Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios Announce £50 Million Minecraft World for 2027
The global gaming phenomenon transitions from pixels to physical reality with the world's first dedicated theme park land and roller coaster.

Sarah Connor
Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios have finalised a £50 million partnership to construct the first dedicated Minecraft World theme park, scheduled to open in 2027.
Merlin Entertainments commands the daily operations of this new venture across its portfolio of 140 global attractions. This move marks the first time the company has integrated the Minecraft intellectual property into a physical resort environment.
Beyond the digital interface, the project shifts how sandbox gaming properties function within physical spaces. Engineers are currently designing the flagship coaster to incorporate specific elements of the game's physics directly into the ride mechanics.
Chessington World of Adventures confirmed the land will feature interactive adventures and massive, block-built playscapes. These structures replicate the pixelated geometry of the digital environment.
The land will boast features never seen in a Merlin attraction before.
Angela Jobson stated the land will boast features never seen in a Merlin attraction before. The design includes themed retail outlets and restaurants integrated directly into the landscape.
This £50 million budget covers the initial phase of the themed land's rollout across the site. Economic projections for the investment include the construction of specialized infrastructure to support high-capacity crowds and international tourism.
Historically, Merlin has transitioned digital and toy brands like Lego into global tourism staples. This partnership between the UK-based Merlin and Swedish-founded Mojang targets a global demographic spanning multiple generations.
Visitors will have access to themed shops selling exclusive merchandise found nowhere else. The dining facilities follow the Minecraft aesthetic, featuring specific menu themes pulled directly from the game's survival mechanics.
Plans for the resort include the potential introduction of Minecraft-themed rooms for overnight stays. This expansion increases the park's capacity for multi-day tourism and attracts a higher volume of international visitors.
The 2027 launch date aligns with long-term expansion strategies for the Minecraft brand. Mojang Studios oversees the creative fidelity of every block-built structure on the site.
Interactive experiences utilize advanced technology to allow guests to engage with the physical environment. These areas are designed for both high-intensity movement and tactile exploration of the pixelated terrain.
A combination of a thrilling coaster and epic playscapes.
Chessington described the upcoming attractions as a combination of a thrilling coaster and epic playscapes. The site features play areas designed to mirror the game's signature aesthetic with 1:1 precision.
Construction schedules and specific site locations remain under development as the design phase continues. The partnership bridges the gap between digital gaming and physical entertainment through tangible engineering.
The project follows a growing trend of 'kidult' and family-based location-based entertainment (LBE) investments. Future expansions follow the performance of the 2027 opening and initial visitor feedback.
By replicating the game's pixelated geometry, the park provides a physical representation of the digital world. This represents a new frontier for the £50 million investment strategy currently in motion.
Merlin Entertainments maintains the site while Mojang ensures the brand remains authentic to its 15-year history. The collaboration marks a milestone for the Swedish gaming studio as it enters the theme park industry.
Infrastructure will be built to handle the high-density foot traffic expected from the game's massive global player base. Every restaurant and shop serves as an extension of the Minecraft universe.
The 2027 opening serves as the primary test case for further global rollouts of the Minecraft brand. This initial phase sets the stage for a new era of interactive theme park design and brand integration.