LEGO® Minecraft™ Micro World details unveiled

 

  • LEGO® Minecraft™ Micro World details unveiled

    Posted by Huw, 16 Feb 2012 08:00. Filed under LEGO press release.

    21102: Minecraft Micro World
    Cuusoo, 2012
    More details...
    ©2012 LEGO Group

    The set was unveiled today. Here is the official picture and press release:

    --
    BILLUND, Denmark –The LEGO Group and Mojang have released purchase details and pictures of the LEGO® Minecraft™ Micro World today.

    The new set, which was the first to receive 10,000 votes of support from users on the global LEGO CUUSOO idea collection platform, will be available for purchase in summer 2012, but can be pre-ordered from today, exclusively through Mojang retail partner Jinx.com for $34.95/€34.95/£34.99 at http://www.jinx.com/LEGOMinecraft. The sets will also be sold in select LEGO brand retail stores and the LEGO online shop from summer 2012.

    “LEGO Minecraft Micro World is designed to celebrate the essence of the LEGO concept and the Minecraft gaming experience,” said Paal Smith-Meyer, Head of the LEGO New Business Group. Each set features four cubic modular vignettes that can be connected to recreate the Minecraft experience in LEGO bricks. One Minecraft block is represented as one 1x1 LEGO plate with a tile on top - not a perfect cube, but the best approximation at the chosen scale.

    LEGO Minecraft Micro World includes two of Minecraft's most iconic characters, Steve and a Creeper, represented as "Micro Mobs." The model presents a standard for building a Minecraft world that can be configured any way the builder likes.

    The surface of the modules comes off to reveal mines and hidden resources beneath. Fans can build their own landscapes, stack cubes on top of each other, to build the world of Minecraft as they wish.

    The product was developed in collaboration with four LEGO fans: Chris Malloy, Michael Thomas, Kyle Tingey, and Bjarne Panduro Tveskov. These fans developed concepts alongside LEGO designers and helped shape the product into its final version.

    Upon seeing the physical model the first time, Mojang founder Markus “Notch” Persson exclaimed: “Woohoo!”

    LEGO CUUSOO is a website where LEGO fans can submit their ideas for new LEGO products and collect votes to make their ideas become a reality. They can also vote for other users’ ideas. It can be found at http://lego.cuusoo.com.
    Ideas that are supported by 10,000 votes have a chance of being selected to become part of the LEGO Group’s product portfolio. Consumers who have their ideas chosen will earn 1% of the total net sales of the product.

    Mojang will donate the 1% proceeds from LEGO CUUSOO to charity.

    For more on the co-creation process for LEGO Minecraft Micro World, see the LEGO CUUSOO blog at http://legocuusoo.posterous.com.

    --

    I actually think it's turned out better than we might have expected. I don't know a lot about Minecraft but it seems to be faithful to the concept and a fairly interesting LEGO set. However I suspect many of us could build something very similar from our own collections, though. The 6x6 standard that's been created may well form the basis for countless fan-created Minecraft modules and we might see whole Minecraft worlds being created as collaborative builds at LEGO shows in future, which would be cool.
     


    56 comments, latest one posted 16 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)
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Comments

Posted by ChicoCheco in Czech Republic, 16 Feb 2012 08:06

Sorry to be sceptical, but after seeing the first pictures, I dont find it very attractive (yet). It is quite cute though. The whole world built from these modules can be a nice idea. Lets see in the future.

Posted by Andhe in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 08:08

I'm guessing a lot of people might just see this as a parts pack. Looks nice, but pricey for what it is!

Where are/what are the 'micro mobs'?

Posted by mysteriouspi in United States, 16 Feb 2012 08:09

I have no choice but to agree with Notch, woohoo!
Seriously, this set looks great. It really has the feel of Minecraft and yet maintains a good size. Plus the pieces included are going to be very useful to a lot of builders, particularly all those tiles. Definitely will pick this one up.
I wish the picture showed Steve and the Creeper, but oh well, they'll surface soon.

Posted by LostInTranslation in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 08:09

Still not interested. Might buy it for parts if it got reduced (no way would pay £34.99 - and btw TLG, $1 does not equal £1!!)

Posted by Markey in Belgium, 16 Feb 2012 08:11

Looks better than the Cuusoo original, well done mr. lego designer :)

Posted by Andhe in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 08:11

Found them... http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-15/CbyheifdcFGkJDquzxvrJpHpcHlryBskwmjHrqpDkjkEEpDAgiioxjqABGld/LEGO_Minecraft_Micro-Mobs.jpg.scaled1000.jpg

Posted by Purno in Netherlands, 16 Feb 2012 08:21

I might actually buy this, these seem like useful parts for me :P

EDIT: Added to wishlist :>

Posted by TheKingOfBuilding in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 08:23

Very cute but a pass for me because of the price. I'm guessing it would be cheaper to order the Steve and Creeper printed pieces from Bricklink.

