The BBC has teamed with Reality+ to launch a collection of immersive experiences in the metaverse based on numerous brands — including, of course, Doctor Who!
What does this mean? We don’t know anymore! Okay, we’re being facetious. The metaverse is shared digital space, i.e. an internet experienced through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). VR typically needs a headset; AR is a bit like Pokémon Go.
So Doctor Who will be a part of this “immersive reality” (“reality” here meaning “unreality”), alongside brands like Top Gear, available through The Sandbox, a metaverse which already houses the likes of Warner Music Group, Ubisoft, and The Walking Dead.
The joint venture between BBC Studios and Reality+ marks the first time the BBC has a home in the metaverse. Part virtual real estate; part amusement park: The Sandbox embraces the idea of the metaverse as a continuous shared digital space, in which players and brands can build, own, and monetise their experiences on blockchain.
Nicki Sheard, President Brands & Licensing, BBC Studios, said,
“I’m delighted that BBC Studios is partnering with Reality+ and The Sandbox on this exciting venture. While the metaverse is still in its infancy, it may shape how we consume and experience entertainment in the future and I’m looking forward to seeing how fans interact with our brands in this space. This project forms part of BBC Studios broader ambitious plans to grow our brands into new categories, with innovative technology and platforms forming an integral part of this.”
Tony Pearce, Co-Founder of Reality+ said,
“We’re excited to have extended our partnership with BBC Studios, not only to help them push the boundaries of what’s possible in the metaverse, but for the opportunity to deliver exciting new experiences for the fans of these world-renowned TV shows. We’ve already achieved so much with digital trading card game Doctor Who: Worlds Apart, and now with a fantastic platform like The Sandbox, there’s much more to come.”
And Sebastien Borget, COO and Co-Founder at The Sandbox, said:
“We’re proud that BBC Studios chose Reality+, a certified metaverse agency partner working on The Sandbox platform, to enter the metaverse with top global brands like Doctor Who and Top Gear. The BBC has a history of pioneering content that leverages the latest technology and putting it into mainstream households. We think this venture is an important step to bringing British culture and fans into virtual worlds.”
What does this mean for fans? We’re not entirely sure. Presumably you can see blocky Daleks attacking you via a VR headset or give your Aunt Betty a Cyberman head via the wonders of AR. That’s pure speculation. We’ll find out later this year, when BBC Studios’ metaverse space in The Sandbox launches.
