News has emerged this afternoon that Epic Games and The LEGO Group have partnered up to help shape the future of the metaverse for children. The companies plan to create what they call an “immersive, creatively inspiring and engaging digital experience for kids of all ages to enjoy together.” Children who engage with the metaverse will be able to access “tools that will empower them to become confident creators and deliver amazing play opportunities in a safe and positive space” and both parties are looking to achieve this “with the wellbeing of kids in mind.”
The LEGO Group and Epic Games have agreed to three principles which will ensure the digital spaces they develop deliver engaging play opportunities safely:
- 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.
“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.”
Niels B Christiansen, CEO of The LEGO Group
“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.”
Tim Sweeney, CEO & Founder, Epic Games