Lego is transitioning towards developing its video games internally. After the closure of TT Games' exclusivity deal, Lego is building internal development capabilities to supplement and potentially replace external studios in the future. While they will continue partnerships with existing studios like Sumo Digital for upcoming titles, Lego aims to gain more creative control and a faster development cycle by bringing expertise in-house. This shift reflects a broader strategy to own more of the Lego gaming experience.
The esteemed Danish toy manufacturer, the Lego Group, renowned globally for its interlocking plastic bricks and associated intellectual properties, has articulated its strategic intention to transition towards internal development of video games based on its beloved franchises. This represents a significant shift in the company's approach to interactive entertainment, moving away from its long-standing practice of licensing its intellectual property to external game development studios, such as Traveller's Tales, the UK-based developer responsible for the highly successful Lego Star Wars and other Lego-themed video game titles.
According to remarks made by Remi Marcelli, the current Chief Product & Marketing Officer at Lego, the company recognizes the crucial role video games play in engaging with their target demographic and fostering brand loyalty. Mr. Marcelli explicitly stated the company's desire to bring video game development "in-house," suggesting a desire for greater creative control and potentially a more streamlined development process. This internalization of game development signifies a strategic move to more directly influence the creative direction, production, and potentially even the distribution of future Lego video games.
While the specifics of this transition remain somewhat ambiguous, it is anticipated that this shift will involve building internal development teams, acquiring existing studios with relevant expertise, or potentially a combination of both strategies. This move towards internal development could afford Lego greater flexibility in exploring new gameplay mechanics, narratives, and platforms for their video game offerings. Furthermore, it may enable tighter integration between physical Lego products and their digital counterparts, creating synergistic opportunities for enhanced play experiences. It should be noted, however, that Mr. Marcelli's comments did not offer a concrete timeline for this transition, nor did they elaborate on the precise structure or scale of the envisioned in-house development operations.
Summary of Comments ( 66 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43349296
Hacker News users discuss the potential ramifications of Lego bringing game development in-house. Some express skepticism, questioning if Lego possesses the necessary expertise to manage large-scale game development and suggesting it could lead to less creative and more "on-brand" titles. Others are more optimistic, hoping for a return to the charm of older Lego games and speculating that internal development could allow for tighter integration with physical Lego sets and the broader Lego ecosystem. A recurring theme is concern about the potential loss of TT Games' unique touch and the possibility of Lego repeating mistakes made by other companies that brought development in-house. Several commenters also highlight the challenges of managing large development teams and maintaining consistent quality.
The Hacker News post "Lego says it wants to start to bring video game development in-house" has generated several comments discussing the potential implications of Lego shifting its game development strategy. Many commenters express cautious optimism, acknowledging the potential benefits while also highlighting the challenges Lego might face.
One recurring theme is the concern about Lego's ability to replicate the success of TT Games, the external studio that has long developed Lego games. Several users point out TT Games' expertise in creating polished and enjoyable Lego games, suggesting that replicating this level of quality in-house could be difficult. Some speculate that Lego might struggle to attract and retain the same level of talent as an established game studio. There's also a concern that an internal team might stifle creativity and innovation, leading to more homogenous and less engaging games.
Conversely, some commenters see this move as a positive step for Lego. They argue that bringing development in-house could give Lego greater control over its intellectual property and allow for tighter integration between physical and digital products. This could lead to more innovative gameplay mechanics and experiences that leverage the unique aspects of Lego bricks. Some users express hope that this could revitalize the Lego game franchise and lead to fresh and exciting titles.
Another point of discussion revolves around the potential impact on existing licensing agreements. Some commenters wonder how this shift will affect future collaborations with other franchises, such as Star Wars or Marvel, which have been featured in numerous Lego games. There's speculation about whether Lego will continue to license these properties or focus primarily on original Lego themes.
Several comments also touch upon the financial aspects of this decision. Some users question the cost-effectiveness of building an internal development studio, particularly given the volatile nature of the video game industry. Others suggest that this move could be a strategic investment that pays off in the long run by allowing Lego to retain a larger share of the profits from its games.
Finally, some comments offer personal anecdotes about their experiences with Lego games, reflecting the nostalgic connection many players have with the franchise. These comments underscore the importance of maintaining the quality and charm that have made Lego games so popular over the years. Overall, the comments on Hacker News reveal a mix of excitement and apprehension about the future of Lego games, with many users eagerly awaiting further details about Lego's plans.