After generating more than 14.5 million visits since launching at AO 2023, the Australian Open’s experience on Roblox, AO Adventure, is set to expand for AO 2024 with the inclusion of ESPN Super Set Showdown and WimbleWorld x US Open Cross-Court Challenge.
Hosted on Roblox, a global platform which boasts more than 70 million daily active users, AO Adventure enables users to explore the world of the Australian Open, completing activities and earning digital items and accessories.
The recently launched update features a raft of new inclusions to entertain both new and returning users.
Visitors to AO Adventure arrive at Grand Slam Oval and immediately encounter the ESPN Super Set Showdown tennis courts, where users can play tennis with simulated commentary from ESPN’s very own humanoids, Ace and Courtney.
A key addition to the ESPN Super Set Showdown is the updated digital items that will be available to users. Reflecting the Australian setting, users will be able to complete challenges to collect a koala shoulder pet, or kangaroo pouch wearable to dress their avatar.
“The ongoing success and growth of AO Adventure on Roblox continues to provide the Australian Open with the opportunity to reach new audiences and global markets, 24/7, 365 days a year, via one of most popular immersive platforms in the world,” Tennis Australia Senior Manager Digital Sales and Metaverse Ridley Plummer said.
“The collaboration with Tennis Australia is a great opportunity for ESPN to engage with new audiences around the world. By combining Tennis Australia's expertise in sport with ESPN’s global reach, AO Adventure and ESPN Super Set Showdown promises to offer an engaging and immersive experience,” ESPN Head of International Marketing Brian Iglesias said.
Continuing the collaboration, users will be able to take on the Wimble World x US Open Cross-Court Challenge, allowing them to seamlessly portal between AO Adventure, Wimble World and US Open - Champions of the Court. While moving between the different Grand Slam experiences, users will be prompted to complete challenges to earn a Cross-Court Aura (digital item for their avatar), featuring the trophies of the respective tournaments.
WimbleWorld x US Open Cross-Court Challenge will launch during week one of the AO main draw.
Just like at the real AO, there is also a digitised AO Ballpark presented by Emirates. Users are welcomed to the space by an Emirates Cabin Crew humanoid and can complete the Sky-High Obby to score a unique Emirates Pilot Hat digital item.
Additionally, users can battle it out with each other in Dunlop Tennis Ball Rain - a mini-game where tennis balls rain from the sky and users must rush to collect them and fill their bucket before their opponents.
“We believe in the power of tennis to unite and inspire,” Tennis Australia Chief Commercial Officer, Cedric Cornelis said.
“By offering a range of engaging experiences, both on and off the court, we aim to create a lasting impact and ensure that the AO remains a beacon of creativity and innovation in the sporting world.”
In 2023, ESPN extended its partnership with Tennis Australia, with a focus on innovation and storytelling. Dating back to 1984, the partnership is the media company’s longest running rights agreement.
AO Adventure is available on Roblox today here. Users wanting to access AO Adventure can do so by creating a free Roblox account here.