The Sandbox has unveiled a new program called “Voxel Games.” This exciting project invites indie developers and studios to create voxel-style games using popular engines like Unity, Unreal, and HTML5. The program is designed to help these builders make and share their games beyond The Sandbox, allowing them to reach more players on PC, mobile, and the web.
What is the Voxel Games Program?
The Voxel Games program brings indie builders into the world of voxel gaming. At its launch, it has teamed up with FRAG Games and The Devhouse Agency. By joining this program, creators will have the tools to build games that align with The Sandbox’s signature voxel look.
But there’s more to it than just building games for the metaverse. These games can be played on other platforms and stores. That means builders won’t be limited to The Sandbox’s ecosystem. Instead, they can bring their voxel creations to a wider audience.
Easier Game Development
Before this program, The Sandbox offered simple, no-code tools like VoxEdit and Game Maker for creators. These tools were great for newbies but might not have been enough for experienced developers. Now, with the launch of Voxel Games, veteran studios and indie teams can use powerful game engines to make even more advanced projects.
Sebastien Borget, COO and Co-Founder of The Sandbox, is excited about the new program. “This is an exciting opportunity to realize our vision of the metaverse, where players can acquire, own, and use their digital assets across multiple games and platforms–beyond The Sandbox,” said Borget. This vision aligns with The Sandbox’s goal of an Open Metaverse, where users have more control over their digital assets.
An Open Metaverse by The Sandbox
One of the major perks of this program is that it connects more builders to the Open Metaverse concept. This allows users to own their digital assets—such as avatars, LANDs, and NFTs—and use them across different games and platforms. Developers in the program can still include web3 elements like NFTs and the SAND token, but those who aren’t familiar with blockchain tech can still enjoy the games.
For players, this means a more seamless experience where they don’t need to learn about crypto or NFTs to play the games. The program seeks to expand The Sandbox’s user base while making it easier for new gamers to join.
Big Prospects for Developers
For indie studios, the Voxel Games program offers great benefits. By working with The Sandbox, they can access a community of over 6 million user accounts, 25,000 LAND owners, and 290,000 SAND holders. This gives them the chance to showcase their games to an already-established audience. Plus, they can take advantage of over 400 partnerships that The Sandbox has with big brands and IPs like Warner Music, Snoop Dogg, and The Walking Dead.
Ali Ihsan, CEO of FRAG Games, shared his excitement for the launch. “FRAG Games believes in The Sandbox’s vision that the metaverse should exist for shared experiences, unbound by any single platform. The next generation of ‘metaverse games’ will be just ‘games,'” said Ihsan. This highlights the potential of the Voxel Games program to change how builders and players interact in the metaverse.
A New Era for Gaming
The program marks a big step forward for The Sandbox. Not only does it open the door for more creators to join, but it also allows for a new wave of games that can be shared across multiple platforms. This kind of cross-platform gaming is exactly what The Sandbox has been looking for.
Jim Welch, Founder of Devhouse, also commented on the program’s potential. “We are thrilled to partner with The Sandbox, bringing our passion and expertise in game development to their vibrant Web3 ecosystem,” said Welch. His team is excited to help shape the future of play through the voxel games that they will create under this new program.
What’s Next?
As of now, the Voxel Games program is open to builders by referral only. But this will likely change as more studios and creators get involved. The first games created through the Voxel Games program are set to launch in 2025.
The Sandbox continues to push boundaries and bring new ideas to life in the world of on-chain gaming. Through programs like Voxel Games, both indie developers and players alike will benefit from new ways to explore, create, and play.
