The NALP Foundation has launched its own immersive experience, Landscape Design Empire, on the Roblox platform as part of its latest awareness initiative.
Roblox hosts a variety of user-generated experiences and is one of the largest metaverse platforms in the world with millions of users around the world. Currently, 59.3% of the daily active users are 12 and under.
It is free to create a Roblox account. Roblox is available on numerous platforms, including mobile devices, gaming consoles and the VR headset Meta Quest.
Landscape Design Empire was designed in collaboration with Epic Reach, a global creative and advanced innovation agency.
The immersive experience allows players to design, install and maintain landscapes for a fictional neighborhood. Users can purchase new tools, develop new skills and open new areas as they progress through Landscape Design Empire. Players can invite friends to help or share the experience.
“We are so excited about the opportunity to reach tens of millions of players on Roblox and teach them about the benefits of caring for the landscapes around them,” says Jenn Myers, executive director of the NALP Foundation.
The goal of the experience is to create excitement and provide young players with a better understanding of the landscape and lawn care industry.
Players will learn about various plants as they design and care for their landscapes. They are also encouraged to select plants that are well-suited for the different climates by their water needs. By playing, users can also earn in-game currency to upgrade their equipment, like going from a push mower to a riding mower.
As kids play, Epic Reach will be able to track metrics such as the number of players, time spent playing, the most popular jobs and items and more. All of this information will impact subsequent updates for Landscape Design Empire. The Foundation’s goal is to have several updates per year.
“As an industry, it’s crucial to adapt to new mediums to reach and educate younger demographics,” says said Chris Joyce, Foundation president. “Landscape Design Empire represents a creative approach to fostering an interest in landscaping from an early age.”
Landscape Design Empire also allows for collaboration with industry brands that can incorporate their equipment into the experience.
For more information about Landscape Design Empire or to support the work of the Foundation, visit www.landscapeprofessionals.org/Foundation or contact Jenn Myers.
