Bricks and Blocks - Lego Universe

Posted by Stropp on September 7, 2007

One of the coolest series of games to be released in the last few years were the LEGO Star Wars games. The player got to be incarnated as a LEGOized Luke and play through all of the original Star Wars Trilogy. Running through virtual LEGO levels and knocking off LEGO enemies who exploded in a shower of bricks. The second game opened up the second Star Wars Trilogy and had the added bonus of being able to repeatedly whack Jar-Jar, he deserved it for being an empire patsy. These games were surprise hits, proving that innovation wasn’t dead after all.

Now NetDevil, the developers of the late Auto Assault, have announced that they are partnering with the LEGO company to bring the LEGO brand to persistant online gaming. Hmmm. Maybe that’s partly why Auto Assault was canned. The game, called LEGO Universe, is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2008.

LEGO Universe looks like it will offer a Second Life style of gameplay. Like those blocks you played with when you were a kid, the sky will be the limit with what you can build. It sounds pretty cool. I imagine a lot of grown-up former LEGO lovers will let their inner children run free.

Speaking of children running free, LEGO Universe promises a child safe environment as well.

The full press release is below.

The LEGO Group announces LEGO Universe as official title for branded MMOG

The LEGO® Group today announced LEGO Universe as the official title for the upcoming MMOG being developed by NetDevil® to further engage the company’s dedicated and active community. LEGO Universe, currently planned for launch in the fourth quarter of 2008, is designed as the first MMOG professionally developed for LEGO fans and supported by community members from around the world.

“LEGO Universe ties together all aspects of our community and line of products in an online environment that can be enjoyed by LEGO fans of all ages,” said Mark William Hansen, Director of Business Development, LEGO Universe. “By merging the online world of social interaction with the LEGO concept of play, LEGO Universe will provide our community with an entirely new way to experience LEGO and connect with other players in a fun and imaginative setting.”

The full featured MMOG will be complete with character advancement, expansive social and community features, and provide a child safe alternative to other MMOGs on the market. As a player, you’ll be able to customize your mini-figs and interact in the universe as any character you choose, providing unique opportunities for players to expand and explore with their creations.

“LEGO Universe is being built as a place where fans and community members can discover nearly unlimited play possibilities,” said Ryan Seabury, NetDevil Lead Producer on LEGO Universe. “Given the strength of the LEGO community, a large part of bringing the game to life will be working hand in hand with them to ensure that the core values of creativity, connectivity, and imagination are reflected in the end product.”

About NetDevil, LTD
NetDevil is a leading independent game development company that specializes in the development and construction of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). Founded in 1997, under the inspiration of Jumpgate(TM), the world’s first massively multiplayer space simulator, the company carries on a commitment to creating interactive, virtual worlds in unique and elaborate settings. Led by a development team of talented and experienced industry veterans, NetDevil has grown to over 50+ employees with plans to hire and retain top industry talent for work on its large scale projects in development. All NetDevil employees share a common vision to bring the mysteries of new and exciting worlds to life as immersive online universes. NetDevil is a privately held company, with headquarters in Louisville, CO.

For further information, please contact:
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONTACT:
Helle Winding
The LEGO Group
Mobile: + 45 20 30 88 12
helle.winding [at) LEGO (dot] com

U.S.A. MEDIA CONTACT:
Audra McIver
NetDevil/Kohnke Communications
Phone: + 212 730 9744
audra [at) kohnkecomm (dot] com

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