There have been plenty of rumours surrounding the LEGO® VIDIYO theme, today especially has seen suggestions the theme has been canned. Now the LEGO Group has provided an official statement. The theme isn’t going anywhere just yet but the LEGO Group and Universal Music Group will refocus the theme to offer a better experience. The backlash to the theme has been a little embarrassing, but my favourite comment I’ve seen is that “LEGO never consulted with AFOLs”. The theme is not aimed at adults and some kids seem to like it. Personally, I think the sets look fun and the Minifigures are quite cool, but yes the pricing is a little iffy and the app is a terrible mess. I wonder if there are masses of 10 years berating the numerous ‘Adults Welcome’ sets currently being released. Anyhoo, here’s the statement:
We wanted to provide you with an update regarding LEGO VIDIYO
As you know, we launched LEGO VIDIYO in January to connect with children in a completely new way, blending music, digital play and LEGO building in a fun and unique way. The product tested extremely well during development and has received really positive feedback from those children and families who have played with it.
We’ve seen a positive response to the launch, but we’ve also received feedback from people that we could make the play experience across the app, BeatBits, music and minifigures even simpler. So, we’re taking that onboard and together with Universal Music Group are going to pilot some new ideas in 2022, then release new play experiences in 2023 and beyond.
LEGO VIDIYO is very much still available, the current products will continue to be sold in stores and marketed globally, and we’re continuing to support this fantastic play experience, including new updates and fun challenges to the app to inspire children’s creative music video making.
Thank you for your continued support of the LEGO brand, we hope for your understanding behind this decision.
23rd July 2021
I think the sets and Minifigures are super. But, for the price they’re a tad expensive!
Being long in the tooth I was never going to be the target audience for the full immersive experience and, like the VR of Hidden Side, it didn’t appeal to me!
I’m very bored with the constant moaning that you touched on in your editorial. And, I’ve been guilty of it too! But, as a fan of the brick, I’m just confused why TLG keep going down the same path with these type of sets? They seem over complicated and over engineered. The beauty of LEGO is you can use your imagination to come up with a million different stories and scenarios. Does ot need anything more?
23rd July 2021
I agree there could be a better use of the partnership with Universal Music, the pricing is wrong and the app sucks. What I do not like is the constant need for ALL LEGO products to appeal to adults. We have our own product line now, which is a big step. Having sets created without the need to appeal to kids has resulted in some great releases in recent times. The LEGO ecosystem is big enough for things like VIDIYO, Hidden Side and other experimental things as well as traditional build experiences.
24th July 2021
You are right! LEGO produce everything from DUPLO to 18+ and everything in between. So, there’s enough things for every age and interest.
What I’m not keen on is the “Adults Welcome” campaign. If you ever go into a LEGO Brand Store, adult shoppers aren’t just looking for and buying the 18+ sets, or Technic etc., look at my own fascination with Fabuland. The beauty of LEGO is it’s universal appeal.
This current culture of “entitlement” is becoming rather annoying. It’s like everyone wants their very own 501st Battle Pack Campaign now days and gets peed-off when they don’t get it!
25th July 2021
My 9 and 12 yo children love Vidiyo. They have I think all minifigures by now, many traded with friends and at the local toy shop. The app had teething problems, i.e. didn’t work on their Motorola and Umidigi phones first month but compatibility issues were fixed and since then it works on their phones too. As an adult and LEGO fan I don’t understand why all sets should appeal to adults. What’s next, get rid of LEGO Friends and Duplo because are boring for 20+ year olds?