Decentraland and Sandbox are significant words in the area of the metaverse. Both are entirely decentralized metaverse platforms with no central authority.
So, what are their distinctions, and which one is superior? Let’s examine the distinctions between them in depth.
Overview
What is Metaverse?
The metaverse platforms are essentially online tools that support programmers in building new virtual worlds using augmented reality, virtual reality, and a variety of other technologies. Metaverse platforms can be viewed as links that connect the real and virtual worlds.
What is The Sandbox?
The Sandbox (SAND) is an Ethereum token that powers The Sandbox, a multiplayer metaverse where users may develop, monetize, and play blockchain-based gaming experiences. In The Sandbox, game developers can construct 3D NFTs that can be used throughout the ecosystem.
What’s Unique About The Sandbox?
The Sandbox, unlike other play-to-earn (P2E) games on the blockchain, is built only through user-generated content. There is no set gaming environment, despite the fact that all users have constant access to the metaverse. How community members utilize and monetise this metaverse is entirely up to them. This strategy gives remarkable flexibility in play-to-win gaming.
In addition, the strategy of allowing people to develop all of the content populating this metaverse gives a great deal of freedom and customization. The Sandbox provides players with free tools that can be used to enhance the gaming experience or commercialize certain areas of the game.
What is Decentraland?
Decentraland is a 3D virtual reality platform where users may create and monetise applications and content. It is based on the Ethereum blockchain and aspires to create a user-owned network that offers an immersive experience. The platform is a shared metaverse in which users can own virtual land parcels.
What’s Unique About Decentraland?
Decentraland’s Metaverse provides incredible virtual reality as if one were living a second existence.
Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)-based software is used to run the Decentraland platform, which is the world’s leading decentralized game.
It is permissible for players to utilize MANA Token to participate in governance initiatives to enhance in-game policies and auction mechanisms.
Advantages vs. Disadvantages
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The Sandbox vs Decentraland: What Are The Differences Between 2 Metaverse Platforms?
Mechanism
The Sandbox
The ICAO Blockchain Sandbox is a network housed in the cloud that enables multiple parties to collaborate on the same platform. It is a blockchain infrastructure designed for the aviation industry. It permits partners to develop and test services, systems, and products on a decentralized platform.
This effort is designed to help States and ICAO better understand how technology may be applied to regulatory issues.
Decentraland
MAMA employs a DAO voting system that needs users to convert their MANA to wMANA, or wrapped MANA. Encapsulated MANA is locked within the DAO and has one vote in governance proposals.
Initially, a total of 2,8 billion MANA were produced. However, 1.49 billion MANA tokens were in circulation by the start of 2021. A substantial amount of MANA tokens were burnt during LAND auctions.
Token Use Cases
- The Sandbox is an Ethereum blockchain-based platform for user-generated 3D gaming. The Sandbox is a virtual environment that utilizes the Ethereum cryptocurrency token SAND to facilitate transactions on its platform. SAND is the utility token used as the basis for all transactions and interactions inside The Sandbox ecosystem. It is an ERC-20 utility token based on the network of Ethereum. There is a limited quantity of 3 billion SAND.
- Decentraland is aimed to enable the ownership of lands as digital assets on their ledger using Ethereum-based blockchain technologies. Every player must hold MANA tokens in their wallets in order to interact with in-game ecosystems. MANA is an Ethereum-based ERC-20 token that is fungible on the Decentralands platform.
Programming language
- The Sandbox: An essential component of the Java programming language and development environment is sandboxing. When writing Java code, known as an applet, that is delivered as part of a webpage; programmers must adhere to a set of rules and a program area called a sandbox.
- Decentraland: Because TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, you can use object-oriented programming and type declarations while still finding that TypeScript is almost identical to JavaScript. Speeding up development and establishing a more reliable codebase are features like autocomplete and type-checking. The success of developers depends on all of these aspects.
Age
The Sandbox
The Sandbox project was launched on mobile platforms in 2012 and has already amassed more than 40 million installs on mobile devices worldwide. The Sandbox project began creating a new version of the game in January 2018. It is a 3D, multiplayer platform that uses blockchain technology (Ethereum) to provide users with a virtual world where they can create, own, and make money from their gaming experiences.
With the benefits of true-ownership, digital scarcity, monetization potential, and interoperability across games, The Sandbox seeks to introduce blockchain into mainstream gaming, attracting both crypto and non-crypto game aficionados.
The Sandbox has been laying the foundation for the Players & Creators 100% Ownership Economy using NFTs and LANDS for the past three years. From key investors including Hashed, Square Enix, and True Global Ventures, they have raised $3.41 million USD, and their team has already released a number of potent creation tools in beta.
dApp game studios like Dapper Labs (CryptoKitties), investors like Square Enix (Final Fantasy, Tomb Raider), and venerable gaming firms like ATARI are among the more than 60 collaborations The Sandbox has inked to create content for the platform (Rollercoaster Tycoon, Pong).
Decentraland
- Decentraland was formed in 2015.
