LEGO has announced its decision to establish an internal video game development studio. As a global leader in construction toys, they are no strangers to the world of gaming. The brand has a rich history that dates back to the original LEGO Island game released in 1997, followed by a variety of games developed by Traveler’s Tales. The decision to create an in-house development team demonstrates the company’s commitment to the gaming industry and opens up new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
LEGO Investing In Game Development
The in-house studio will work on future gaming projects, with a special focus on creating a unique hybrid experience between games and their tangible products. This fresh approach hopes to blend the best of both worlds, bringing together the creativity and interactive fun of building sets with the compelling narratives and immersive gameplay of video games.
Beyond the anticipated in-house developments, the company also aims to expand its partnerships with external brands. Among the potential tie-ins revealed, collaborations with major brands like Nike and Formula 1 have been hinted at. This suggests that we could soon see new LEGO sports or racing games, alongside tie-ins to existing LEGO franchises or new crossovers with popular series such as One Piece.
Rumors Already Swirling
Rumors are rife about the new developments we can expect from the new gaming arm. It appears that Traveler’s Tales may continue to work on these games, with a new release potentially on the horizon for next year. The widely appreciated game LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga from 2022, along with its 2006 prequel, LEGO Star Wars 2, saw surprise updates recently, heightening fans’ anticipation for what’s to come.
The company’s commitment to enhancing its connection to gaming goes beyond video games alone. The company has released several sets based on popular franchises like Super Mario, Animal Crossing, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Most recently, a sizable Mario Kart set featuring the iconic Mario and his trademark red go-kart was launched, adding to the collector series’ appeal.
Yet, as exciting as these developments are, there’s much left to the imagination. No specific projects under the new internal studio have been officially announced just yet. But with the company’s history of innovation and creativity and its commitment to a “multiyear journey” in game development, the future of LEGO video games promises to be a fascinating venture.
Final Thoughts
While we wait for more concrete details, the possibilities are endless. Their partnerships with Nintendo and Sega could mean we see classic franchises like Mario and Sonic in LEGO form. Or perhaps we’ll witness the revival of beloved series like LEGO Island or Bionicle, reimagined for a new generation of gamers. Whichever path they choose, it’s clear that its ventures into video game development are only just getting started, and fans have plenty to look forward to.
