In a nutshell, could you introduce us to The Sandbox?
We are a metaverse and entertainment platform. Around an important gaming component, we build features and experiences related to, among other things, music, sports or fashion. And this, without limiting itself to a simple imitation of the physical world.
Anyone can buy land in our metaverse. There are already 20,000 landowners, 150,000 holders of Sand, our cryptocurrency, and 3 million cryptocurrency wallets connected to The Sandbox. Now, just under 30% of our land remains for sale. However, their resale remains possible on OpenSea, the largest virtual NFT market. [“Non fungible tokens”, ou “tokens non fongibles” en français, Ndlr]. For my part, I am aware that I belong to a structure that can impact a product or business that a company can rarely have. In keeping with the company’s perspective, I use my 20 years of gaming to support the transition from Web 2 to Web 3. And I see it flourish.
“Just under 30% of our land remains for sale”
What sets your approach apart from that of other metaverses?
Our model adheres to the values of Web 3: transparency, data security and decentralization. For plot owners, for example, we are developing detailed communications about the features available in our universe.
While some of these values are confirmed daily, others are systemic: unlike the purchase of digital items whose existence depends on that of the seller’s site, the deeds we issue are registered on the blockchain. Through decentralization, users gain full ownership of purchased virtual resources. Furthermore, they are able to monetize the games they develop on their land in our metaverse.
However, some of our most popular games are free. This possibility of a “free-to-play” model allows players to easily access a maximum of content, while some can create monetized “play-to-earn” experiences. The combination of the two guarantees both the democratization and the sustainability of our service.
In absolute terms, our model tends to create value for the benefit of users. During season 2, which is the period during which users were able to test the features of the moment, we redistributed 10 million Sand to the community, the equivalent of 30 million dollars. In fact, it’s both story owners, experience creators, and gamers themselves who forge the richness of our metaverse.
“In season 2, we returned 10 million Sand, the equivalent of $ 30 million to the community.”
Today, big brands are inviting themselves more and more into the metaverse. What partnerships or features do you envisage in this area?
We support many brands, from musicians to big names in luxury. With fewer restrictions than private individuals, brands can also acquire plots. The dimension defines the sum of the contents and, ultimately, the duration of the experience they wish to distribute within our metaverse.
Instead of duplicating what they offer in real life, our teams seek to build a specific virtual experience with brands. In the continuity of their offer, it is this creative risk that allows them to get in touch with their community. And which, therefore, will support user engagement with the brand.
Our experts in editorial fiction, or in “Design level “, in other words, the development phases of the parameters of a video game model a virtual coherence for a differentiating experience. By implication, the visitor can enjoy a video game experience at the very heart of the brand.
Through our various communication and engagement channels, we offer an infinite number of solutions to interact with our user communities. Partners like Ubisoft and Ledger, but also Adidas and Gucci, can rally consumers who otherwise would have remained unknown to them.
What are The Sandbox’s plans for 2022 and beyond?
This summer, we’re kicking off our Season 3. More than 80 experiences will be available on our metaverse, enough to hopefully beat the record of 350,000 unique players achieved in the final month of Season 2. At the same time, finally, it we will reveal the partners and new contents, which we will welcome. We have just announced our partnership with Studio Dragon, a leading Seoul-based production, marketing and distribution company. Together, we will build the metaverse dedicated to K-dramas, these captivating South Korean series.
From 21 to 23 June we will participate in NFT.NYC, the largest world event dedicated to NFTs. Finally, let’s keep our latest land sale on our metaverse in focus. After this last sale of the year, we won’t have many plots to sell to private individuals. Anyone who has an eye for prime terrain would do well to make a decision!
Interview by Alexandra Bui