For years, theLEGObrand has brought players on exciting adventures across countless IPs.Star Warsfans have spent hours exploring their favorite franchise in theLEGO Star Warsseries, superhero fans have gotten to take control of powerful beings acrossLEGO Marvel SuperheroesandLEGO Batman, and even fans ofIndiana JonesorPirates of the Caribbeanhave gotten their chance to explore aLEGOversion of those stories. Whatever major IP they are into, LEGO seems to offer it.
Recently, Traveller’s Tales has lost its exclusive hold on the LEGO IP, which means many other studios have been able to start LEGO-fying their stories. While those have put fun twists on the LEGO brand, there is one game type it really needs to tackle next: the party game. Not only does LEGO feel like the perfect fit forits ownMario Party, but that genre could also use a bit more entries outside the Nintendo Switch.
LEGO Feels Like the Perfect Fit for Mario Party
LEGO Has Begun Branching Out
Because of Traveller’s Tales' control over the LEGO brand, there haven’t been many deviations fromitsLEGO Star Warsformulasince its inception in 2005. There have been a few mobile titles and MMOs, but for the most part, the LEGO IP has been led by these licensed co-op action-adventure games. That has made for a pretty fun catalog of titles capped off by the massiveLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. However, while there are likely plenty more Traveller’s Tales LEGO games on the way, the studio is no longer the face of the brand.
After the release ofLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, LEGO made the decision not to extend its exclusive contract with the studio over reports of extensive crunch. Since then, LEGO fans have been treated to other studios' takes on the brand, with the likes ofLEGO Fortnite,LEGO 2K Drive,andLEGO Horizon Adventures. And because of this new direction, it makes it the perfect time for the brand to delve into genres it hasn’t touched before. Specifically, theMario Partyconcept seems tailor-made for LEGO to tackle.
LEGO Could Make a Fantastically Unique Party Title
As of now, LEGO has never tapped intotheMario Partyconcept, which feels like a missed opportunity. LEGO has always been a family-oriented brand, with a major focus on bringing people together. Not only can that be seen in its advertising, but Traveller’s Tales' LEGO games are one of the few major franchises that still emphasize split-screen co-op over online play. Since that is also one of the defining features of party games, it feels only right that LEGO would jump on the concept.
A LEGO party gamecould be the perfect thing for family game night. Players could build their own characters, explore LEGO-set-like boards, and engage in a plethora of unique minigames themed after LEGO’s extensive catalog of original sets. If possible, it could even branch out to the countless IPs that it has at its disposal. And if the studio wanted to take it a step further, it could also incentivize players to construct their very own boards and minigames, as that is the core of what LEGO is.
The LEGO brand has already dabbled in physical LEGO board games, so this would just be taking that to the next level. As long as the boards and minigames are exciting, players may flock to them. Not only could it lead to hours of fun, but it would also be the perfect way to bring theMario Partyconcept to more consoles. And since it has already attempted its own kart racer withLEGO 2K DriveandSmash Brosclone withLEGO Brawls, it only makes sense to go for the party game next.