- In August 2017: $20 million raised in an Initial Coin Offering (ICO).
- In December 2017: The first “LAND” auction, where developers choose the best virtual property areas, took place.
- March 2018: A Decentraland land marketplace launches after becoming a top priority owing to demand.
- In June 2018: Developers start to construct their works, and LAND sales for the month are double CryptoKitties volume.
- In April 2019: Customizable avatars with passports are unveiled and will be made accessible soon. The launch of Decentralized is anticipated for Q2.
Compatibility
- The sandbox blockchain is based on Ethereum and uses Parity as its client. The current version of the client is v2.3.0. This means that it is compatible with the existing Ethereum ecosystem and can interact with other Ethereum-based blockchains.
- Decentraland is a fast expanding platform that enables developers to distribute their ideas with ease and embed them into any metaverse space object. The play interface for the End User is 100 percent interoperable, with all function keys being identical.
Scalability
As both SAND and MAMA are based on the Ethereum blockchain, scalability is an issue with both projects. Due to unstable coins and hefty gas fees, both networks have limited scalability potential. Consequently, the large-scale adoption of both metaverse platforms may encounter obstacles due to a lack of scalability.
Purchasing Land
Comparisons between Decentraland and Sandbox frequently emphasize virtual real estate. However, the chances to purchase virtual land on both platforms define the user experience and distinguish both platforms.
- By integrating OpenSea and the Sandbox marketplace, Sandbox provides users with enhanced possibilities for purchasing virtual land.
- In contrast, Decentraland only permits users to purchase from the MANA market.
Market Fees
In comparisons of SAND and MAMA, virtual real estate is usually highlighted. However, the opportunities to buy a virtual estate on both platforms define the user experience and distinguish both platforms.
- By merging OpenSea and the Sandbox marketplace, Sandbox offers users more opportunities to own virtual land. In contrast, it only allows consumers access to the MANA marketplace.
- On the Decentraland Marketplace, all transactions incur a 2.5% MANA fee. A 5% fee is imposed on all marketplace transactions on The Sandbox.
When interacting with the Ethereum blockchain on both metaverses, you are additionally required to pay a transaction cost gas fee.
Innovation
The rate of development is also a significant distinction between Sandbox and Decentraland. By ensuring the creation of new features, both platforms have been making tremendous advancements. However, Sandbox emerges as the clear victor by shifting to Polygon NFT layer 2 solutions, which consume roughly 100 times less energy than Ethereum.
Collaborations
The most important factor in determining “which is superior, Sandbox or Decentraland,” would be the platforms’ partnerships. Association with reputable and well-known brands can also encourage the adoption of metaverse platforms such as the two in the issue.
- Decentraland has formed strategic alliances with Atari, Cyberpunk, and Polygon.
- Sandbox has collaborated with numerous well-known brands, including OpenSea, CryptoKitties, The Walking Dead, and Snoop Dogg, among others.
Platform Accessibility
The platforms’ accessibility would also be a distinguishing characteristic between Sandbox and Decentraland. Regarding platform access, Sandbox is the clear winner. It provides numerous methods for accessing the site, including social networking and email accounts, as well as a Metamask wallet. However, MAMA only permits access via wallet connection.
Future Plans
The future development plans also have a significant influence in establishing the distinctions between Sandbox and Decentraland.
- The strategy for Sandbox’s future development is centered on introducing the platform to mobile devices. Additionally, the platform intends to introduce the platform to consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. In addition, the platform intends to offer around 5,000 games by the end of 2023.
- On the opposite end of the spectrum, Decentraland does not adhere to a particular plan. In actuality, the team determines the decisions that appear to be connected with value. Soon, they intend to add celebrities, creators, and businesses to the site, in addition to NFT commercials and drops.
At a Glance
| Decentraland | The Sandbox | |
| Launch year | 2017 | 2018 |
| Plots of land | 90,000 parcels | 166,464 parcels |
| VR capabilities | No | No |
| Types of tokens | MANA, LAND, WEAR | SAND, GAMES, LAND, ASSETS |
| Tokens in circulation | MANA: over 1.8 billion | SAND: over 1.06 billion |
| Consensus Method | Proof-of-stake (PoS) | Proof-of-stake (PoS) |
| Crypto wallet required | No, but a software wallet required to store digital assets. | Yes |
| Wallets supported | Software wallets that can be integrated with browsers. Recommended MetaMask. | MetaMask, Bitskit and Venly |
| Marketplace fees | 2.5% MANA cost in all transactions | 5% fee applied to all transactions |
| Values –
according to CoinMarketCap |
MANA is valued at $2.49 USD, | SAND is valued at $2.93 USD |
| Backing | Digital Currency Group, FBG Capital, Polygon, South Korean Government, Samsung, Cyberpunk | SoftBank, Uber, Stack |
How Do They Make Money?
Decentraland is administered by the Decentraland Foundation. The game earns money through the issuance and storage of MANA tokens. According to Product Mint, it first raised $26M by selling MANA to investors. It also generates revenue through marketplace transaction fees.
