Metaverse platform The Sandbox, a subsidiary of the renowned metaverse gaming and venture capital company Animoca Brands, has set its sights on India, aiming to transform it into its largest market within the next two years. This ambitious plan follows The Sandbox’s recent foray into the Indian market, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy.
Entering India: A Joint Venture and Cultural Metaverse Hub
The Sandbox’s journey in India began with a joint venture established a year ago with a local entity. According to Sebastien Borget, Co-Founder of The Sandbox, the goal is to “build a diverse and inclusive world with no borders, bringing different regions of the world together.” This vision led to the creation of BharatBox, a cultural metaverse hub that encompasses Bollywood and aims to showcase India’s rich heritage in the digital realm. Karan Keswani, CEO of BharatBox, highlights that “BharatVerse is the Indian land on The Sandbox map.”
India’s crypto industry has faced challenges, particularly after the imposition of stringent taxes in 2022. Despite these regulatory clouds, The Sandbox’s decision to expand into India underscores the potential it sees in the nation’s gaming and developer community. Borget emphasizes the willingness to engage with regulators to foster understanding and cooperation in the Web3 space.
In the past six months, BharatBox has secured partnerships with key players in the Indian entertainment sector, including Eros Entertainment, Hungama, and Shemaroo. However, the partnership with CoinDCX, a prominent Indian exchange, stands out as a strategic move to tap into a vast user base. Keswani envisions leveraging CoinDCX and its Web3 wallet, Okto, to onboard millions of gamers and make India The Sandbox’s largest market.
CoinDCX co-founder Neeraj Khandelwal shares his enthusiasm, stating, “Okto is glad to be working with one of the best players in the Metaverse and gaming ecosystem to help them get a strong footing in India.”
The Sandbox’s partnerships in India are not just about business collaborations but also about enriching the metaverse with India’s cultural legacy. A recent project involves bringing the epic Mahabharat to life in the Metaverse, showcasing The Sandbox’s commitment to blending entertainment, culture, and technology.
The Sandbox’s strategic expansion in India is more than just a business venture; it represents a fusion of culture, technology, and community. By tapping into India’s vast gaming potential and rich cultural heritage, The Sandbox is poised to redefine the metaverse landscape, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse digital future.