The BBC has teamed up with renowned game development studio The Gang to bring the award-winning series Boarders to life within the popular Roblox metaverse platform.
The collaboration celebrates the launch of the show’s second season on BBC iPlayer with a limited-time activation in Roblox’s Paradise RP.
Players can now explore a virtual recreation of St. Gilbert’s boarding school and immerse themselves in the world of Boarders. Digital screens within the virtual school also feature a trailer for Boarders Series Two.
The experience offers quests from interactive non-player character (NPC) versions of characters from the series like Jaheim, Leah, and the headmistress Carol Watlington-Geese.
Completing these missions rewards players with exclusive in-game items, including the coveted St. Gilbert’s blazer and a sleek convertible inspired by the series.
The initiative was launched in conjunction with the series’ February 3rd premiere, providing fans with a more immersive way to celebrate the return of Boarders.
“The integration of Boarders into Paradise RP reflects our commitment to engaging with young audiences where they are,” said Milly Chu, Digital Commissioning Executive for BBC Drama.
Studio Lambert’s Creative Director Madeleine Sinclair echoed the excitement, calling the partnership a fun way to extend the storytelling universe.
This isn’t the first time the metaverse has been used to offer fans a new way to engage with their favorite TV shows. In 2023, The Sandbox partnered with Banijay to bring Black Mirror and Peaky Blinders into the metaverse. That same year, the popular Turkish series Magnificent Century made its debut in the metaverse.
Additionally, The Voice ventured into the virtual space with “The Voice Coach Battle,” a gamified experience where players could step into the role of celebrity coaches, influence outcomes, and earn exclusive rewards.
