The Sandbox has introduced SANDchain, a new blockchain network designed to support the creator economy across multiple platforms. Announced during TOKEN2049 in Singapore, the project is led by the SANDChain Foundation and aims to provide creators on YouTube, TikTok, Roblox, and The Sandbox with new ways to monetize content and strengthen fan engagement. Built using ZKsync and Caldera’s ZK Stack, SANDchain expands beyond gaming to act as a broader infrastructure for creator-focused financial tools.
The Sandbox Unveils SANDchain
The Sandbox Unveils SANDchain
The creator economy has grown to more than 200 million participants worldwide and is estimated to be worth over US$250 billion. Despite this scale, many creators face issues such as inconsistent income, unclear monetization systems, and limited access to funding. SANDchain addresses these challenges by offering on-chain revenue models that are both transparent and programmable.
The network introduces new tools that tie community support directly to financial outcomes. These include loyalty systems that measure engagement across the chain and creator-specific points that unlock token allocations. In addition, tradeable creator tokens link fans to their favorite communities, offering access to perks and rewards. To support funding, SANDchain includes vaults that allow fans to back creators directly and creators to secure more predictable income streams through receivables grouped from major platforms.
The Sandbox Unveils SANDchain
Powered by $SAND and Mobile Development
All activity on the network is powered by $SAND, the native token of The Sandbox. Already widely traded on global exchanges, $SAND now gains expanded utility as the gas and governance token for SANDchain.
The launch of SANDchain comes as part of a larger strategic update for The Sandbox. Newly appointed CEO Robby Yung confirmed that the company is investing in artificial intelligence, web3 infrastructure, and mobile development to broaden the platform’s scope.
Since its start as a mobile game in 2012, The Sandbox has transformed into a 3D multiplayer web3 platform, now home to over 8 million users and partnerships with more than 400 brands. While it remains a central figure in blockchain gaming, the company is now positioning itself as a wider hub for digital creation and monetization.
Role of AI and 3D Assests
Artificial intelligence will play a major role in The Sandbox’s next phase. According to Yung, the company is developing AI tools for both internal and user-facing applications. Internally, AI is being used to improve operational efficiency, including tasks like cheat detection and customer support. For creators, the focus is on reducing barriers to content creation by using AI to assist in asset generation and experience design.
The Sandbox is currently training its own models with a library of over 1.7 million 3D assets and hundreds of templates. In addition, a partnership with Rosebud AI will allow creators to generate game templates directly from The Sandbox’s asset base. This is expected to make the platform’s no-code tools, such as VoxEdit and Game Maker, even more accessible.
Launch Partners and Upcoming Testnet
The Sandbox is also re-entering the mobile space, more than a decade after its original release on handheld devices. New mobile gameplay concepts are in testing, with closed playtests expected to roll out soon. While specific features have not yet been disclosed, the company emphasized that mobile will be central to reaching new audiences and enabling different types of interactive experiences.
The rollout of SANDchain includes a growing list of launch partners such as Animoca Brands, ZKsync, Ready Player Me, Cool Cats, and Mocaverse. Creators and fans interested in early participation can join by signing the Creator Manifesto at sandchain.com. The SANDchain Testnet is scheduled to go live on October 14, marking the first opportunity for the public to try the system before a wider release.
The Sandbox Unveils SANDchain
Looking Ahead
The announcement has already gained backing from several industry leaders. Sébastien Borget, co-founder of The Sandbox, stated that the initiative provides tools for creators across all digital platforms, not only web3.
Yat Siu, chairman of Animoca Brands, noted that the model links fan engagement to ownership and rewards, which he described as a step toward redefining how communities participate in digital culture. Yung also stressed that SANDchain is meant to give creators a financial foundation, moving beyond the idea of relying solely on audience numbers.
The Sandbox is shifting its identity from a gaming ecosystem to a platform that supports the full lifecycle of digital creation. With AI-driven tools, mobile expansion, and on-chain economic infrastructure through SANDchain, the company is preparing to play a larger role in the creator economy. The next milestone will be the testnet launch in October, followed by continued updates on mobile development and new monetization models planned for later this year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is SANDchain? SANDchain is a blockchain network created by The Sandbox to support the global creator economy. It introduces new monetization and funding tools for creators across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Roblox, and is powered by the $SAND token.
How does SANDchain support creators? SANDchain offers features such as creator tokens, loyalty systems, and vaults that allow fans to fund creators directly. It also uses on-chain revenue models to make monetization more transparent and predictable.
What role does the $SAND token play? $SAND serves as the gas and governance token of SANDchain. It is already widely listed on global exchanges and is now expanding its utility to cover payments, governance, and creator engagement across the new network.
When will SANDchain launch? The public testnet for SANDchain will launch on October 14. Early sign-ups are available through the Creator Manifesto at sandchain.com.
Is The Sandbox still focused on gaming? Yes, The Sandbox continues to support gaming, but it is also expanding into broader areas of the creator economy. New AI tools, mobile development, and financial infrastructure are being introduced to support creators across multiple platforms.
