How Celebrities Build Influence in the Digital Age? (Part 1)

In this rapidly changing technological era, the way celebrities interact with their fans is undergoing dramatic transformation.

Film and TV stars are no longer limited by traditional media; they can now expand their influence through social media platforms.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X allow people to manage and grow their fanbases through various channels.

However, as traditional media and social platforms gradually integrate into daily life, celebrities are in urgent need of new ways to attract fans and expand their influence.

This is precisely where virtual platforms like The Sandbox come into play, offering a unique role.

The Sandbox is not just a game or entertainment space; it is a new battleground for brand extension and market differentiation.

In this instance, we will use Jeremy Lin as an example to explore how to create a unique experience in The Sandbox around a well-known celebrity.

Who is Jeremy Lin?

Source: GQ SPORT

Jeremy Lin is a professional basketball player who gained widespread recognition during his time in the NBA, particularly for sparking the "Linsanity" phenomenon with the New York Knicks.

During the "Linsanity" period, he was even named one of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people of 2012.

However, Jeremy Lin's journey in the NBA was not smooth from the start.

Unlike famous basketball players like LeBron James, who entered the NBA as the number one overall pick, Lin went undrafted in the NBA draft.

Even after starting from the NBA Development League, Lin was picked up by the New York Knicks. At one point, due to his Asian appearance, security even stopped him at the player entrance, not believing he was a player.

Lin then played for different NBA teams, and in 2019, he won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors.

Afterward, he left the NBA stage to play in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

In 2023, he joined Taiwan's P. LEAGUE+ Kaohsiung Steelers, and now he plays for the New Taipei Kings alongside his brother, Jeremy Lin Jr.

Now that we have a brief understanding of Jeremy Lin, how should we design his experience in The Sandbox?

1. Jeremy Lin Career Retrospective

We can design a sports arena, and as we walk into this arena, we can explore Jeremy Lin's basketball journey.

Jeremy Lin’s basketball journey began in his student days at high school in Palo Alto, California, where he was already an outstanding player.

After entering Harvard University, his skills further improved, and although he did not stand out in the NBA draft, his impressive performance in the summer league made him the second Harvard graduate to make it to the NBA, following Ed Smith of the New York Knicks in 1954.

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Source: dukebasketballreport

Next comes the beginning of "Linsanity." From New York, Jeremy Lin's rise to fame can be revisited through an exhibition in The Sandbox, allowing everyone to relive the legend of Linsanity.

Jeremy Lin's career and the "Linsanity" phenomenon not only showcase his skills on the basketball court, but his story has also inspired countless aspiring basketball players.

This story has had a profound impact on Asian players in the basketball world.

Through The Sandbox experience, we hope to allow all players to experience Jeremy Lin’s key moments in different games.

2. Jeremy Lin-Themed Sports Park

Since we’re talking about basketball, let’s create a basketball court as the setting, where players can participate in basketball games.

In the short film The Last Pick, the story revolves around Jeremy Lin encountering a child during a street training session.

The child, who plays basketball on the streets, has no one choosing him as a teammate.

The Last Pick seems to mirror the past when no one selected Jeremy Lin during the NBA draft.

By using this story setting, we can create Jeremy Lin's themed sports park, which not only connects with basketball as a sport but also communicates Jeremy Lin's story.

Additionally, Jeremy Lin holds basketball training camps every year. We could design a series of basketball training activities and challenges within The Sandbox experience, with a virtual version of Jeremy Lin offering guidance to improve players' basketball skills.

Just like in the video, where Jeremy Lin trains with the child who wasn’t selected, we can inspire more players and let them experience Jeremy Lin's never-give-up spirit.

In The Sandbox, NBA star LaMelo Ball has already created his own experience. He set up a statue in the center of the scene using his own image, helping deepen the community’s connection with him.

Source: Play Sandbox

3. Charity Zone

Jeremy Lin’s influence extends beyond the realm of sports and into charity work. He founded JLIN LLC and the Jeremy Lin Foundation, with the philosophy of "Redefine Love" — aiming to impact society through his efforts and bring life-changing opportunities to more people.

Jeremy Lin believes that true influence is not only demonstrated on the court but in every corner of life, especially in areas where it can change others' lives.

Therefore, we align with this belief and bring it into practice in the virtual world.

In this section, players can engage in games and activities that enhance their understanding of social issues that Jeremy Lin cares about, such as anti-discrimination and youth education.

We will also design and sell a series of virtual items related to Jeremy Lin, such as signed basketballs, jerseys, and other memorabilia, for players to purchase and collect in The Sandbox.

In this chapter, we have explained how to create a The Sandbox experience that revolves around a person and their values.

In the next chapter, we will discuss how to build missions in The Sandbox using NFTs, allowing players to have a more immersive experience in this virtual world.

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How to create missions in The Sandbox using NFTs，ChatGPT said:

This passage is discussing how The Sandbox, as a pioneer in the metaverse, aims to integrate more players, creators, brands, and IP celebrities into the virtual world through the power of Web3. It highlights how The Sandbox can offer immersive experiences, educational opportunities, social interactions, and activities.

As more people join The Sandbox, the platform’s global influence will continue to grow, bringing brighter prospects for virtual creation and world development. The passage also mentions nspace, a company specializing in creating Web3 experiences for brands, providing services like land trading, asset building, and brand marketing within The Sandbox.

If you are a brand seeking to expand globally and create more brand value with online and offline marketing integration, you can contact nspace for help.

"If you want to learn how to operate VoxEdit, design and build in The Sandbox, and own your assets, click the link below to view more course content. Join us to become a metaverse designer and explore The Sandbox." The Sandbox Design Software VoxEdit Beginner's Guide