When Disney appears to increase its Star Wars providing past movie and tv, it does so fastidiously, with new concepts designed to each serve the overarching story whereas, importantly, feeling like pure additions to a franchise that spans generations of followers, in addition to gentle years.
Over time, that strategy has resulted in screen-accurate lightsabers, annual collaborations with Columbia Sportswear, and an ever-expanding lineup of toys and collectibles. Disney’s newest collaboration with Lego, nevertheless, takes a special strategy.
“It’s meant to boost the play expertise and add to the enjoyable,” Dalal informed me. “The entire sounds and interactivity – they’re what carry the units to life.”
From Disney’s perspective, the collaboration builds on greater than 25 years of Lego Star Wars historical past, a legacy rooted in storytelling by play somewhat than static show.
“Sure, you possibly can show it, however ideally, you’re recreating your tales of how you understand it,” Dalal added. “However now you get to do it in a brand new immersive approach that makes somebody need to play it again and again as a result of it’s a special story.”
Whether or not it’s the X-Wing, TIE Fighter, or Throne Room set, builders are given the foundations somewhat than a set script. The Good Brick, Good Minifigures, and Good Tags add reactive sound and character responses, permitting gamers to take acquainted Star Wars moments and reimagine them in their very own approach.
On the similar time, Disney was deliberate about what Good Play wouldn’t embrace.
“It’s simply taking the weather of what they like and placing it in a very secure atmosphere throughout the essence of why you purchase a Lego Star Wars set,” Dalal mentioned.
That steadiness displays how children play immediately, mixing digital sensibilities with hands-on creativity whereas maintaining the give attention to bodily constructing.
“We’re assembly children the place they’re immediately within the digital age, whereas additionally grounding the tech in conventional bodily constructing units,” Dalal continued. “DCP is consistently innovating to degree up play.”
Over its 25-year run, Lego Star Wars has expanded in almost each course — from premium, $1,000 collector builds just like the Demise Star to extra reasonably priced units aimed toward youthful followers. The road has developed alongside the franchise itself, tying into not simply the movies, however animated collection like The Clone Wars and, extra not too long ago, Disney+ exhibits. Good Play alerts the following evolution of that strategy, one that implies Lego Star Wars remains to be very a lot rising somewhat than settling into repetition.
That evolution is outlined as a lot by restraint as by ambition. Even in comparison with Lego’s earlier technology-driven experiments, Good Play is notably pared again: there are not any screens, no listening microphones, and no AI. The system additionally avoids energetic community connections or any reliance on the cloud.
Whereas different elements of Disney are actively exploring AI-powered experiences, Good Play displays a special philosophy. As Dalal framed it, the know-how exists to increase play and amplify enjoyable – to not compete for consideration or introduce complexity for its personal sake.
Star Wars, Dalal defined, is uniquely suited to this sort of strategy.
“Star Wars tales supply an limitless play sample given the galaxy is so huge,” she mentioned. “The Good Play system is a instrument to assist children unlock their creativity and inform their very own Star Wars tales.”
That sense of scale is bolstered by the franchise’s immediately recognizable audio cues – from music to ship noises – which lend themselves naturally to reactive play.
“I feel you must have the suitable pairing of tech to IP,” Dalal mentioned. “And the Star Wars galaxy particularly presents limitless storytelling and immediately recognizable parts from the saga like music, ship noises, and extra.”
Moderately than directing play, Good Play is designed to reward curiosity. The Good Brick responds in another way relying on which characters or parts are close by, encouraging experimentation and shock.
“Folks love the sudden,” Dalal mentioned. “There are enjoyable Easter eggs throughout the units and so many various methods to interact with the merchandise.”
For Disney and Lego, Good Play displays a shared perception that know-how ought to help storytelling, not overshadow it. By maintaining the tech underneath the hood, Lego Star Wars preserves what has made the road profitable for many years, whereas opening the door to new methods of enjoying inside a galaxy that continues to increase.
“Followers have loved Lego Star Wars units for over 25 years,” Dalal famous. “This innovation is the proper hybrid of bodily and digital play, and can carry Star Wars residence in a contemporary and thrilling approach.”
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