Fortnite maker Epic Games partners with Lego for kid-safe metaverse

FortniteEpic Games, developer of Unreal Engine, has announced that it is partnering with The Lego Group in order to create a safe and family-friendly metaverse. Their “family-friendly digital experience” promises powerful creative tools and “amazing play opportunities in a safe and positive space,” according to a joint announcement from the companies.

Epic and Lego’s plans for the metaverse sound as ambitious as they are currently vague; the companies say they plan to build “an immersive, creatively inspiring and engaging digital experience for kids of all ages to enjoy together” as part of their long-term partnership.

But one aspect of the announcement is crystal clear: This new metaverse is designed with children’s safety in mind first and foremost. According to the companies, they agreed to follow three core principles.

• Protect children’s right to play by making safety and wellbeing a priority.
• Safeguard children’s privacy by putting their best interests first.
• Children and adults can be empowered with digital tools that allow them to take control of their online experience.

While the project does not have any specifically announced products or timeline for release, it’s easy to see how Epic and Lego’s past projects — and those of likely competitors Roblox and Minecraft — will inform the new kid-friendly metaverse. Epic Games is evolving FortniteFrom a me-too shooter in battle royale to something much more meta. FortniteThe site is currently home to concert performances starring Marshmello, Travis Scott and Ariana Grande. It also houses movie events, an extensive metanarrative that spans years and a creative mode called sandbox where users can create their own environments using their game rules.

The Lego Group has similarly built its own creative sandbox games, including 2017’s Lego WorldsThis is where Lego brick lovers can create their own game worlds.