Mojang Studios has partnered with theme park operator Merlin Entertainments to showcase real-life Minecraft experiences across the world, starting in the UK and US.

Merlin Entertainments – which is also behind tourist attractions such as Alton Towers and Legoland, to name just two – is investing more than £85 million in the first two planned Minecraft attractions, marking the company’s first global partnership the company with a gaming brand.

Although Merlin and Mojang have not shared specific dates or locations, these “experiences” are expected to launch in the UK and US between 2026 and 2027, and will include Minecraft-themed hosting, as well as food, drinks, a themed ride and other “exciting”. “elements. Following this, Merlin and Mojang will extend this partnership – known as “Adventures Made Real” – further.

“This is an important milestone for Merlin, reinforcing our commitment to reaching new audiences through bold and exciting concepts, and directly supporting our growth ambitions,” Scott O’Neil, CEO, said today from Merlin Entertainments.

“Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, and this world premiere will allow fans to experience its thrill and creativity in real life, at theme parks and downtown attractions in major tourist destinations. “

“Partnering with Merlin Entertainments is an incredibly exciting step for us at Mojang Studios. 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 world,” Kayleen Walters, vice president of franchise development for games at Microsoft, added. Microsoft acquired Mojang and Minecraft in 2014, as part of a deal worth $2.5 billion.

“Our large and diverse community is always looking for new opportunities to explore and interact with Minecraft, and we’re excited to create touchpoints around the world that will surprise and delight them,” Walters continued.

“These new real-world Minecraft experiences will not only grow our community, but also provide fans with many more opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of Minecraft in ways they never imagined.”

Alongside these upcoming attractions, Minecraft also has a number of other projects in the works, including a live-action film starring Jack Black as Steve (see trailer above) and a Netflix animated series.

Netflix will produce this project alongside Mojang Studios, while WildBrain Studios – the studio behind Sonic Prime – will handle development. Although details are scarce on the ground, it is said that the the upcoming show “will feature an original story with new charactersshowing the world of Minecraft in a new light.