Lego Universe is live for pre-orderers, full launch coming October 26
If you got on the Lego Universe bus early by pre-ordering the kid-friendly MMO from "Lego sales channels", you can now get busy with the bricklaying. NetDevil has launched the game for a special, two-week "Founders Release" for these early adopters, giving them access to the online DIY adventure before Lego Universe's proper October 26 U.S. launch.
Perhaps even more newsworthy than the game's early debut and launch window is that its launch trailer, posted after the jump, is so super hot. Not only does it do a great job of setting up the Lego Universe ... universe, it features the vocal talents of Patrick Stewart, who's beginning to reach Nolan North-esque levels of video game ubiquitousness. (Not that we're complaining!)
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LEGO Universe Founders Release Fans Gain Exclusive First Access to LEGO MMOG
The LEGO Group Opens the Gates for Fan Community in 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 26th, 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."
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 8th. Founders launch celebrations will take place at LEGO Stores and theme parks over the coming weekend.
