There are few toys in the world that are as versatile as LEGO bricks. The building blocks can be used to create just about anything, whether someone is using an instruction booklet or simply constructing something to their heart's content. This versatility has translated to an equally versatile array of video games. Just like the toys themselves, much of the LEGO franchise follows the theming of some huge licensed properties, but there are times where a LEGO game comes out that follows its own path. LEGO Builder's Journey is one such game that follows this philosophy, and it's about to extend that thinking to more gamers than ever before.
LEGO Builder's Journey is a very different game compared to most other LEGO titles. The experience is much more subdued than other licensed games, as players go through a series of small levels where they need to use puzzle-solving to guide their character back to their parent. In addition to providing a unique LEGO experience, LEGO Builder's Journey released on a much smaller scale than previous releases, opting for Apple Arcade exclusivity. All of that will soon change, however, as Game Rant spoke with Karsten Lund, LEGO Games Creative Director, about bringing LEGO Builder's Journey to more platforms for the first time. Right now, it is slated to release on PC and Switch on June 22, 2021.
LEGO Builder's Journey & Apple Arcade
Compared to a lot of different marketplaces, Apple Arcade is still fairly new and asserting itself amongst gamers. Even with a big name like Apple behind it, other places like Steam and even the Epic Games Store have had the advantage of time when it comes to getting gamers used to their services. This didn't deter LEGO Games, however, which saw a perfect fit with the platform. Lund discusses how Apple Arcade felt like a natural place for LEGO Builder's Journey to start, and the benefits that came with it.
"We felt from the very beginning that there was a value fit with what we wanted to do and what the platform was trying to achieve, so the partnership came pretty naturally. It was a great place for a new team to try out new things and it worked out beautifully in our opinion. We couldn't be happier with the support we got."
Lund went on to say that keeping LEGO Builder's Journey exclusive to one platform allowed the newly formed Light Brick Studios to focus on making the game that it wanted to. Keeping development streamlined is a good thing with any game, so it makes sense that staying exclusive to one platform would make development as painless as possible.
Bringing LEGO Builder's Journey To More Platforms
When bringing a game to a new platform, it's important to provide an experience that entices players to search out the game, while still maintaining what made the game successful to begin with. Lund recognizes this fully, and he talks about what LEGO Builder's Journey will have to offer for players new and old when they jump in later this summer.
"We've expanded the game considerably on all platforms, but other than that we've tried to give the broader audience a very similar experience regardless of platform. That said, it has been important for us that the title felt right for the platform and not just like a port and I think we've succeeded with that mission."
LEGO Builder's Journey gives players a different LEGO experience from what the franchise is most associated with, but it still maintains the core of what makes the LEGO brick so appealing. After some time spent as an exclusive to a marketplace still finding where it fits in the gaming world, more players than ever will be able to see the artistic approach that Light Brick Studios has taken with the game. If this new release proves to be successful enough for LEGO Games, then fans might just be able to expect similar LEGO titles in the future.
LEGO Builder's Journey is available now on PC and iOS. It will be available for PC and Switch on June 22.