TL;DR
- The Sandbox launched a city-building contest focused on recreating New York City in the metaverse, emphasizing visual representation over gameplay mechanics.
- Participants must use The Sandbox’s Game Maker software, with entries limited to a 1×1 land plot and submitted by March 12.
- A prize pool of 30,000 SAND will be awarded, with the top nine entries showcased on a dedicated New York-themed estate.
The Sandbox has introduced a new initiative focused on digital city-building within its metaverse platform. This project aims to recreate major cultural hubs, starting with New York City. Participants can design virtual environments that represent key landmarks, neighborhoods, and the overall atmosphere of the city. The contest does not require gameplay mechanics, emphasizing visual representation and creative interpretation instead.
The competition is open to creators who use The Sandbox’s Game Maker software. Optional tools like VoxEdit allow for the creation of custom assets inspired by New York’s architecture and cultural elements. Entries must fit within a 1×1 land plot and be submitted through the platform’s designated channels.
The submission deadline is March 12, with the voting phase running from March 13 to March 26. A panel of external judges will evaluate submissions based on visual quality, asset design, accuracy in representing real-world locations, and how well they capture the city’s ambiance.
The Sandbox: Prizes and Rules
A total prize pool of 30,000 SAND will be distributed among the top participants. The nine best entries will each receive 3,000 SAND and be showcased on a dedicated New York-themed estate within The Sandbox. An additional reward of 500 SAND is available for noteworthy projects that do not make the top nine. To prevent repetition, organizers will prioritize submissions that highlight different aspects of the city.
Key landmarks and districts serve as inspiration, including Times Square. Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Wall Street. Participants can also explore New York’s cultural and artistic diversity by incorporating elements from areas like Harlem. SoHo, Williamsburg, and Chinatown. Creations can depict any historical or modern version of the city.
Creators may update their entries throughout the event, including after the submission deadline. Multiple submissions are allowed, though only one can qualify for the top nine. Employees of The Sandbox and affiliated Game Jam contractors are not eligible to participate. To receive prizes, winners must complete identity verification (KYC) through their wallets.
The competition aims to encourage digital urban design while expanding the presence of real-world locations in the metaverse. The results will be announced on April 3, when the winning projects will be published on The Sandbox’s virtual map.
