Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched Singapore Wanderland on Roblox1, marking its first foray into the online game platform.
The new game is a take on Singapore, and as per STB it has drawn over two million visits since the beta version launched on May 11.
Singapore Wanderland aims to offer an elevated and immersive gaming experience to Indians, allowing them to engage with the destination virtually, as they accomplish various tasks in a virtual world.
To reimagine Singapore in the metaverse, STB worked with gaming specialist Publicis Play and Roblox developer Wonder Works Studio to develop the immersive experience.
Singapore Wanderland puts a playful spin on real-life attractions in three mini- games, where players earn magic orchids to transform a garden with STB’s destination mascot Merli.
Gardens by the Bay, Mandai Wildlife Group and Marina Bay Sands are featured in the mini- games, alongside attractions such as the Merlion Park, Singapore Flyer, Adventure Cove Waterpark and The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
Garden Galaxis features an obstacle course where players leap across giant flowers, with expansive views of Marina Bay Sands and the Supertree Grove, as well as the Singapore Flyer.
Players go on a scavenger hunt on Finders’ Isle to find items unique to Singapore amidst a town square inspired by Clarke Quay, shophouses in our cultural neighbourhoods and retail icons like Tangs Orchard.
Inspired by Singapore’s green spaces, players select from various quirky go-karts and race through landmarks in Jungle Jiffy, zipping through Singapore Botanic Gardens – the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the Chinese mythological-themed park Haw Par Villa.
The experience is based on popular entertainment formats on Roblox, and aims to drive affinity for Singapore by featuring elements inspired by Singapore’s destination icons.
Users can also express themselves through personalisation options. They can amass virtual collectibles to customise their avatars, such as a Supertree hat, a Singapore Flyer Backpack and a Lotus race car.
New content such as quests and prizes will also be added to keep the Singapore Wanderland experience fresh and engaging.
“STB is constantly exploring creative ways and fresh channels to engage new audiences and connect with potential travellers. Singapore Wanderland demonstrates how we push the boundaries of innovation while inspiring travel to Singapore. We are committed to the Indian market, and through this launch, our intent is to offer a unique, interactive gaming experience to the Indian players and welcome them to explore Singapore virtually. This platform also extends an avenue for tourism partners to collaborate with us in the virtual world to create impact in the real world,” said Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board.
“Beyond a conventional garden, Gardens by the Bay is a horticultural attraction that reaches out to a broad and diverse audience, and not just the typical plant enthusiast. We are excited to be part of STB's experience on Roblox, which aligns with our commitment to embracing new frontiers and engaging with our audience in innovative ways. Singapore Wanderland is a creative platform in the digital realm to introduce the blend of horticultural excellence and sustainable technology that makes Gardens by the Bay so unique, to even more people from all over the world,” said May Yeo, Assistant CEO of Gardens by the Bay.