"Strategic Optimization" my foot. They're not working on LEGO Universe. In fact, it's partially believed that there's still parts of the planning stages that still aren't done!

What a load. I'm really disappointed in NetDevil and LEGO. This is Super Smash Bros. Brawl all over again, but this time it's much worse.

AndySonSon

*Agrees with Andy in all parts* Though I've still got steam to let off, I'll keep it to MLNO =P

This isn't surprising to me.
I just hope it's worth the wait...

Well toplay you have tot pay

yeah if only--i m gonna stick to mln

http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/02/17/lego-universe-delayed/

LEGO MMO Will Eventually Come To Consoles
Posted by Tracey John on 2/17/09 at 4:00 pm.

The project lead on “LEGO Universe” talked about the company’s plans on developing the game for consoles. He also said that although the LEGO MMO won’t be out this year, we can expect other LEGO titles in the interim.

***

Today, the LEGO Group announced their “strategic decision” to delay their LEGO MMO until after 2009 so as to not conflict with the release of other LEGO toy products. I also got a chance to speak with LEGO’s Director of Business Development and “LEGO Universe” Project Lead Mark Hansen about console development and what other things the company has up its sleeve. Here’s the rest of my interview from earlier today.

MTV Multiplayer: Are you concerned about too many LEGO games flooding the market, particularly with the successful TT Games offerings like “LEGO Star Wars,” “LEGO Indiana Jones” and “LEGO Batman”?

LEGO’s Mark Hansen: That’s a very valid question, and it’s definitely a portfolio management thing. It is about the spread, when to bring them out. But I think for ‘Lego Universe,’ [it's] not so much that, because I think it’ll be around for 10-plus years. And we don’t view it as, ‘Okay, if a game comes out we can’t launch another video game.’ It’s more about the physical product we have right now and how much market focus and how much other campaigns that we have thriving right now, and how much market conflict do we create with our main business. We think that ‘Lego Universe’ is a very strong offering and we want to have a window where we really push that product when we launch it.

MTV Multiplayer: As the director of business development, can you tell us what’s going on with the other LEGO games?

Hansen: I’m not in the position to actually comment on that right now, but we do work very close with [developer of "LEGO Batman"] TT Games and ["LEGO Universe" developer] NetDevil about how we operate. It’s very open, and we’re pretty much in contact on a daily and weekly basis. As far as announcing games, I can’t go further beyond that.

MTV Multiplayer: Are we going to see any more LEGO games in 2009?

Hansen: You will see more games in 2009.

Multiplayer: Have you decided on a business model yet for “LEGO Universe”?

Hansen: I think it’ll be a regular subscription fee, but as of right now what will be free, or free content to play, hasn’t been decided yet. I’m sure there will be different angles on how to play the game when that time comes.

MTV Multiplayer: I know many adults love Legos too, but do you think it’s hard to make this game for both adults and children?

Hansen: I think this is what TT Games — and what NetDevil is doing — is very good at. They’re finding that ability to bridge cross-generations into the gameplay. We see a lot of parents playing with their kids in “[LEGO] Star Wars” and “[LEGO] Indiana Jones” and different games that we have, so this is definitely something that has proven to be very successful for us. That’s the gameplay we want to bring to “LEGO Universe.” Cross-generation? Definitely, and there’s a market out there for LEGO. The first kids who have grown up with Lego are coming to be adults. That’s the big focus for us; finding the cross-generation LEGO gameplay in a virtual world. …

We also have a very strong community around LEGO and LEGO gameplay. From the beginning, for us, we haven’t pointed directly at kids but we do make it safe for kids. We see “Lego Universe” as a game for [all] ages.

MTV Multiplayer: Lately, there’s been a big push for MMOs on consoles. Do you see “LEGO Universe” coming to consoles?

Hansen: I definitely see “LEGO Universe” coming to consoles. When? I know there’s a few other [MMO] titles in the works coming onto consoles. We’re still evaluating when it would be best to come out on console.

MTV Multiplayer: So you’re saying it’s only a matter of time before “LEGO Universe” comes out on console, but probably not at launch?

Hansen: Yes, I think that’s a good response! [laughs] We’ve been working on the MMO for PC, and at the time we’re not in console development for “LEGO Universe.”

MTV Multiplayer: Do you think it’s a major setback developing for consoles later? Because a lot of companies now are developing MMOs for consoles and PC simultaneously.

Hansen: We definitely think about that, and I think there are a lot of aspects to it. We could talk all day about the pluses and minuses. [laughs] The thing is, we have it on our radar, and we’re looking at it. It’s just when would be the right time for it to come onto a console.

***

Wow, postponed again??? This is like the third time now.

Yep, like Andy said, this is Brawl all over again.

Oh man. I wish lego would hurry up. I hope I don't have to pay t o play!

Ugh. First the DRC, now Lego Universe. What big game has lego released recently that has ACTUALLY been on time?

P.S. It has been confirmed that you will have to pay for LEGO Universe.

