MTR Corporation, a Hong Kong-based public transport operator, is stepping into the metaverse in partnership with The Sandbox, the metaverse gaming subsidiary of gaming and VC giant Animoca Brands.
With the latest deal, MTR has become the first transport operator to join The Sandbox metaverse, where it plans to offer immersive experiences through a railway-themed virtual space. Per the announcement Thursday, MTR Corp has acquired a virtual plot ‘LAND’ in the metaverse which will be used to create a virtual railway station. It explained:
“By mimicking and gamifying the physical railway environment, players will be able to enjoy an MTR journey on many levels that stretch the imagination beyond taking a train ride. There will be endless new possibilities including driving a train or even operating a railway station and unlocking exciting adventures in this constantly evolving space.”
The virtual space will also include a railway museum that would display the communities and cultures of Hong Kong in relation to the MTR’s railway history. Also, both the Hong Kong-based companies will explore ways to promote STEM education in the metaverse space.
In addition to The Sandbox, the transport operator will also collaborate with Animoca’s strategic partner Collectiv to create the roadmap for the virtual environment.
Big corporations are entering the metaverse. In March, British banking giant HSBC also announced a strategic partnership with The Sandbox to engage with sports, e-sports, and gaming fans. JP Morgan, a famous Wall Street bank, recently created a virtual lounge in the metaverse game Decentraland.
