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Image: Epic Games

How do you get a technology executive all giddy and excited? Talk about the Metaverse and a new era for the internet, of course, and now two giants in the entertainment and toy space are teaming up on a major new project in that space. In what could become a significant partnership, Epic Games is working with LEGO.

The big focus is the metaverse, and a concept that could perhaps be very similar to Roblox, which is now an enormous hub for playing and also making games. While Roblox is hugely successful and profitable, in recent months it has faced criticism for its business model and question marks over whether it's a safe and fair environment for children developing games on the platform. The announcement posted by Epic Games repeatedly emphasizes a focus on building a safe space for young creators.

As the metaverse evolves, it is reshaping how people meet, play, work, learn and interact in a virtual, 3D world. The LEGO Group and Epic Games will combine their extensive experience to ensure that this next iteration of the internet is designed from the outset with the wellbeing of kids in mind...

The LEGO Group and Epic Games have agreed to three principles which will ensure the digital spaces they develop deliver engaging play opportunities safely:

- Protect children’s right to play by making safety and wellbeing a priority.
- Safeguard children’s privacy by putting their best interests first.
- Empower children and adults with tools that give them control over their digital experience.

It'll be fascinating to see how this takes shape, and indeed whether it'll be a success. Not all big-brand projects take off, even when it's the world's most popular toy company, with existing competition from the likes of Minecraft and creator-led platforms like Roblox already well established. Of course, Epic will also leverage its experience and the popularity of Fortnite for its work with LEGO.

We'll see what emerges in the coming months; let us know what you think in the comments.

[source epicgames.com]