Epic Games and Lego: building a metaverse for kids and family

On one side, there is a brick manufacturer that needs no introduction, adored by young and old alike. On the other, a video game publisher particularly popular with young teenagers thanks to its flagship title: Fortnite.

What could happen if we brought these two companies together on a common project? This question is about to be answered with the construction of a virtual world suitable for families.

Two experienced companies

Lego has a solid experience in the field of family leisure and many licenses that can be found in small bricks, but also in the world of video games (like Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga launched this week).

The plastic brick company is also behind a game that could have competed with Minecraft, Lego Worlds, but unfortunately didn’t work as expected.

Epic Games, for its part, already has a foothold in the metaverse and has a certain notoriety among (big) children with Fortnite. In addition to the battle royale mode, there are many cross-overs, concerts, movie nights and creative islands carrying events. Thanks to this, Fortnite is no longer just a game, it’s also a gathering place (which is what the metaverse aims to be).

The interest of the child above all

For this project, the two companies have agreed to make this universe a pleasant and safe place for children by laying down three principles:

• Protecting children’s right to play safely
• Protect children’s privacy by putting their best interests first
• Empowering kids and parents with tools that put them in control of their digital experience

A project which, given the popularity of Lego and Fortnite, is likely to undermine the game Roblox, already jostled by Wall Street investors.

No date has yet been communicated for the opening of such a virtual world.