The Sandbox 0.12 Update Boosts Multiplayer and Creator Tools in Metaverse Push

The Sandbox, a metaverse platform developed by Animoca Brands, has launched the Game Maker and Game Client 0.12 update, introducing significant enhancements to multiplayer gameplay and creative tools for users. This update, now available for free on PC and Mac, aims to deepen player engagement while expanding the platform’s ability to support complex, immersive experiences [1].

For players, the 0.12 update introduces features such as Quick Play, a Multiplayer Lobby, and a Friends Tab, streamlining social matchmaking and making it easier to connect with others. Players can now save progress across sessions in supported experiences, with inventory, checkpoints, and scores retained. Smarter chat systems, including Metaverse Chat and Local Chat, facilitate cross-platform communication and in-game collaboration. Enhanced movement abilities like dash and glide improve gameplay mechanics, particularly for action, racing, and exploration genres. A cinematic UI with upgraded onboarding, dynamic menus, and 3D backdrops brings the experience closer to AAA quality [1].

The update also enhances the audio experience through integration with Wwise, allowing for immersive spatial sound with reverb zones, terrain-based effects, and Atmos support. Interactive collectibles, such as 3D galleries and Auto Equip, let players preview and equip digital items without interrupting gameplay, improving overall user experience and flow [1].

For creators, the 0.12 update provides a suite of no-code tools to build more sophisticated and persistent experiences. These include dynamic NPC behaviors—such as healing, gathering, and following—that add depth to gameplay. Saved Data logic allows creators to retain player progress across sessions, enabling replayability and long-term engagement. Additionally, four new asset libraries and three new game templates—covering themes such as architecture, interior design, and terrain colors—help creators develop content more efficiently. The integration of Wwise also expands creative possibilities, offering access to over 2,500 new sounds and music tracks [1].

The Sandbox continues to position itself as a hub for user-generated content (UGC) and social interaction in the metaverse. Simon Berger-Perrin, Chief Product Officer of The Sandbox, emphasized that the 0.12 update represents a step toward a more interconnected metaverse, where players and creators can engage in seamless, cross-experience interactions [1].

To celebrate the release, The Sandbox has launched a series of Game Jams, encouraging creators to submit experiences based on prompts such as The Smurfs, Teletubbies, and a Las Vegas City Builder. Participants have the opportunity to win from a 130,000 SAND reward pool and exclusive LAND plots. These events highlight The Sandbox’s commitment to fostering its creator economy and supporting innovation within the platform [1].

As a Web3-powered platform, The Sandbox enables users to own and monetize their creations through non-fungible tokens (NFTs), further differentiating itself from traditional gaming platforms. The Sandbox is part of Animoca Brands, a leading player in the digital entertainment and blockchain space with a portfolio spanning over 150 investments in decentralized technologies and projects. This strategic ecosystem supports The Sandbox’s mission to build an open metaverse driven by user creativity and ownership [1].

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[1] THE SANDBOX GAME MAKER 0.12 UPDATE ENHANCES MULTIPLAYER GAMEPLAY AND EMPOWERS CREATORS TO BUILD MORE IMMERSIVE WORLDS (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6894d0f9ee5c4d37240e3cb3/)