The world of live entertainment is stepping into the metaverse — quite literally. Cirque du Soleil has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with The Sandbox, the decentralized gaming platform and metaverse ecosystem from Animoca Brands, to bring two iconic shows to life as immersive experiences in Alpha Season 6. The announcement was made during NFT.NYC this week marks a major digital expansion for the theatrical powerhouse as it reimagines the meaning of spectacle in virtual space.
This multi-layered partnership will introduce playable Cirque-themed “Experiences,” with one based on LUZIA and another still under wraps. These aren’t passive showcases — they’re fully interactive journeys blending storytelling, vibrant artistry, and social play within The Sandbox’s voxel-style framework.
“This collaboration lets us go beyond the stage and explore what Cirque du Soleil means in an interactive, social space,” said Noah Lemieux Bernier, VP of Digital and Customer Experience. “It’s about creating emotional connections that extend from showtime to all the time.”
From Center Stage to Metaverse Playground
The two Cirque du Soleil metaverse games will headline The Sandbox’s Alpha Season 6 and allow players to actively explore virtual realms inspired by the company’s surreal visual identity and dreamlike performances. Fans will navigate through imaginative spaces and take part in gameplay inspired by Cirque’s signature mix of acrobatics, music, and wonder.
In addition, themed avatars and limited-edition digital collectibles will be made available, allowing players to showcase their flair with costumes and in-game gear derived from Cirque du Soleil’s iconic looks. These assets won’t be exclusive to the official experiences — players and creators alike will be able to use Cirque-branded items to craft their own custom content within The Sandbox’s creation tools.
A Digital Leap for Live Art
Cirque has dabbled in digital storytelling before, but this metaverse leap represents a bold move to engage younger audiences in interactive, community-based environments. According to Arthur Madrid, CEO and Co-Founder of The Sandbox, this is exactly the kind of creative risk the platform was built for.
“Cirque du Soleil has always redefined what live entertainment can be. With The Sandbox, we’re now bringing that magic to a global audience through a digital lens,” said Madrid.
What’s Next?
While only LUZIA has been named so far, the second Cirque-inspired game experience will be revealed soon, with more updates and asset drops scheduled throughout Alpha Season 6. Attendees of NFT.NYC was treated to a sneak peek of these digital worlds, as well as a live Cirque performance to celebrate the occasion. Players eager to step into the metaverse under the big top can follow The Sandbox’s blog and social channels for more news in the coming weeks.
