Samsung has joined the ranks of other big tech companies by creating a new metaverse gaming playground entitled “Space Tycoon.” The South Korean tech giant continues to pour money into the meta-space. Some see the move as somewhat of a surprise after a string of related activities just weeks ago.
Built inside the metaverse platform of Roblox, the game offers users multiple options in terms of experiences and development. For example, gamers can make their own Samsung products and use them to communicate with others in this virtual environment.
Geared mainly to the Gen Z crowd, Samsung said Tycoon would offer “Gen Z a new playground that they have never experienced before.” That statement came from Jinsoo Kim, Vice President of Samsung Electronics Corporate Design Center.
Unlimited Possibilities
Space Tycoon is designed to be a playground where many customers can experience unlimited possibilities of virtual spaces,” Kim said. “We wanted to give our Gen Z customers a chance to experience Samsung products in a way they have never done before. We will continue to showcase content that can deliver more meaningful and entertaining digital experiences for both our current and future customers.”
The playground is designed as a space station inhabited by alien characters. The station consists of a mining area where the material is procured to build the new products, a research laboratory where the products are developed, and, a store to sell the new products. In terms of the overall design and functionality of the playground, there are some clear tips of the cap to the ‘tycoon’ business simulation genre.
Users can design various products, from phones to TVs to appliances, using the resources from the mines. Players can also buy and upgrade items. You can even take an ordinary item, say a phone, and make it into a different gadget. For instance, the foldable smartphone Galaxy Z Flip can turn into a scooter, the Jet Bot vacuum cleaner can turn into a hoverboard, and The Sero lifestyle TV can become a one-person helicopter.
As of now, around 20 Samsung products are available in the Shop. The colors of these products will change randomly as users reach new milestones and achieve new levels. New series of products are to be regularly updated.
The platform will launch in 14 languages, including Chinese, Spanish, French, Korean, and English. Other features will have users interacting with each other, sharing their creations, and attending exclusive virtual parties, although these elements are set for a later release.
Samsung will hold dedicated, less exclusive events online through Samsung.com under the hashtag #YouMake campaign that focuses on coloring and collecting its products.
This marks a busy period in the metaverse for Samsung. A few weeks ago, it announced that it would participate in CES 2022 and integrate many applications such as GeForce Now, Xbox, and Stadia into its TVs via the Gaming Hub. Additionally, Samsung has invested in the tour of Planetarium Games, a blockchain game company.
