Gary Lineker on Roblox?! Video game starring ex-England striker and Match of the Day presenter to be launched by BBC

In an innovative move to captivate younger audiences, this venture marks the BBC's foray into the gaming industry. BBC Wonder Chase will debut on the popular online gaming platform Roblox, introducing players to a virtual world brimming with excitement and adventure. The game will showcase some of the BBC's most beloved programs, including Match of the Day, Doctor Who, and EastEnders, alongside iconic personalities such as Lineker, Louis Theroux, Zara McDermott, and Ncuti Gatwa, renowned for portraying the Fifteenth Doctor.

Set in Wonder Central, a bustling virtual metropolis, players will embark on an immersive journey filled with challenges and discoveries. From engaging in mini-games and collecting iPlayer-branded coins to learning fascinating facts about nature and navigating obstacle courses, BBC Wonder Chase offers a diverse range of experiences tailored to entertain and educate players. Moreover, participants can interact with friends and enjoy clips of BBC shows in a specially-designed cinema area, fostering social connections within the gaming community.

Patricia Hidalgo, BBC's director of Children's and Education, expressed the corporation's commitment to adapting to evolving media landscapes by meeting children where they are.

“As the children’s media landscape is constantly evolving, we want to meet kids wherever they are," she said.

“We know Roblox is hugely popular with children and we’re giving them the chance to interact and play with their favourite CBBC shows and characters, and discover more to love from across the BBC.”

BBC Wonder Chase will be available as a free-to-play experience on various platforms, including PC, mobile, PlayStation, and Xbox, ensuring accessibility to a wide audience. The BBC plans to launch the game as an 18-month trial period, with ongoing updates and additions expected to enhance the gaming experience and introduce new programs and personalities to players.

BBC Wonder Chase, developed in collaboration with Bristol-based developer Mobile Pie, exemplifies traditional broadcasters' embrace of digital innovation. By leveraging their extensive intellectual property to create immersive gaming experiences, broadcasters like the BBC are pioneering new avenues for audience engagement and brand promotion in the digital age.

With its blend of entertainment, education, and interactivity, the game promises to be a thrilling addition to the gaming landscape, ushering in a new era of digital entertainment for the BBC and its audience.