The sliding doors at 2712 N. Central Expressway in Plano, once a gateway for parents seeking baby essentials at Buy, Buy Baby, are set to welcome a new wave of visitors. On October 18, the venue will transform into a vibrant hub for gamers and families with the launch of the Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue. This innovative attraction promises an immersive adventure, allowing participants to step into the beloved world of Minecraft like never before.
The Setup
Designed to engage players for a full hour, the experience invites attendees to embark on a thrilling quest alongside fellow Minecrafters. Participants will navigate an interactive scavenger hunt, traversing various Minecraft biomes while constructing structures and interacting with iconic mobs—some friendly, others not so much. Adventurers can expect to encounter playful pandas and dolphins, as well as face off against skeletons, spiders, and the ever-dreaded creepers.
The Details
The creative vision behind this unique experience comes from Supply & Demand, a Canadian company renowned for its exhibit design. Led by Olivier Goulet, who also serves as the executive producer for the Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, the team has meticulously crafted this touring exhibit primarily in Montreal over the past two years. Goulet expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We look for partnerships with brands we appreciate and love and know we can create something compelling. Minecraft is an amazing game. It’s the only game my kids are allowed to play with no supervision, which was crucial for us. It is not only compelling but also respectful.”
What’s Next
Plano has been selected as the inaugural stop on the global tour, a decision influenced by the area’s vibrant gaming community and family demographics. The venue’s spacious 20,000 square feet provides ample room for the experience, complemented by convenient access and plentiful parking. Currently, the Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue is scheduled to remain in Plano for approximately 15 to 16 weeks, with future locations already determined but not yet disclosed. The decision to transition to the next stop will hinge on attendance figures.
Quote of Note
Goulet emphasized the importance of authenticity throughout the production process, ensuring that fans would feel a genuine connection to the Minecraft universe. “Authenticity was our keyword. We made sure when fans stepped in here they recognized it,” he remarked. “You have no idea how much time [it took] making sure our pixels are the right size … so when a kid steps in here, they feel they are in scale with the game. We went into the finest details to make sure it was authentic.”
