Lego Universe now live for folks who pre-ordered the game

by: Ben Berry - posted: 10/12/2010 7:44:00 AM

Last week I missed putting this up because i was too busy working on my preview (which should run later this week), but Lego Universe has gone live for anyone who pre-ordered the game. Pre-order folks were sent a download key to allow them to play a "Founders Release" that gives users a two week headstart on others who will be joining the game on launch day (10/26). 

I'll detail my experiences across the beta and into Founders Release in my preview (coming soon!)

The LEGO Group today announced that LEGO® Universe is now live, in a Founders Release that grants exclusive first access to fans who pre-ordered the game through LEGO sales channels. Founders get two weeks of early playtime before the official U.S. launch on October 26th, when LEGO Universe will be available through mass retail outlets nationwide.

Available for PC and Mac, LEGO Universe is the first massively-multiplayer online game (MMOG) based on the LEGO play experience. Players must join the heroic Nexus Force alliance, teaming up with friends to adventure, explore and battle back the chaotic Maelstrom to save Imagination. The game features several ways to utilize the iconic brick, from simple, gameplay-oriented building challenges to sophisticated creative designs. Players can also bring their wildest creations to life with a user-friendly programming language, expressing their creativity in exciting online worlds of LEGO past, present and future.

“The LEGO Group has been closely involved throughout the game’s development to ensure the brick is as authentic in-game as in real life,” said Mark William Hansen, LEGO Universe Senior Director, the LEGO Group. “LEGO Universe gives kids the opportunity to create their own worlds and stories, and collaborate with others the safest possible online environment.”