The Sandbox generates revenue through the issuance and sale of SAND tokens and other digital assets. It is managed by Animoca Brands. Additionally, The Sandbox generates revenue from transaction fees on its marketplace.
The Sandbox vs Decentraland Backing
The Sandbox
- SoftBank is one of The Sandbox’s main backers. Softbank invests mostly in firms in the technology, energy, and finance industries. Softbank is one of the greatest investment organizations in the world and has backed numerous companies, including Uber, WeWork, and Slack.
- Skybound Entertainment is a multiplatform entertainment firm that collaborates directly with creators and their intellectual properties to bring their stories to more platforms. Bringing The Walking Dead comic book franchise to The Sandbox metaverse will provide fans with a revolutionary opportunity to play, create, connect, inhabit, and interact within an innovative multiplayer gaming virtual world.
- A relationship formed between Atari and The Sandbox in March 2020 allowed Atari to exhibit its content in the Montreal-based platform’s user-generated, virtual game universe.
Decentraland
Decentraland is supported by numerous well-known and reputable companies. These companies include FBG Capital, CoinFund, and Digital Currency Group, among others. In addition, it has teamed with Cyberpunk, Polygon, Samsung, and the government of South Korea.
- Decentraland with CoinGecko: CoinGecko has developed a robust suite of tools that provide insights into the price, volume, community growth, and other important characteristics of the leading blockchain and cryptocurrency-based projects.
- Decentraland will join with Animoca Brands through a mutual investment and co-development of two new games designed for the Decentraland platform, including internationally famous and well adored brands.
SAND vs MANA: Which Is a Better Investment?
It is currently difficult to determine which decentralized metaverse is superior. The Sandbox is still in Alpha and has not undergone as much combat testing as Decentraland. The Sandbox offers superior graphics and smoother performance than Decentraland.
The choice between SAND and MAMA depends on what is most important to you.
- Decentraland is the finest option for maximalists of decentralization due to its decentralized DAO structure. Moreover, we believe that individuals seeking a safer investment would flock toward Decentraland due to the fact that it is well-established and has the largest market capitalization among all Blockchain-based Metaverse ventures.
- Due to the Sandbox’s smaller Market Capitalization and greater development potential, investors who enjoy living on the edge will most likely flock towards it. Building on The Sandboxes advantages, it is the Blockchain-based Metaverse with the best aesthetics.
- The Sandbox will attract gamers who are attracted to an aesthetically pleasing Metaverse. With The Sandbox intending to distribute its metaverse on smartphones and consoles in the near future, it is quite probable that the project will continue its spectacular growth trajectory.
Where to buy SAND and MANA?
Using centralized exchanges such as Coinbase, eToro, and Gemini, it is simple to buy MANA. If you wish to get SAND, Gemini, Binance, FTX are the perfect spots to do so. This is due to the fact that SAND is not yet accessible for purchase on Coinbase.
Additionally, you can purchase MANA and SAND on a variety of decentralized marketplaces. MANA and SAND coins are both Ethereum ERC-20 tokens. On decentralized exchanges, you can simply convert Eth or other popular ERC-20 tokens for these tokens. Uniswap, Metamask Swap, and Sushiswap are a few well-known decentralized exchanges for these coins.
FAQs
Which one should I choose?
The Sandbox and Decentraland are both great platforms for creating and sharing user-generated content. However, they differ in terms of their focus. The Sandbox is focused on gaming experiences, while Decentraland is focused on social experiences.
Is SAND more secure than MAMA?
The Sandbox is a more secure platform than Decentraland because it uses Ethereum smart contracts to ensure that all transactions are transparent and secure. Decentraland, on the other hand, uses a centralized server to manage all transactions.
Which is more advanced?
The SAND and MAMA are advanced platforms with a lot to offer users. It really depends on what you are looking for in a platform and what you consider to be advanced features.
Is The Sandbox or Decentraland more popular?
Some people may prefer The Sandbox because of its traditional video game aesthetic, while others may prefer Decentraland for its more immersive and realistic virtual world experience. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which platform they prefer.
Why are they so popular?
There are a few reasons:
- First, both The Sandbox and Decentraland offer players a unique and immersive gaming experience that is not possible with traditional video games.
- Second, both games allow players to own and control their in-game assets, which adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the game.
- Finally, both games are built on top of the Ethereum blockchain, which allows for a high degree of transparency and security.
How can I get started?
The best way to get started in The Sandbox and Decentraland is to join the community and start exploring. There are many ways to get involved, including forums, social media, and in-person meetups. You can visit our website to know more information, covemarket.com.
Where can I learn more about them?
You can learn more about The Sandbox and Decentraland at the official websites.
Conclusion
The Sandbox and Decentraland are two popular platforms for creating and exploring virtual worlds. They both offer a unique experience, with The Sandbox being more focused on gaming and Decentraland being more focused on social interactions.
It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in gaming, then The Sandbox is a clear choice.
