will include the development of first-of-its-kind concepts for Minecraft-themed guest accommodation, retail, and food and beverage, alongside exciting experiences, including a Minecraft-themed ride at Merlin locations in these two countries.”
Kayleen Walters, Vice-President Franchise Development for Gaming at Microsoft, said in a statement:
“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.”
“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.”
Minecraft isn’t the first gaming franchise to make the leap into the real world. Super Nintendo World debuted in Japan in 2021 before expanding to the US. Similar expansions are planned for Orlando and Singapore, proving there’s a growing demand for video game-inspired attractions.
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