The Sandbox Expands Creator Economy with SANDchain Launch

The Sandbox is once again making headlines in the world of blockchain games. This time, it’s not about new LAND sales or branded partnerships but about something much bigger—the launch of SANDchain, a dedicated blockchain network designed to empower creators across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Roblox, and of course, The Sandbox itself.

Unveiled at TOKEN2049 in Singapore, this move signals a major shift for the platform: from a game-first ecosystem to a wider economic backbone for the creator economy.

Why SANDchain Matters for Creators

The creator economy is massive, with over 200 million creators worldwide generating a market worth more than $250 billion. Despite that scale, most creators struggle with unstable income streams, vague revenue models, and limited access to funding.

This is where SANDchain steps in, offering onchain solutions that make revenue transparent, programmable, and community-driven. Instead of relying on ad payouts or opaque algorithms, creators will now have financial tools built directly into the blockchain layer.

Key Features of SANDchain

At its core, SANDchain introduces three key engagement features that form the foundation of its ecosystem:

• SANDpoints – Track reputation and loyalty across the entire network.

• Creator Points – Show how much individual support a creator receives and unlock token allocations.

• Creator Tokens – Tradeable assets tied to a creator’s brand, offering perks, exclusive access, and long-term engagement.

To make this sustainable, two types of vaults are being introduced:

1. Patron Vaults – Allow fans to back their favorite creators financially. These contributions can be loaned out, generating yield and loyalty rewards for supporters.

2. Creator Vaults – Aggregate receivables from platforms like TikTok and YouTube, giving creators predictable cash flow for loan repayment.

All of this runs on $SAND, the well-established token already used within The Sandbox ecosystem. With SANDchain, its utility now expands as both gas and governance for an entirely new network.

A New Chapter for The Sandbox

The launch of SANDchain also comes with a leadership update. Robby Yung, the new CEO of The Sandbox, confirmed that the company is preparing for the next wave of technology by embracing AI, mobile, and deeper web3 infrastructure.

Since its humble beginnings as a 2D mobile game in 2012, The Sandbox has grown into a 3D multiplayer metaverse with over 8 million users, 25,000 LAND owners, 400 brand partnerships, and 1,500 creator-made games. Now, the platform is expanding beyond being “just a game” into a creator-first ecosystem.

AI Meets The Sandbox

Artificial intelligence is set to play a big role in The Sandbox’s next chapter. According to Yung, AI development will focus on two main areas:

1. Operational efficiency – Detecting cheats, automating customer support, and backend management.

2. Content creation – Lowering barriers for asset and game building.

The Sandbox is even training its own AI models using its vast library of 1.7 million 3D assets and hundreds of game templates. These AI-powered tools will complement no-code solutions like VoxEdit and Game Maker, making it easier than ever for new creators to join.

A partnership with Rosebud AI will also allow “vibe-coded” game generation, with whitelisting expected to open soon.

Strengthening Web3 Infrastructure

SANDchain isn’t just about payments; it’s about giving creators new economic rails. By tying fan engagement directly to financial participation, creators can transform their audience into partners, backers, and stakeholders.

One of the upcoming innovations is the Internet Capital Market (ICM) layer, designed to let creators earn using bonding curve models. This flexible system not only diversifies income but also helps with discovery and curation of creator content. The first version of ICM is expected by the end of this year.

The Return of Mobile Gaming

A decade after its first mobile release, The Sandbox is preparing to re-enter the mobile space. Internal playtests are already underway, with closed beta tests expected soon.

Yung described mobile as “in our DNA” and emphasized that the next stage of The Sandbox will heavily rely on mobile-first experiences. While details are still under wraps, the move signals a commitment to accessibility and mainstream adoption.

$SAND Token Gains Even More Utility

The $SAND token remains the lifeblood of The Sandbox ecosystem, but its role is expanding significantly. Beyond being the currency for LAND sales, assets, and governance, $SAND now fuels SANDchain transactions, vault mechanics, and Creator Tokens.

With more programs for $SAND holders on the way, the token is becoming an essential utility asset for anyone engaged in the creator economy through The Sandbox.

Partners and Testnet Launch

SANDchain isn’t starting small. Its list of early partners already includes major names like Animoca Brands, Ready Player Me, Cool Cats, Mocaverse, Request Finance, Caldera, and ZKsync, along with creators like DJ Agoria and beloved brands like Pucca.

The SANDchain Testnet will officially go live on October 14, with signups now open through the Creator Manifesto at sandchain.com.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

The announcement drew excitement from industry heavyweights:

• Sébastien Borget, co-founder of The Sandbox, described SANDchain as a way to turn “fans into active participants in culture.”

• Yat Siu, Chairman of Animoca Brands, praised its ability to link fan engagement, ownership, and rewards, calling it a cultural shift in how creators monetize.

• Robby Yung summed it up best: SANDchain is “about giving creators a financial foundation, not just a following.”

  
  

What Comes Next

With over 400 brand partnerships and a massive user base already in place, The Sandbox is evolving into a platform that does more than host games. By integrating SANDchain, AI-powered tools, and mobile access, it’s building an ecosystem where creators have all the tools they need—from asset generation to monetization—under one roof.

For now, the spotlight is firmly on the SANDchain Testnet launch on October 14. But looking ahead, the real story is how this network could reshape the future of creator-led blockchain economies.