In this day and age, it may seem as though nearly everything has already been said and done. Not so fast though—Asia’s first live action role-play (LARP) theme park, Planet J, is expected to launch in China at Macau’s Sands Cotai Central.
The earliest of its kind, the park will cover an area of over 9,290m2 at the resort complex and will be the first permanent theme park in the district. Its novel concept will allow park attenders to physically act out the actions of fantasy characters in role-play games, pursue goals, and interact with other adventurers within an out of this world setting referred to as the Magic Stone Kingdom.
Each guest – or rather, player – will be supplied with a ‘magic book’ – a personalized mobile equipment that connects with over 200 games in the theme park, fusing technology and experimental storytelling. Players will then proceed through a number of themed game-areas, completing challenges that test their “wits, stamina and speedy reactions.”
Planet J will record each player’s game progress and history on its general system. When a player returns to the park, all their information can be reactivated, allowing them to attempt higher level and more difficult games. Jumpin Gym Digital Entertainment, the parent company of Planet J, reported that the project has been in development for over eight years, and that the park is expected to attract over three million visitors from around the world.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be presenting Planet J to the world,” said Damon Chan, chairman of Jumpin Gym Digital Entertainment, who is also behind work on several Universal Studios and Disneyland attractions. “Planet J is a truly new revolutionary model – breaking out from entertainment offered by conventional theme parks. We have the vision for Planet J to become a leading global chain of interactive themed destinations.”
Altogether, the enterprise is expected to cost over MOP $1 billion (US $125.2 million).
“I am sure that you would agree that it is an extraordinary fun and innovative experience beyond anyone’s imagination,” Chan added.
The fantastical theme park is due to open in summer 2015.
