LEGO Universe

BILLUND, DENMARK – OCTOBER 8, 2010 – The LEGO Group today announced that LEGO® Universe is now live, in a Founders Release that grants exclusive first access to fans who pre-ordered the game through LEGO sales channels. Founders get two weeks of early playtime before the official U.S. launch on October 26 ^th, when LEGO Universe will be available through mass retail outlets nationwide.

Available for PC and Mac, LEGO Universe is the first massively-multiplayer online game (MMOG) based on the LEGO play experience. Players must join the heroic Nexus Force alliance, teaming up with friends to adventure, explore and battle back the chaotic Maelstrom to save Imagination. The game features several ways to utilize the iconic brick, from simple, gameplay-oriented building challenges to sophisticated creative designs. Players can also bring their wildest creations to life with a user-friendly programming language, expressing their creativity in exciting online worlds of LEGO past, present and future.  

“The LEGO Group has been closely involved throughout the game’s development to ensure the brick is as authentic in-game as in real life,” said Mark William Hansen, LEGO Universe Senior Director, the LEGO Group. “ LEGO Universe gives kids the opportunity to create their own worlds and stories, and collaborate with others the safest possible online environment.”

Get a sneak peek in the official cinematic trailer in HD – feel free to use an embded code for your site, or the trailer can be found in the download pack below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjk38XibSGc

From kids and families involved in focus group testing from day one, as well as beta testers, fans, and adult LEGO fans involved more officially through the World Builders / LEGO Universe Partners (LUP) program, the LEGO Group’s first MMOG is truly a collaborative effort between professional developers at NetDevil and the amazing LEGO fan community. Fan feedback will continue to shape LEGO Universe for years to come, helping to determine what new features, zones and content will be added in future game updates.

“LEGO fans have been inspirational; downright instrumental to the LEGO Universe development process. Now as Founders, fans hold the heavy responsibility of jumpstarting the creative forces of ‘good’ in-game,” said Ryan Seabury, LEGO Universe Creative Director, NetDevil . “No one is better suited for that honorable task than the LEGO fan community.”

To thank these enthusiastic advocates, the LEGO Universe Founders Release rewards fans who pre-ordered LEGO Universe with early game access beginning October 8 ^th. Founders launch celebrations will take place at LEGO Stores and theme parks over the coming weekend.

About LEGO Universe

Developed by NetDevil, published by the LEGO Group and distributed in mass retail by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, LEGO Universe invites players to flex their imaginations with the iconic LEGO brick in a new digital way. With an MSRP of £29.99 (plus monthly subscription) and PEGI rating of 7+, children and families can enjoy exploring the Universe together on PC or Mac. LEGO Universe employs a powerful mix of technology, people, process and community to provide the most creative and safe environment possible.

Players can pick up their copy now at LEGO.com, LEGOLAND theme parks or LEGO Stores worldwide, or pre-order LEGO Universe for pickup on October 26, 2010 at mass retail outlets. To learn more about LEGO Universe, please visit www.LEGOuniverse.com.

About The LEGO Group

The LEGO Group is a privately held, family-owned company, based in Billund, Denmark. It was founded in 1932, and today the group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of play materials for children.  The company is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities through its products, which can be purchased in more than 130 countries. Visit www.LEGO.com

LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2010 The LEGO Group.

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Press Contacts:

Tim Ponting

Renegade PR Ltd

+44 (0)7739 000352

tim@renegadepr.com

Flemming Binderup Gammelgaard

The LEGO Group

+45 3010 2631

Flemming.Binderup.Gammelgaard@lego.com