Lego and Epic announce long-term partnership to 'shape the future of the metaverse'

pcgamer.com:

The LEGO Group has announced a «long-term» partnership with Epic Games, with the purported aim at making this nebulous concept for an imagined future Internet «safe and fun for children and families.»

In a joint statement released earlier today, the two companies expressed their intention to «team up to build an immersive, creatively inspiring and engaging digital experience for kids of all ages to enjoy together.» This experience, they claim, will «give kids access to tools that will empower them to become confident creators and deliver amazing play opportunities in a safe and positive space.»

Neither LEGO nor Epic offer much information about what this experience will look like. But child safety online is heavily emphasised throughout the announcement. LEGO Group CEO Niels B. Christiansen states that «we have a responsibility to make digital play safe», while Epic CEO Tim Sweeney says he's «excited» to «build a space in the metaverse that's fun, entertaining, and made for kids and families.» The announcement also lists three principles that will guide the development of LEGO and Epic's planned experience, which are:

While it isn't explicitly stated, this repeated line about child safety seems like a clear shot across the bow of Roblox Corporation, which has recently been accused of building its massively profitable gaming platform off the back of exploiting and underpaying(opens in new tab) young game developers, all while failing to protect(opens in new tab) its child-heavy audience from scammers and unsuitable content.

LEGO certainly knows its way around creating child-friendly experiences, while Epic's Fortnite has increasingly shifted from a straight Battle Royale shooter to being Second Life with guns. But there's