Deal with Microsoft

“Minecraft” to become an amusement park from 2026

This is what the entrance to one of the planned "Minecraft" amusement parks could look like.(Bild: merlinentertainments.biz)

The popular video game "Minecraft" is to be brought to life in several theme parks. As the internationally active British theme park operator Merlin explained on Tuesday, attractions from the world of the video game are to be realized with the digital building blocks in parks in the USA and Great Britain from 2026.

Fans of "Minecraft" will be able to "experience the thrill and creativity of the game in real life at theme parks and attractions in city centers of leading tourist destinations," said Merlin's Head of Entertainment Scott O'Neill.

After the first "Minecraft" attractions, Merlin plans to extend the video game concept to restaurants, vacation accommodation and stores, among others.

Multi-million dollar deal with Microsoft
This is based on an agreement worth the equivalent of over 100 million euros between Merlin and the Swedish Minecraft developer Mojang, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2014.

Concept art from Merlin Entertainments(Bild: merlinentertainments.biz)

The Microsoft Vice President responsible for video game franchise development, Kayleen Walters, described the collaboration with Merlin as an "incredibly exciting step" that will make "Minecraft" interesting for even more people.

Best-selling video game of all time
First released in 2009, "Minecraft" is the best-selling video game of all time, with more than 140 million people playing it worldwide every month. The video game, which despite its simple graphics also fascinates experienced gamers, is about building your own worlds from cube-shaped blocks and fighting monsters there.