BBC Studios is launching a series of immersive experiences in The Sandbox metaverse based on brands such as Doctor Who and Top Gear.
In collaboration with Web3 specialist Reality+, BBC Studios’ metaverse experience will allow fans to interact with immersive content from their favourite brands.
The Sandbox has been described as “part virtual real estate, part amusement park”, and as a space where players can build, own and monetise their experiences on blockchain.
“While the metaverse is still in its infancy, it may shape how we consume and experience entertainment in the future and I’m looking forward to seeing how fans interact with our brands in this space,” said Nicki Sheard, BBC Studios’ president of brands and licensing.
“This project forms part of BBC Studios’ broader ambitious plans to grow our brands into new categories, with innovative technology and platforms forming an integral part of this.”
This will be the BBC’s first home in the metaverse. It joins other entertainment brands such as Warner Music Group, Ubisoft, Gucci Vault, The Walking Dead and Adidas in The Sandbox.
Tony Pearce, co-founder of Reality+, said the partnership with BBC Studios will “help them push the boundaries of what’s possible in the metaverse” and “deliver exciting new experiences for the fans of these world-renowned TV shows”.
British culture in virtual worlds
“The BBC has a history of pioneering content that leverages the latest technology and putting it into mainstream households,” added Sebastien Borget, COO and co-founder at The Sandbox. “We think this venture is an important step to bringing British culture and fans into virtual worlds.”
Reality+ has already worked with BBC Studios to create the Doctor Who: Worlds Apart digital trading card game. BBC Studios’ virtual world in The Sandbox will launch later this year.
In March, Disney eliminated its metaverse division just over a year after announcing it, as part of plans to cut 7,000 jobs and save $5.5 billion in costs.Â
Images: BBC
