CARY – Toy giant LEGO is teaming up with video game and virtual world pioneer Epic Games to build what the companies say will be an “an immersive, creatively inspiring and engaging digital experience for kids of all ages to enjoy together.”

Epic, developer of the wildly popular Fortnite game, is already an emerging leader in development of the 3D “metaverse” where humans will use avatars and online tools to play, work and live. Its technology development engine known as Unreal recently launched a new version with cutting-edge life-like capabilities as demonstrated in the latest Matrix movie.

LEGO Group is one of the world’s top toy producers and developer of multimedia entertainment as well as one of the world’s first apps for children.

Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.

Founding guidelines of this project as declared by the companies are:

  • Protect children’s right to play by making safety and wellbeing a priority.

  • Safeguard children’s privacy by putting their best interests first.

  • Empower children and adults with tools that give them control over their digital experience.

  • https://wraltechwire.com/2022/04/06/is-it-real-epic-games-unleashes-unreal-engine-5-to-developers/

“The LEGO Group has captivated the imagination of children and adults through creative play for nearly a century, and we are excited to come together to build a space in the metaverse that’s fun, entertaining, and made for kids and families,” said Epic cofounder and CEO Tim Sweeney, whose success with the privately held company has made him a multibillionaire.

Added Niels Christiansen, CEO of The LEGO Group: “Kids enjoy playing in digital and physical worlds and move seamlessly between the two. We believe there is huge potential for them to develop life-long skills such as creativity, collaboration and communication through digital experiences. But we have a responsibility to make them safe, inspiring and beneficial for all. Just as we’ve protected children’s rights to safe physical play for generations, we are committed to doing the same for digital play. We look forward to working with Epic Games to shape this exciting and playful future.”

The companies said the upcoming “digital experience” will bedesigned to “give kids access to tools that will empower them to become confident creators and deliver amazing play opportunities in a safe and positive space.”

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