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DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” franchise has made its debut in the metaverse with a themed experience.
Developed by Universal Products & Experiences in collaboration with game developer studio The Gang, this virtual experience, dubbed “Shrek Swamp Tycoon,” is already available on Roblox.
Within it, users can explore Shrek’s swamp and venture beyond the iconic “Beware Ogre” signpost.
Players can interact with popular characters and the virtual world, which closely mirrors the Shrek film environment. Users can also collect coins, seek out hidden platforms, and create their own experience map, rebuilding favorite locations such as Shrek’s house and Gingy’s Gingerbread House.
The game also allows players to purchase in-game user-generated content (UGC) items and character heads for Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey. Additionally, they can unlock exclusive features to enhance their gaming experience.
This collaboration marks the first time Universal Products & Experiences and The Gang have brought DreamWorks Animation into the metaverse. Following this launch, the partnership will also introduce “Kung Fu Panda: Hero Showdown,” a combat game inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda films, set to release this summer.
The Gang has a history of successful tycoon experiences. For instance, Pancake Empire Tower Tycoon, launched last year, saw 4.5 million plays within its first two weeks. Another example, PacSun Tycoon, achieved over 11 million plays in its first year.
Shrek and Kung Fu Panda are not the first animated franchises to enter the metaverse. Last year, The Sandbox collaborated with Japanese animation company Toei Animation to bring its productions, including Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon, into the virtual space.
The metaverse has also given new life to older cartoons, offering them a new dimension and a chance to revive their popularity. For instance, Hello Kitty entered the metaverse last year with the “Hello Kitty Seven Wonders” virtual experience.
