By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Hasbro is creating new experiences for its NERF brand fans, with one opening in Brazil, and the other as a metaverse experience on Minecraft.
The real world experience is due to open on Oct. 12 at the Beta Carrero World in Brazil, a theme park that is now opening the first-ever NERF-themed land: NERF Mania.
Beto Carrero World is the largest theme park in Latin America. Inaugurated in 1991, the park placed the city of Penha on the tourist map of Santa Catarina, Brazil and the world. It has consistently ranked as one of the top theme parks in the world, with more than100 attractions.
Nerf Mania is taking Beta Carrero to yet another high, as the expansive themed area of over 14,000 square meters was designed by a design studio based in Singapore and New York, known for their expertise in creating amazing parks.
“This marks the largest investment in Beto Carrero World’s history. It took us 31 years to reach this level of international entertainment standard. It’s a source of immense pride, as my father always drew inspiration from the magic of overseas parks. And I can confidently say, there’s much more to come,” said Alexandre Von Janke Murad, president of the Administrative Board of Beto Carrero World.
The NERF Mania world at Beta Carrero will include a variety of new, NERF-themed attractions. Visitors can get wet and wild in the crazily spinning Super Soaker Splash, requiring the riders to somehow showcase their sharp aim with a water cannon as they simultaneously spin non-stop on an aquatic thrill ride.
Not enough spinning yet? The park will also feature the Spin Blast Adventure, a stomach-churning thrill that features giant disc for 40 people, spinning frantically atop a wave-shaped track. Both rides are exclusive to Beta Carrero, and were imported from Italy for the NERF Mania attraction.
NERF fans can also test their marksmanship at the NERF Arcade, where digitally-savvy enthusiasts aim with digital blasters, competing with friends for the most points. It’s the classic NERF experience in an amazing new dimension.
The NERF Mania land also includes a themed restaurant with mouthwatering snacks, and the NERF Shop where visitors will find exclusive NERF Mania products to take home as mementos.
“We cannot wait for consumers of all ages to experience the first-ever NERF themed land at Beto Carrero World, and this opening is just the start of what’s to come,” said Matt Proulx, Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro. “This fully immersive experience really leans into the social, active play lifestyle that NERF has been known for over its nearly 55-year history, all while encouraging friendly competition between family and friends.”
Minecraft and NERF Partner on Minecraft NERF World DLC
Hasbro has also announced a co-production for a new sandbox video game within the Minecraft metaverse, based on the NERF franchise.
The free Minecraft NERF World DLC (downloadable content) gives players an immersive experience full of thrilling challenges involving their favorite NERF blasters combined with iconic Minecraft worlds and mobs.
In this DLC, players use NERF blasters to target Minecraft mobs in different arenas inspired by locations from the game, featuring experiences that are true to the NERF brand: blaster battles, a NERF-themed arena, parkour challenges, and more. Throughout these experiences, players will wield Minecraft NERF products and fight a final boss inspired by one of the most memorable Minecraft mobs: the NERF Ender Dragon.
The DLC seamlessly integrates real-world products into its gameplay loop, including Hasbro’s Minecraft-branded NERF Ender Dragon Blaster, which is available now at Walmart and other major retailers.
The Minecraft NERF World DLC will be available for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition via Minecraft Marketplace on Oct. 2, 2023.
Hasbro Bringing Roblox Into The Real World With New Toys and Games