Posted by madplanet in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 08:24

I really do hope those Minecraft fans that voted for this do buy these sets. If these fail it will not look good for Cuuscoos future.

Posted by Dlakii in Australia, 16 Feb 2012 08:31

Welp. It's rather cute, but pretty mediocre - though certainly not bad, it's not quite the ideal fusion of the concepts I was hoping to see. It's a shame that it amounts to a static - if modular - model. Though, I guess it would've been sorta foolish to expect it to translate well to physical form. Now I think about it, given it doesn't really seem to emulate the experience as expected, I'm legitimately curious as to what the Minecraft fanbase's reaction will be.

One thing that's a bit confusing - why doesn't Steve have arms? They'd be easy enough to do with a pair of 2x1 plates attached to SNOT pieces.

Posted by infernalbrick in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 08:33

Im not a fan of the game but appreciate weird and wonderful lego sets. I will buy this if it goes on sale.

Posted by keithkram in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 08:35

It must be me, but I dont see the point of this set

Posted by princedraven in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 08:42

Can't for the life of me work out the appeal of this. Just in case I am misunderstanding, this is not a game, right? Just a model of what can be created in the game?
If that is right, where exactly is the draw? People are slating the mini modulars, but isn't this simular but with just green, brown and grey. And again, why pay £35 for something that you can make with most of your standard parts at home.
Hoping I am missing something...

Posted by Savage_Steel in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 08:51

Ooo - I like it. I am a fan of microbuilding, so that probably helps. And I've even played minecraft (and been killed by creepers too many times). I know you all keep saying you could build it from your stash, but I know I couldn't and I have a plenty of bricks. Besides this is for people who don't have much lego or even any. I'm sure plenty of you could build the creator houses from your stash or near enough, but don't bother. £35 is however quite expensive :(

Posted by Delatron in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 08:53

Crap. £35 for a pack of basic coloured tile, plate and brick, some axle bricks and a couple of printed pieces? Maybe if I was a completist Minecraft fan or an obsessive set collector I would shell out for it, but really? It looks pretty cute and I like the idea of micro-modular builds but it's rather expensive for what it is and being Lego-exclusive, unlikely to get cheaper.

And LostinTranslation is right Lego, £1 does not equal $1 or €1. Nowhere near.

Posted by lotec in Italy, 16 Feb 2012 08:54

it has nothing to do with the Lego Cuscoo Minecraft project that I voted....

http://pcmedia.gamespy.com/pc/image/article/121/1213965/lego_minecraft_1323104624.jpg

Posted by eric.pedersen in United States, 16 Feb 2012 08:59

I have to agree with the majority on this one, I looks more like a great source of parts but I'm not overly impressed with it. The parts will be nice for those of us that like to build our own mini sets, but they are expensive. I would rather go fill a bucket up at the Lego store for $15.

Posted by Doomtrool in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 09:06

You could probably easily turn this into a Lego Minecraft board game

Posted by Alywin in Hong Kong, 16 Feb 2012 09:11

I guess one would buy this model only if he likes both Minecraft and LEGO...

The price does not justify for 480 pieces of parts definitely, but not also for the only 1% charitable donation...

Cross-over and creativity are good, but not like this way...

Posted by Graysmith in Sweden, 16 Feb 2012 09:13

To me this seems mostly like something for the Minecraft fan to put in his bookshelf as a "Minecraft IRL" display piece than anything else. I don't see this appealing much to AFOLs unless they are into Minecraft or want it for the parts.

Posted by Joefish in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 09:27

Pathetic.

Posted by princedraven in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 09:49

^ Don't beat around the bush @Joefish, what do you really think? ;)

Posted by cennsor in Belgium, 16 Feb 2012 10:10

it's horrid. in more than a way.

EVEN if you like it for what it is (not that much either.. but that's subjective), still:

a) that "famous buildings" line does basically the same in terms of brick combinations, but of course much better;
b) same be said of the modular houses thing, which, being on a much larger scale, is also a lot better;
c) it's an even more pedestrian attempt to capitalise on someone else's ideas than it's the case with the now well-estabilished franchise sets -- whereas creativity goes to the wall.

someone's apparently forgotten LEGO was about building pretty much everything with a few basic bricks - kind of the same concept as minecraft's, but looong before. now it seems like they're just hurrying to absorb as many other well-known brands as they can, and bank on it. and while this works great when paired with great building/playing possibilities (HP, PotC, obviously SW, but they're all good really), i don't really see much sense in this.

i can't honestly think of a single "category" of LEGO fans this would suit. kids? grown-up old time fans? minecraft enthousiasts? i'm afraid it's strictly for the latter. not even sure they're gonna like it.

