NetDevil Confirms Development Of LEGO MMO

Independent game developer NetDevil has announced a partnership with major toy company The LEGO Group to develop a massively multiplayer online game based on the popular building blocks. The announcement confirms statements made to Gamasutra in a recent interview with NetDevil president Scott Brown and creative director Ryan Seabury, who at that time commented that the Colorado based developer had begun working on a new, as yet unannounced MMOG for a “major toy company.” While few details have been released regarding both the deal and the game, a brief statement released today highlights the enthusiasm that both companies seem to have for the project, which Brown described in December to Gamasutra as "a natural fit for a MMO.” "The LEGO brand represents construction, creativity and problem solving -- values that compliment the MMOG market,” commented Lisbeth Valther Pallesen, executive vice president, of the Community, Education and Direct Division at The LEGO Group. “By merging the online world of social interaction with physical play, the LEGO brand is providing new experiences for children, as well as fans. NetDevil's technological capability, openness to work with a large community, and their enthusiasm for the LEGO brand made them a natural partner." NetDevil's Scott Brown added: “Playing with LEGO bricks and developing online worlds are both creative activities. To bring them together is deeply professionally satisfying and we look forward to working with the LEGO team."