19 July 2024 – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the launch of the Olympic World presented by Visa – an immersive environment on Roblox that provides a dynamic new platform to engage fans with the Olympic Games virtually.

The Olympic World features a variety of Olympic-inspired mini-games, while also allowing users to access virtual products in the Olympic Shop, learn about Olympic sports and receive the latest updates during Paris 2024.

With more than 77 million daily active users on Roblox, representing 190 countries and over half of them Gen Z, the experience is an opportunity to engage this global audience, who are increasingly connecting and socialising in the virtual world.

“The IOC is committed to engaging younger generations, and we know that young people today are consuming media and entertainment in diverse ways. We have successfully created a virtual environment where users can shop for digital items and enjoy unique opportunities in a space where they are already spending their time. This helps maintain a strong connection with new generations of fans and stays in tune with their evolving interests.”

Anne-Sophie Voumard – Managing Director of IOC Television & Marketing Services.+

A new frontier for Olympic virtual engagement

The Olympic World is the first environment on Roblox to feature Olympic and Paralympic intellectual property, offering users the chance to explore the Olympic spirit like never before through a collection of games, activities, quests and events.

Those looking to experience the Olympic Games in this digital world will be able to find exciting mini-games in the Olympic Stadium, such as the fast-paced “Obby”, which challenges users to showcase their best time on the virtual streets of Paris, and “Smash Ball”, which also celebrates the Olympic spirit underwater.

Visitors will also be able to access the Olympic Shop, offering a wide variety of in-game purchases, including exclusive Olympic-themed items for users’ avatars and an ever-rotating collection of user-generated content, crafted by top Roblox creators.

The Olympic Champions Hall, meanwhile, will give visitors the chance to explore Olympic history in a unique way as they learn what makes the Olympic Games so special.

Regional environments for US and Brazil

In addition to the globally available Olympic World, two more regional environments will also be accessible on Roblox.

In the USA, Team USA and NBCUniversal – the official Media Rights-Holder (MRH) in the USA – are launching Team USA Obby, featuring the Team USA Museum, mini-games, Peacock lounge and branded virtual merchandise. In Brazil, MRH Globo is launching “Destino Pari” as part of its existing “Sportv Land” environment, aimed at engaging Brazilian audiences in the Games.

Engaging fans through digital innovation

Olympic Agenda 2020+5 highlighted digitalisation as one of the key trends influencing modern society, and the digital revolution has only accelerated in the years since the IOC’s strategic roadmap was adopted in March 2021.

The IOC’s digital approach is designed to engage fans globally with the Olympics, not only during but also between each edition of the Games, and the IOC continues to innovate in this space.

The Olympic World will help promote the Olympic values, raise awareness of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and engage new audiences in innovative ways.