Posted by vynsane in United States, 16 Feb 2012 10:26

All I'm saying is I really hope the Minecraft fans that voted actually buy this, because I don't foresee a lot of non-Minecraft fans springing for it, both judging on response here and my own reaction/thoughts. Cuusoo is a great concept and I'd hate for any discrepancy in vote-to-actual-purchase ratio on this offering cause a premature end to LEGO Cuusoo.

Posted by legomaniac in United States, 16 Feb 2012 10:32

hmmm $35? Maybe. Seems like a $25 set to me. I would buy for the parts though.

Posted by TheCahleySlash in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 10:48

What's funny is that we will have to spend $55 or €42 ,so this is what you would have to spend if retail price was all the same

Posted by KillDeer in Canada, 16 Feb 2012 11:17

Glad all those kids voted for this garbage.

Posted by le60head in Bulgaria, 16 Feb 2012 11:22

hmm, that set is definately a surprise to me!

The only think i REALLY like about it is that it looks like an appealing model of a mini-landscape. I am trying to imagine what it would be if this idea - making small-scale landscapes out of tiny LEGO parts - catches on.

In other words, how would you react to a line of brick-buckets oriented to constructing landscapes in a small scale?

Posted by cjg in United States, 16 Feb 2012 12:25

@legomaniac: I agree that it should be a bit cheaper, but I'll bet most Cuusoo models will be overpriced. Sadly.

Posted by legoDad42 in United States, 16 Feb 2012 13:30

Minecraft fans are quite a cult so this will do well with them.
My kid plays and the whole appeal is to dig, chop, build, explore and then you a time limit till it turns night and then the Creepers and other baddies are about. You need to gather resources to build a pick axe, weapons, armor and such. It's fun for the building and gathering aspect.

I see these as display models and build your own model based off of what you did in the game for fun to sit by your computer.

I think it would've been better to have large cube with various layers....like a cross section to see the mines, creepers, different resources, etc.

Perhaps they'll make this into a game with a timer to mimic the 10 minutes of night and day in the game and you have to gather your resources to build something within a time limit. Just thinkin' out loud...

Posted by legoDad42 in United States, 16 Feb 2012 13:35

@le60head...yeah, the micro world landscape has a lot of appeal.
Like I'm really in to the micro-modular and want to now build my own buildings to scale and match to the ones they have in the kit.
A micro-landscape could be a fun building challenge.

Oh, also...with this Minecraft, besides Steve and the Creeper they should've had one animal. I think either a pig or sheep (?) is a essential part of the Minecraft World...?

Posted by copperwonder96 in United States, 16 Feb 2012 13:48

I like the green 1 x 1 tiles but if not for the box art, what is this? $35 for blah?
I don't buy the Lego Board games unless they are deeply discounted (and just for the parts) so when this gets to 75% off, then I will like it.

Posted by legoguysw in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 13:52

I like the overall design of the set but the price- really? How can LEGO justify making Europeans (incl. Britain) spend nearly twice as much as Americans? It's just ridiculous. Should be £25 max in Britain.

Posted by alijoezac in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 16:12

In the UK there is an additional charge of £11.90 for delivery!

Posted by sarlacc98 in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 16:23

to bad they are not actual minifigures. A creeper one would be nice. That makes me not want to buy it. I am not much of a fan of micro models.

Posted by Rocka 3.0 in United States, 16 Feb 2012 16:56

Qouting Sarlacc98: I'll buy it anyway, because it's Minecraft! ;)

Posted by Rocka 3.0 in United States, 16 Feb 2012 17:06

And did they say something about "each" set will include four cubic modular vignettes. So that means they're gonna make more? I'd love to see Enderman, Spider and Zombie figs!

Posted by goldfish in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 17:12

I find this uninspiring. It can't hold a torch to the tremendous products TLG have been putting out over the last few years. Can the majority of fans really tell us they would want this over say a Romans theme, or The Tudors (Hampton Court, Tower of London etc). hmmm

Posted by EliteLeader99/brickboy2 in United States, 16 Feb 2012 17:24

That's so cool. I love it!

Posted by itsaturkey in United States, 16 Feb 2012 17:51

I'm kind of stumped on my opinion on this. Don't get me wrong, I think all those mini trees and rivers are really cute and neat, I feel kinda, "And..." Like there should be more. I still feel that I need to see more of these before making a definite decision. I question Lego's decision to move into mini's, considering that (In my experience) Kids don't love mini modular kind of sets, as it limits the playability, so I hope that the whole theme is not going to be mini's. One thing though, didn't people vote for the Minecraft concept set, not the idea? I mean if I'd have of voted for the Minecraft set, I would have of expected a minifig scale theme, not a mini modular theme. But I certainly hope this does well.

