LEGO Minifigures Online to Move to Buy-to-Play

[Hapori Tohu]

LEGO Minifigures Online will undergo important changes this summer, as the game moves over from a free-to-play model to a buy-to-play model. This means that the current membership model will be discontinued and replaced by a model where players will buy the game in a store to gain access to the game and at the same time all benefits. This change will come with a significant overhaul this summer introducing "a strong narrative, with a voiced storyteller guiding players through the game and the different worlds using cinematics and scripted events", also "unique gameplay events in the different locations that will make the worlds come even more alive, and much more". You can read the full announcement here.

 

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[Lyichir]

I was very concerned about this decision until I read that players who have spent money in-game will be upgraded to the purchased version automatically. That could make a world of difference between a move that could be seen as betraying the existing audience and simply changing the revenue stream for future players.

 

Still, I can't help but worry that this could create brand confusion with the upcoming Lego Dimensions. I can easily see parents buying this game with the expectation that Lego Dimensions figures work with it, or vice-versa. That would seem less likely if Minifigures Online stayed on a free-to-play model.

[Zeb]

Well that was unexpected.  I guess Lego is moving away from the membership model for their MMOs.

[Toa Imrukii]

LEGO Universe 2 anyone?

[masterchirox580]

Wow that was a drastic turn, I'm kinda happy considering the fact it shows lego that the free to play model really isn't a good idea, I've never played the game but it looks like a massive downgrade from LU. I'm wondering if it will get changed to a 3D game if this move is successful? 

[UnderscoreChronix]

A narrator of sorts?

I wonder if it will be the guy who does the voices for Bionicle, or maybe Patrick Stewart? No? Ah well.

Anyway, unless they somehow revive LEGO Universe I probably still won't play this, not actively at least. 

I'm still not a fan of the theme behind it. 

[Toa Smoke Monster]

I haven't even heard of this game until I read this story, but from what I've read it still sound cool. Its kind of a shame that free version of it won't be available, but I guess that is how some things go.

[Starrocks923]

I've been a part of LEGO Minifigures Online since Open Beta Testing(The Closed Beta Key went to my spam folder), so I feel the need to weigh in here.

 

I paid about $60 for a year-long Membership, and $10 more for Unlimited Membership. Unlimited has since dropped in price by half, which was annoying, but that's the problem with MMO Memberships I guess. I ended up getting double the monthly rewards, so I never complained. The mobile Beta Test actually had no shop to spend Diamonds on, nor any option to use bricks. I'm guessing that's because they will be replaced in the Buy-to-Play version of the game.

 

Like Andrew said, users who spent money will be upgraded to paid status immediately. I'm sad to lose a few friends in game, but I try to explain to them that they have to pay for things in life. I'm sure they'll understand one day...

 

I'm eager for more content. I have every Minifigure except the DJ, Fairy, Ice Skater, Evil Knight and Mr. Gold, and I have every achievement complete without Mr. Gold. I'm quite bored with collecting daily rewards that never improve beyond 50 Diamonds or Series 13 Minifigure bags. The game is pretty fun if you don't rush through it, and if you have Minifigure codes to avoid the minimum Minifigure requirements for each world.

 

If anyone from BZP wants to friend me, my main Minifigure in-game is VectorMetalBrick. Just tell me that you're from "Bio Power" (Yes, the chat is super restrictive) and I will friend you.