Rats It costs money I might not be able to afford it.

Well, In my honest opinion I don't care if LU comes out late, because it's going to cost money, and my parents don't allow me to play games which cost money.

@AndySS LU isn't the only game which has been delayed for a long time. LRC or DRC has been delayed for 2 years ^_^.

http://universe.lego.com/en-us/newsnetwork/story.aspx?id=101699

"The LEGO Group has an exciting vision for our first massively multiplayer online game (MMOG). We’re aiming not just to make a virtual world, but to co-create an entire LEGO Universe® with fans like you from around the world. We have communicated and shared creative ideas with fans since the very beginning of the game’s development. This unique approach is working even better than we originally imagined.

The LEGO Universe team has decided to delay the game’s launch so that it gets the full attention of our company and fans when it makes it’s public debut. We have a ton of cool new products planned for release in 2009, and want to continue developing the game to make sure that LEGO Universe becomes a truly great game and LEGO experience.

We believe that we are building a LEGO Universe worth waiting for, and appreciate your patience – and help – as the game comes to life. Your support is clear – from the art, ideas and models you contribute to the LEGO Creation Lab, to insightful and interesting comments on the message boards, you continue to inspire our development team as they construct a truly original MMOG.

LEGO Universe’s development is coming along very well, and as you will see from the latest images included here, there is a lot of fun and adventure brewing! The good news is that we now have more time to make LEGO Universe even better for you.

In the meantime, you can keep your building skills sharp and continue to enjoy your favorite LEGO activities, games and challenges on My LEGO Network, LEGO.com and our console games LEGO® Star Wars™, LEGO® Batman™ and LEGO® Indiana Jones™.

One of our goals is for LEGO Universe to deliver nothing less than the ultimate online play experience. A guiding motto coined by the LEGO Group’s founder, Ole Kirk Christiansen, more than 75 years ago: “Only the best is good enough.” "

Yeah, I'm disappointed...
But really, they're releasing LU MLN networkers, and more arcade games to keep us busy, so I'm not TOO mad...

reminds me of a game they kept doing this. when it came out it was TOTALLY amazing. they had worked through every bug and had done EVERYTHING in the 4 years they could to make it perfect. and it was awesome. Also that game is portal. (i think)

THis had better be worth the wait. I have not really looked forward to LU because of the price. I knew LU would be delayed. If they are going to be making us wait for LU,
The least they could do is make better stuff for MLN. The miniranks are not that hard.

Does anybody know the price?

599.99 LOL just kidding they might not put a price on it.it might just be a CD game who knows?

Here is something about the delay.
The day it was announced that it is not coming out in 2009 I wondered how LEGO would break the news. I went and looked at the FAQs and they still said 2009. A few days later they released the official announcement. It made it sound very positive. Most of the comments on it said "awesome!" A lot of the people didn't even read it all the way. There were a lot of comments saying "So, what date in 2009 will it come out?" I looked at the FAQs to see what they said. The one about the release date was deleted. About half of the FAQs avoid the question by saying things such as "More information will be released closer to the public premier in 2009." When they deleted the FAQ about the release date they fixed a couple removing the "in 2009." but most of them still said 2009. A few days later they added a FAQ about the release date saying the release date will be released in late March. They fixed a few more of the things saying 2009 but there are still a lot there.

So, now we wait until late March which is the release date for the release date.

EDIT: It has been officially announced it will come out in 2010. Here is the link.

I can hear the *facepalm*s of all LEGO enthusiasts and gamers around the world... makes a nice, resounding slap! if you listen closely...

Man, I hate waiting...

It'll probably be postponed again XD

I somewhat appreciate the delay, because now I have plenty of time to practice my building skills and get other activities done!

Well, for a sucessful game, it HAS to be postponed

My guess? Summer 2010. Lego usually releases a bunch of stuff during that time period. Plus, its when kids are free, which means extra monies for lego.

Yeah, I agree, that seems like the best time to release it, (plus my B-day is in the summer!)

I can imagine 20 years later the game finally comes out. And it's the worst game they've ever made. *sigh*

I met BrickGirl last week and the editor of Brick Journal. Both has seen it and played it, but are sworn to secrecy.

You met them??? Wow! How?

Spykid and I were at Lego Imagination Center, showcasing our Lego Creations at Downtown Disney's Festival of the Masters. Both of them were there as part of the invitation of our club showcasing their creations also.

That's awesome!
I hope LU comes out soon. Lego has like, been taking FOREVER!

1: @Lindavz, that is epic! You are so lucky!

2: Wow, I actually semi-revived a topic.

3: Does anyone know what LEGO is saying about the release date now?

Yes, it was fun. It was nice talking to them @ dinner and trying to pry out the details about LU... (lol).

The 'new' delay I hear may be related to how they build models, the quick way or the real way. Additionally it could be delays from netdevil. I should check the netdevel site and see if i see anything interesting.

The last I heard, a news article said second half of 2010.