The Metaverse platform The Sandbox recently embarked on a major restructuring, leading to job losses across multiple offices and the removal of its co-founders from daily operations. Animoca Brands, the company behind the project, is now steering The Sandbox towards a broader Web3 strategy with a new focus on developing Web3 applications and expanding its presence through a memecoin launchpad on Coinbase’s Base network. This shift follows a period of declining user activity and limited traction beyond early metaverse hype cycles. 50% of the workforce has been let go, impacting employees in Argentina, Uruguay, South Korea, Thailand, and Turkey. The restructuring is reportedly aimed at improving efficiency through leaner development workflows. 75%, or around 250 employees were working for The Sandbox in the beginning of 2025. The project’s original focus on creating a persistent virtual world with digital land sales has shifted as the broader Web3 landscape continues to evolve.