Despite a strong brand name, positive early buzz and the implementation of a new free-to-play model back in August, the massively multiplayer LEGO Universe will be closing its doors on January 31, 2012, the day imagination died.
While the game attracted plenty of players, LEGO Universe‘s problem laid in turning its big numbers into big money. With plenty of content available for free, player subscription numbers dropped and without money the world grinds to a halt. Paying subscribers will score the month of January free, giving them time to clean up all those damn toys before someone gets hurt.
The impending closure was communicated to players via a post in the LEGO Universe forums.
Hello Adventurer, today we are very sad to announce that LEGO Universe will be closing on January 31, 2012. This was a very difficult decision to make, but unfortunately LEGO Universe has not been able to attract the number of members needed to keep the game open.
We are thankful to have had the opportunity to share this adventure with an amazing community of players. We hope you will continue to enjoy LEGO Universe for the last few months. As a thank you, if you are a paying subscriber on December 31, 2011, we will provide you the full game for the final month for free.
Again, we want to thank the fantastic community of players who made LEGO Universe such a vibrant, fun and creative experience.
I played the game for several months myself, and while there was potential there I didn’t see it maintaining a strong momentum without major changes. Sadly it looks like I was correct. Goodnight, LEGO Universe players. At least you still have a moderately expensive way to create your own adventures in the real world.
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