While the digital biomes of Minecraft have long been a staple of home entertainment, a new multi-million-pound development is set to transition these blocky environments into the physical world.
The project, set for an existing family theme park, marks a significant step in the franchise’s evolution, moving from screen-based creativity to large-scale guest experiences.
A landmark partnership for Merlin
Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios have confirmed a long-term strategic partnership to launch Minecraft World, the first fully immersive theme park land dedicated to the best-selling video game. The initial development is scheduled to open at Chessington World of Adventures Resort in Greater London in 2027.
This £50 million investment represents one of the most ambitious projects for the resort in recent years. The land, which replaces the former Wild Asia area, is designed to recreate the game’s iconic biomes, mobs, and items through a variety of physical attractions and interactive adventures. Central to the development is a world-first Minecraft-themed rollercoaster, which aims to provide a high-energy translation of the game’s mechanics into a ride format.
Angela Jobson, SVP of Global Brand at Merlin Entertainments, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing Minecraft’s creativity, bold adventures, and ridiculous fun to life at a theme park for the first time at Chessington World of Adventures.
“Minecraft World will allow friends and families to play, explore and craft together on a truly epic scale. Working closely together with Mojang Studios we are meticulously creating an authentic world that the global community of Minecraft fans will want to immerse themselves in and experience the game in a whole new way.”
Authenticity through creator collaboration
The development process has actively involved a selection of Minecraft creators to ensure the physical environment remains faithful to the source material. This focus on authenticity extends to the planned “blockbuilt” playscapes and themed retail and dining areas. Notably, the land will feature what is expected to be the world’s largest Minecraft shop.
Torfi Frans Ólafsson, Senior Creative Director of Entertainment at Minecraft, stated that the project is a major milestone in expanding the brand’s universe. “The team at Merlin Entertainments and Mojang have worked hard to craft an experience that feels immersive, authentic and welcoming, and we can’t wait for our community to experience it,” he added.
Expanding the physical Minecraft footprint
The Chessington development is part of a broader strategy from Minecraft to establish a permanent presence in the global attractions industry. This strategy also includes several touring and temporary installations:
- Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue: A global touring attraction that provides guests with th4e opportunity to mine resources, explore biomes, and battle mobs in an immersive setting. This experience is currently scheduled to visit Herning, Singapore, Mexico City, and Chicago.
- Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail: An entirely new format featuring an outdoor nighttime adventure set in a real forest. The Moonlight Trail is set to open soon in Buenos Aires before expanding to other international cities over time.
Minecraft World at Chessington will be situated approximately 35 minutes from London Waterloo by direct train, making it highly accessible for both domestic and international visitors when it opens in 2027. Chessington will open another new area, World of Paw Patrol, this year.
