Ocean Park has joined forces with The Sandbox, an Ethereum-based decentralised NFT gaming metaverse, to create new digital entertainment experiences as part its HK$6.8 billion ($876 million) transformation.
"As Ocean Park celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2022, the park is transforming itself in many innovative ways," saidIvan Wong, chief executive of Ocean Park.
"Not only are we revamping the park into brand new retail, dining, entertainment, wellness and adventure zones, but we are also heading into the metaverse to reimagine the way we engage consumers, the way they connect with one another, and their adventures at Ocean Park."
The Sandbox, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, is a virtual metaverse where users can play, build, own, and monetise digital experiences. Ocean Park's virtual world will feature creative content and "offerings that are distinctively Ocean Park", Wong said
Ocean Park's partnership with The Sandbox will allow the attraction to develop immersive experiences, events and products "in formats never before seen, and venture into new business areas made possible by technology", he said.
Creating digital entertainment experiences
"We are confident thatourfansandthe NFT community will welcome the opportunity to explore Ocean Park in a whole new dimensionwhilecreating andsharingtheir user-generated contenton our platform," Wong added.
Ocean Park is currentlyrepositioning itself as a holiday resortand educational attraction. In August 2021, Ocean Park issued aninvitation to biddersto join the first round of the tender process for its overhaul.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ocean Park to The Sandbox metaverse," said Sebastien Borget, COO and co-founder of The Sandbox. "As one of Asia's most dynamic leisure and resort destinations, Ocean Park also plays an iconic role in Hong Kong's cultural and entertainment landscape."
He added: "We will work with them on setting the first example of how entertainment can be leveraged with NFTs and play-and-earn to engage and reward both local visitors and those from around the globe."
More information will be announced soon.
Images: Ocean Park
