Shaping the Future of the Metaverse: How HKDI is Empowering Next-Gen Creators
The Sandbox is committed to helping novice and experienced talents thrive in the metaverse through educational resources. Our ongoing partnership with the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), one of the most influential design institutions in Hong Kong, is a key part of this mission.
Never Behind
HKDI, whose ESTATE on The Sandbox Map is located in the heart of Mega City 3, has been an invaluable educational partner, pushing the boundaries of new technologies with its “Never Behind” motto.
The renowned institute focuses on providing high-quality education in design, offering a range of programs emphasizing innovation, practical skills, and industry connections, ensuring its students are always at the forefront of innovation and preparing them for successful careers in the ever-evolving creative landscape.
This year, HKDI and its students developed and published four unique experiences that blend culture, education, and technology to showcase the innovative potential of The Sandbox. These projects were prominently featured in the HKDI graduation show of 2023–2024:
MetaHKDI is a Web3 game that gamifies design learning in a virtual, eco-friendly HKDI campus. Players gain design knowledge while enjoying an interactive tour of the facilities. This innovative approach, with its focus on gamification and sustainability, has the potential to revolutionize design education by making it engaging and fostering valuable skills like teamwork and design thinking.
Click the experience links below to explore MetaHKDI now:
Empowering Builders IRL
HKDI is dedicated to fostering creativity and skill development in The Sandbox:
- Voxel Contest: In collaboration with Index Game, our metaverse agency in Hong Kong, HKDI, and The Sandbox hosted a voxel contest celebrating the 2024 future Olympics. This contest promotes voxel art in Asia and provides a platform for artists to showcase their talents. A live voxel contest was also held at the graduation show, highlighting their creative achievements and collaborative spirit.
- Advanced Builders Bootcamp: HKDI supported The Sandbox’s Advanced Builders Bootcamp from July 15–16. This boot camp trains advanced builders to create games that attract millions of next-gen players. Close to 50 participants received hands-on training with The Sandbox’s latest version of Game Maker.
HKDI empowers builders in real-world settings through these initiatives. Their dedication and innovative use of The Sandbox make them a crucial partner in tertiary education.
“At HKDI, we are dedicated to leading the fusion of arts and technology, equipping our students with the skills necessary to excel in the metaverse. Our collaboration with The Sandbox ensures that our students remain at the forefront of innovation,” said Ken Wong, Senior Lecturer at HKDI. “With initiatives like MetaHKDI and creative contests, we inspire the next generation to lead and transform the future of digital interaction.”
“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone with HKDI,” said Erich Wong, Head of Growth (Hong Kong) at The Sandbox. “This partnership showcases our commitment to expanding and deepening our impact in the educational sector. Our vision is to make The Sandbox a platform created and owned by creators. By partnering with Hong Kong’s educational leaders, we aim to promote the development of Web3 and innovation in Asia, extending our influence globally.”
The Sandbox’s Commitment to Education
Our collaboration with HKDI underscores our dedication to education and talent development. By equipping young talent with the tools and knowledge to excel on our platform, we’re cultivating a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation and creativity.
This commitment to education is reflected in several key initiatives:
- Collaborating with over 30 educational partners globally
- Engaging more than 6,000 participants through 80+ events in over 10 countries
- Empowering creators with #nocode tools, lowering the barriers to learning complex coding languages
As we expand our educational initiatives, The Sandbox remains steadfast in its mission to empower the next generation of creators. Our partnership with HKDI is just one example of how we are making blockchain technology and the metaverse accessible and engaging for all.
Join us as we continue to innovate in education and The Sandbox, nurturing the talents of tomorrow and transforming the digital landscape.
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About Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)
The Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is a leading design institution under the VTC Group. It provides high-quality education to cultivate knowledge and professionalism and produces emerging talents who underpin the creative industries in Hong Kong.
With years of experience in design education, HKDI brings together the strengths of four design departments — Architecture, Interior and Product Design, Communication Design and Digital Media, Design Foundation Studies, and Fashion and Image Design — to offer 20 design programs. Highly flexible in articulation and advanced education, HKDI offers students a three-year university degree pathway from a Higher Diploma to a Bachelor’s degree offered by reputable universities in the UK.
