Quick Read
- The £50 million Minecraft World project is scheduled to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027.
- The park will feature a world-first rollercoaster, interactive play areas, and dining spaces themed after game environments.
- The collaboration aims to translate the digital Minecraft experience into a physical, immersive destination for global fans.
CHESSINGTON (Azat TV) – Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios have officially announced the development of Minecraft World, a fully immersive theme park land scheduled to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027. The £50 million project, revealed during the Minecraft Live March 2026 broadcast, marks a significant expansion of the video game franchise into physical, real-world entertainment.
Expanding the Minecraft Universe at Chessington
The new attraction, located approximately 30 minutes outside London, is designed to translate the block-based aesthetics of the game into a tangible visitor experience. Concept imagery released alongside the announcement reveals plans for a world-first rollercoaster, interactive exhibits, and themed dining areas. Designers have integrated iconic elements from the game, including recognizable mobs like Creepers and zombies, as well as environments modeled on the game’s distinct biomes and materials, such as TNT blocks.
Kayleen Walters, Head of Mojang Studios, emphasized that the collaboration aims to meet the growing demand from fans for immersive experiences. According to the development team, the design process involved active consultation with the Minecraft community and content creators to ensure the park captures the authentic feel of the digital game.
Strategic Investment for Merlin Entertainments
For Merlin Entertainments, the operator behind major sites like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park, the project is viewed as a pivotal move to modernize its offerings amidst a shifting visitor economy. Angela Jobson of Merlin Entertainments described the project as a potential game-changer that will elevate the profile of the Chessington resort. While Merlin has faced recent scrutiny regarding operational issues at other parks, executives have insisted that the investment in Minecraft World is a strategic priority that will complement rather than replace ongoing maintenance at other locations.
The Growing Trend of Gaming-to-Theme Park Transitions
The move follows a broader industry trend of integrating major gaming intellectual properties (IP) into theme parks. The success of Universal Studios’ Super Nintendo World and the recent opening of PokéPark Kanto in Japan have demonstrated the high commercial potential of such adaptations. As Merlin prepares to face future competition from the upcoming Universal Studios UK site near Bedford in 2031, executives expressed confidence that the arrival of high-profile branded attractions will ultimately benefit the wider visitor economy.
The announcement of Minecraft World represents a shift in strategy for Mojang Studios, moving from digital-only engagement to high-capital physical infrastructure, a development likely intended to secure the franchise’s long-term relevance for a younger generation of players who increasingly prioritize physical, shareable experiences over traditional passive media.