While unofficially reported for some time, The Lego Group has now confirmed that the upcoming NetDevil-developed PC MMO based on its popular brick toys will be called
Lego Universe, and is planned for launch "in the fourth quarter of 2008".
The game is being billed as "...the first MMOG professionally developed for Lego fans and supported by community members from around the world", and customizability is clearly a large part of the title's possible appeal.
According to the company, the game will have in-game character advancement, expansive social and community features, as you customize your 'mini-figs' Lego characters and interact in the universe as any character you choose. (It's unclear as yet whether in-world block and environment construction is a large part of gameplay.)
Lego has had notable success in recent times with its all-ages friendly
Lego Star Wars game franchise, created by TT Games, and it appears that this partnership with
Auto Assault creator NetDevil plans to integrate many family-related settings into the online game, noting that
Lego Universe will provide "a child-safe alternative to other MMOGs on the market."
"
Lego Universe is being built as a place where fans and community members can discover nearly unlimited play possibilities," said Ryan Seabury, NetDevil Lead Producer on
Lego Universe. "Given the strength of the Lego community, a large part of bringing the game to life will be working hand in hand with them to ensure that the core values of creativity, connectivity, and imagination are reflected in the end product."
