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The Sandbox is expanding its connections this week as it partnered with one major gaming company and invested in another. It invests in blockchain media and partner company Cosmo Media Labs, while collaborating with esports team FaZe Clan.
The Sandbox, a division of Animoca Brands, recently launched its alpha season 3 in its blockchain-based metaverse-like world. According to a company statement, the investment in Cosmo Media Labs is the first time it has been invested in an independent production company. But both the investment and partnership are part of The Sandbox expanding its relationships with content creators.
Cosmo Media Labs
Cosmo’s interests lie in bridging the gap between old and new media through branded content strategies. Cosmo’s first collaboration is with Complex Networks, building a social hub and digital experiences within The Sandbox.
Alexander Bushnell, CEO of Cosmo, told GamesBeat: “As content and media evolve, Cosmo thrives on bridging the gap between platforms and allowing series, formats and IP to cross between media, the metaverse and web3. In practice, that means that we build metaverse experiences and creative web3 infrastructures for brands, as well as our own original IP, develop and produce games, just as we do traditional content, such as serialized formats for TV and streaming – and each property is equipped with the ability to cross over to the other realms.”
Sebastien Borget, COO of The Sandbox, said in a statement: “We are delighted to support the Cosmo Media Labs team through this investment as it is a production studio that can bridge media and help enhance the culture of shape the metaverse to innovate Web3 through new forms of experiences that provide accessible and meaningful entertainment.”
FaZe World
The Sandbox also announced a partnership with FaZe Clan today. The esports team enters the metaverse through The Sandbox, on a piece of land called ‘FaZe World’. The two companies will collaborate to create metaverse-based events for the FaZe community, including virtual events and digital product releases.
FaZe CEO Lee Trink said in a statement, “FaZe Clan’s leadership position at the top of gaming and youth culture provides an ideal opportunity to build bridges and lead the gaming community at large into the metaverse. FaZe World and our partnership with The Sandbox allow our already digitally native fans to experience FaZe Clan in a new immersive way.
Borget said of the partnership, “FaZe Clan has established itself through the strength of the gaming and esports communities as a leading brand in gaming, esports, entertainment and culture. We are excited to partner to bring FaZe World to The Sandbox as we prepare to launch many exciting activations that will put players and creators in control of the next phase of Internet culture comprised of user-generated content, Web 3, metaverse and gaming.”
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