LEGO Universe - Images and Info

Legoist · Post by **Legoist** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 2:47 pm

I think the whole concept of a LEGO MMORPG (sort-of) is very odd.

But you know, sometimes it's the oddest ideas which end up a memorable success.

Mog · Post by **Mog** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:01 am

architect wrote: I can not say that I am surprised. LEGO Universe seems to be a huge investment for TLG which may not pay off. The game has an interesting concept. I do not think that it will be as popular as standard first person games like LEGO Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Batman.

Ben

Not to nitpick, but...none of those games are first person. You're probably thinking "single player" (although they can be played with multiple people too, of course). First person means that you see the game world through the controlled character's eyes; all of TT's LEGO games to date use the third person perspective.

I think it will take off IF: it's free to play. "Casual MMOs" are all the rage right now, especially among the younger set, whose parents might not be too enthusiastic about a recurring monthly fee. Sell it in a box if you must, or sell virtual items within the game for real money (I think Club Penguin does this), but don't charge $15/mo just to play it. That'll turn people off - let's face it, this isn't going to be World of Warcraft here. But if it was free to play, with prepaid "game money" cards sold in stores for the purchasing of virtual goods, then I think it'll take off. And isn't that what LEGO wants? It'll basically be a massive interactive ad for their toys, anyway.

Post by **architect** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 6:46 pm

Mog wrote: Not to nitpick, but...none of those games are first person. You're probably thinking "single player" (although they can be played with multiple people too, of course). First person means that you see the game world through the controlled character's eyes; all of TT's LEGO games to date use the third person perspective.

Thanks for pointing this out to me. I had a feeling that "first person" was the wrong term.

I think it will take off IF: it's free to play. "Casual MMOs" are all the rage right now, especially among the younger set, whose parents might not be too enthusiastic about a recurring monthly fee.

Given the current state of the worldwide economy, this is a good point. Parents will still buy high quality products for their children (ie: Lego bricks). They may not be as enthusiastic about paying a monthly subscription fee.

Ben

RichardAM · Post by **RichardAM** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:06 pm

Console ports, cross-platform play, and a free-for all membership.

http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/02/ ... -consoles/

Post by **architect** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 2:01 am

According to this quote there will be a subscription fee to play the game.

Hansen: I think it’ll be a regular subscription fee, but as of right now what will be free, or free content to play, hasn’t been decided yet. I’m sure there will be different angles on how to play the game when that time comes.

Of course they could have a basic free version without as many options.

Ben