Posted by PopehatXI in United States, 16 Feb 2012 17:54

I'm pretty sure hard-core Minecraft-Lego Fans are going to hate it. I at least am not going to buy it, I would have bought the theme sets... but this... isn't Lego.

Lego's, at least to me, are all about the Minifigs and their world, their adventures. Minecraft is about adventures as well, so at least I think the adventure-loving Minecrafters are not going to like this "display" (as they could build it easily with their own inventory, and yes I know except the Steve and creeper "heads").

To me, this is like when a movie producer tries to make a product more applying to a larger audience at the sake of the original fan-base. Look at A Series of Unfortunate Events, or "The Lightning Thief". Way to disappoint me again "Corporate-America" (and yes I guess it would be "Corporate-Denmark"). Thats what I believe anyway, and I wonder as more people get wind of this how the public opinion is going to evolve.

Posted by goldfish in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 17:54

can't see this getting kids in to lego, that was my point! my young daughter would not be interested in this.

Posted by skherbeck in United States, 16 Feb 2012 18:07

I hope this doesn't de-rail the CUUSOO project, because I can't imagine 10,000 of these sets benig sold!

Posted by Orthobotrex in Philippines, 16 Feb 2012 18:43

I'm not a fan of the game...This is a "what you see is what you get" set. You can build diffrent things, but you can't build more, which is what I think they do in the game itself.

The concept of doing this kind of thing has been around, oh, about several decades now? So TLG should earn around $350,000.00 at least? Maybe be bigger if it came in the "Friends" color palette (but that defeats its purpose).

Posted by IlovePowerMiners in United Kingdom, 16 Feb 2012 18:48

"Wooo hooo!"

Posted by notyou in United States, 16 Feb 2012 19:31

Here's Notch playing with this set... and a preview of the box:

http://i.imgur.com/qq9PQ.jpg

Posted by DocDanCan in United States, 16 Feb 2012 19:31

I don't like this theme, and I don't play Minecraft. However, as the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. Let's see how well it sells. My personal opinion is this will be a losing endeavor, and there will be huge markdowns come Black Friday. Regardless of how this sells, it is still a poor idea. Just because everyone agrees on a poor idea that doesn't magically make it a good idea. That is the flaw behind Cuusoo. Just because the masses rally behind an idea doesn't mean their fanatical idea is a well-designed set or one that will sell. Yes, Minecraft has many devotees, but will that automatically translating to massive sales? I doubt it. I don't see that many Minecraft fans shelling out the money for this. Counting down the months until I see these sets on sale at ThinkGeek. It would have been nice to see generic play sets (farm, school house, Olympics, or even Western) show up first instead of this brick-driven theme.

Posted by PopehatXI in United States, 17 Feb 2012 00:35

@notyou After seeing the preview of the box, this set looks like the sort of box of useless trinkets in the bookstore... While those sell for $10, this sells for $35 because it has the Minecraft and Lego brand :7

https://www.jinx.com/LEGOminecraft

Posted by PopehatXI in United States, 17 Feb 2012 00:36

Its interesting that they are preordering on Jinx and not on Lego, or at least, thus far.

Posted by brankell5566 in Canada, 17 Feb 2012 01:15

This will probably end up like the Space Skulls set.

Posted by itsaturkey in United States, 17 Feb 2012 13:05

I agree with PopehatXI Minecraft is about adventure and building, this doesn't really fit either. I was optimistic about this theme, but that was before the theme became a mini-world. Also it seems that a lot of the appeal to the theme to Lego IMO was to make Minecraft fans into Lego fans. This doesn't really represent Lego very well. But I hope that I am wrong.

Posted by King of Bricks in United Kingdom, 17 Feb 2012 14:36

it looks so cool ecpecially steve and the creeper

Posted by jamzee44 in United Kingdom, 17 Feb 2012 15:52

I can't see any relevance at all with this - if you are into it then why not MOC it - it seems a huge waste of time

Posted by MinifiguresPlus.com in United States, 18 Feb 2012 02:44

Disappointing as the idea was ;) ...why did 10,000 vote for it again?

Posted by Cerlin in Austria, 18 Feb 2012 04:50

There's no way this could have turned out an ok Lego set. The concept of this is just deeply flawed. They made a random level of a level editor of an ugly browser game. What's next? Farmville Lego?

Posted by jb builder in Canada, 22 Feb 2012 16:32

This is goofy why would lego make sets like this. The game costs $20 canadian and you get the hole thing but this is far more expensive and not as good. I swear lego has hit rock bottom.

Commenting has ended on this article.