Upland, the popular Web3 gaming platform, has recently marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of Paris, the iconic “City of Light,” as a new virtual city within its expansive Metaverse. This highly anticipated launch, which aligns with Paris’s role as the host of the 2024 Summer Olympics, brings a blend of history, culture, and modern innovation to the Upland community.
Paris and Saint-Denis: A Dual City Launch
In July, Upland announced its plans to open Paris, a city celebrated for its Enlightenment history and breathtaking illuminations. Alongside Paris, the platform also introduced Saint-Denis, a more affordable starter city named after the region’s first bishop, known for his legendary martyrdom.
The dual launch was designed to cater to a broad spectrum of players, offering both premium and accessible property options. Paris, known for its luxury and historical significance, is expected to command premium prices within Upland. Meanwhile, Saint-Denis offers a more budget-friendly entry point for players looking to stake their claim in the Upland universe.
Sandbox and Paris: A Strategic Partnership
A highlight of this launch is the integration of The Sandbox, another leading name in the Web3 space, within the Paris cityscape. Paris will serve as the official home of the Sandbox neighborhood and headquarters in Upland, marking a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between the two platforms.
The Enfants-Rouges neighborhood, where The Sandbox has its real-life headquarters, will be digitally recreated in Upland. This neighborhood will be available to LAND and SAND owners, who will have the opportunity to participate in a joint design competition aimed at developing a unique architectural style for their Upland properties. The opening of this neighborhood is planned for a later date, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the Paris launch.
Introducing the Upland Property Pre-Sale
To make the Paris launch more accessible, Upland introduced an innovative feature: the Upland Property Pre-Sale. This pre-sale allowed players to purchase approximately 25% of the properties designated for the Paris city opening directly from the store using UPX and USD. These properties were delivered straight into players’ accounts, offering a unique opportunity to secure a piece of Paris before the official city opening. The pre-sale was a resounding success, with all properties selling out in under 90 minutes.
$SPARKLET: Driving Innovation in Upland’s Paris Expansion
Upland also announced the successful debut of its utility token, $SPARKLET, which played a crucial role in the Paris launch. $SPARKLET is designed to power the platform’s virtual property development and enhance player experiences, making it a key tool in Upland’s ongoing innovation in the Web3 gaming space.
The launch of Paris saw an overwhelming response, with 75% of available properties minted within the first 30 minutes. The success of the in-store pre-sale, coupled with the rapid uptake of $SPARKLET, underscored the high demand for virtual real estate in Upland’s Paris.
$SPARKLET was instrumental in enabling players to start construction on six exclusive structures available only in Paris. To date, over 6,266 structures have been initiated, supported by 18.5 million staked $SPARKLET. This highlights the token’s significance as more than just a currency but a pivotal component driving the development and success of virtual properties within Upland.
The Future of Upland and $SPARKLET
As Paris continues to expand and develop within Upland, $SPARKLET will remain at the forefront, driving further innovation and enhancing the overall player experience. The successful integration of $SPARKLET into the Paris launch reflects Upland’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of virtual property development and Web3 gaming.
The grand opening of Paris in Upland marks a new era for the platform, combining the allure of one of the world’s most famous cities with cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships. With $SPARKLET leading the way, Upland is poised to continue its growth as a leader in the Web3 gaming space, offering players a unique and immersive experience in the ever-evolving Metaverse.
