Mostly Bricks

Well, LEGO Universe is now getting leveling. As an MMO player, I’m asking why?

Of course, I’m not the target audience, not by a long shot, both because of my age and because I’ve played a lot of MMOs and MMORPGs.

This is a part of the press release – once it’s posted on the official LEGO website, I’ll post the whole thing or link to it.

LEGO® Universe fans can now get ready to gear up and reap the benefits of their in-game adventures with the new level progression system! With the addition of the progression system, players will feel more powerful than ever before! In the latest content update, players can also look forward to new rewards, new Faction Kits, and new cooperative play opportunities.

As players complete in-game missions to unlock achievements and points, minifigures will now rise through the ranks up to level 40 in the new leveling system. Leveling up will give players a sense of achievement for their progress, and reward them as they unleash their creativity. Enticing new rewards await the most courageous LEGO minifigures in LEGO Universe, as new equipment, abilities and backpack slots are unlocked. If players have ever sought a way to display their heroics, this is the perfect chance!

“We love to challenge our LEGO Universe builders. We’re regularly adding new content and new bricks for players to continuously evolve and tap into their innermost creativity,” said Jordan Itkowitz, Design Director of LEGO Universe. “With the addition of the leveling system, we’re looking to inspire players to explore deeper into the universe, and tackle more difficult goals than they may have considered before.”

I guess it’s a way to generate interest in LEGO Universe, or rather retain interest. It is a common part of many MMOs who try to avoid the “sandbox” so to speak.

There’s a lot going on behind the scenes, so I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised.