LEGO Media International: Difference between revisions

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LEGO Media International, later LEGO Software, later LEGO Interactive (pick which name to go with?)
{{Infobox company
| name = LEGO Media International Limited
| logo = LEGO Media logo (black text).svg
| logo_size = 255
| logo_caption = LEGO Media logo used until 2000
| type = [[Wikipedia:Subsidiary|Subsidiary]]
| industry = {{ubl|Entertainment|[[Wikipedia:Video game industry|Video games]]}}
| parent = [[LEGO A/S]]{{R|Annual 2004|p=53}}
| key_people =
| founded = {{Start date and age|1996}}
| defunct = {{End date and age|2004}}
| fate = Dissolved
| hq_location = 100 Hammersmith Road
| hq_location_city = [[Wikipedia:London|London]]
| hq_location_country = England<ref name="edge"/>
| website = {{ubl|[http://web.archive.org/web/20000301053119/http://www.legomedia.com legomedia.com] | [http://web.archive.org/web/20011024070156/http://www.lego.com/software/default.asp lego.com/software] | [https://web.archive.org/web/20050104010633/http://www.lego.com:80/eng/interactive/default.asp lego.com/interactive]}}
}}
'''LEGO Media International Limited''' was a British [[Wikipedia:Video game industry|video game]] and entertainment company headquartered in [[Wikipedia:London|London]]. It was a subsidiary of [[The LEGO Group|the LEGO Group]] created to develop and publish media, primarily software for children. An American branch, '''LEGO Media International, Inc.''', operated out of the LEGO Group's [[LEGO Systems, Inc|United States headquarters]] in [[Wikipedia:Enfield, Connecticut|Enfield, Connecticut]] until 2001.


As LEGO Media:
LEGO Media International was established in 1996 in response to the growing dominance of video games and the threat they posed to the toy industry. The company published media under several different brand names: first '''LEGO Media''' until 2000, then '''LEGO Software''' from 2000 to 2002, and finally '''LEGO Interactive''' from 2002 until its closure. Each name change came with a narrowing of the types of media published by the company, from all types to software to exclusively video games. Under the LEGO Interactive brand, the company co-published games with [[Wikipedia:Electronic Art|Electronic Art]] and [[Wikipedia:THQ|THQ]].
* ''LEGO Chess''
* ''LEGO Creator''
* ''LEGO Loco''
* ''LEGO Friends''
* ''LEGO Racers''
* [[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|''LEGO Rock Raiders'']]
* ''LEGOLAND''
* ''LEGO Alpha Team''
* ''LEGO My Style: Preschool''
* ''LEGO My Style: Kindergarten''
* ''LEGO Stunt Rally''


As LEGO Software:
In 2004 LEGO Media International was shut down as part of a cost-cutting initiative in response to massive losses the previous year. Managers from LEGO Media International formed a new company, Giant Interactive Entertainment, which was soon purchased by Traveller's Tales and became TT Games Publishing.
* ''LEGO Creator: Knights' Kingdom''
* ''LEGO Bionicle''
* ''LEGO Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge''
* ''LEGO Racers 2''


As LEGO Interactive (with Electronic Arts)
== History ==
* ''Bionicle: Matoran Adventures''
Background{{R|BNB 4|p=1}}
* ''Drome Racers''
* ''Football Mania''
* ''Island Xtreme Stunts''
* ''Bionicle''


While many books at the time were published by DK, LEGO Media published some books:
LEGO Media International was established in the spring of 1996 in [[Wikipedia:Hammersmith|Hammersmith]], [[Wikipedia:London|London]].<ref name="Annual 1997"/><ref name="LMPR Racers"/> Its formation was announced on 22 March 1996 (the launch date of the then-new [[LEGO World Wide Web]]) as one of two new software departments being established by the LEGO Group, the other being [[Strategic Project Unit Darwin]]. The new British company was planned to develop and market LEGO software through alliances with various software company partners.<ref name="press 6"/> A separate American branch was established in [[Wikipedia:Enfield, Connecticut|Enfield, Connecticut]], at the location of [[LEGO Systems, Inc]].<ref name="CTCD"/>
* ''Knights' Kingdom: Medieval Mischief and Mayhem''
 
* ''Rock Raiders: High Adventure Deep Underground''
In 1998, the LEGO Group engaged with Clinic to develop LEGO Media International's brand identity including software category logo icons, individual game logotypes, and product packaging.<ref name="designweek-clinic" /><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20010219201546/http://www.clinic.co.uk:80/pages/work/workframe_lego.htm</ref>
(add more)
 
<!--[[File:LEGO Software logo transparent.png|thumb|left|LEGO Software logo|220px]]
In December 2001 [[Wikipedia:Electronic Arts|Electronic Arts]] signed an agreement with the LEGO Group to co-publish video games with LEGO Software. Electronic Arts would also provide marketing and support for over thirty LEGO Software titles for the next three years to promote LEGO games to older audiences. The agreement included titles from the ''[[Bionicle]]'', ''[[LEGO Island]]'', and [[LEGO Racers (video game)|''LEGO Racers'']] series, as well as the then-upcoming ''[[Football Mania|LEGO Sports]]'', [[Galidor (video game)|''Galidor'']], and ''[[Academy of Flight]]''.<ref>Ahmed, Shahend (10 December 2001). [https://web.archive.org/web/20030802112441/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/legoland/news_2831479.html "EA to copublish LEGO games"]. [[Wikipedia:GameSpot|''GameSpot'']]. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2 August 2003.</ref>
 
On 16 March 2004 the LEGO Company Leadership Team and [[Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen]] announced a plan to financially stabilise the LEGO Company, following a pre-tax loss on earnings of [[Wikipedia:Danish krone|DKK]] 1.4 billion in 2003. The plan included shifting company focus to the production and sales of construction toys and away from other ventures that were not considered part of the company's "core business". Non-core projects, including the development of films and video games, were to be ended or transferred to licensed partner companies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lego.com/eng/info/default.asp?page=pressdetail&contentid=4805&countrycode=2057&yearcode=&archive=false |title=New action plan by LEGO Company will stabilise financial position |first=Charlotte |last=Simonsen |date=16 March 2004 |website=[[LEGO.com]] Press Releases |publisher=[[The LEGO Group]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040410211041/http://www.lego.com/eng/info/default.asp?page=pressdetail&contentid=4805&countrycode=2057&yearcode=&archive=false |archive-date=10 April 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{R|Annual 2004|p=9}}
 
LEGO Interactive was working with [[Traveller’s Tales]] on the development of ''[[LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game]]'' when the LEGO Group pulled out of the video game industry. Jonathan Smith and Tom Stone, who had both been part of the senior management at LEGO Interactive, founded [[Giant Interactive Entertainment]] to continue production on ''LEGO Star Wars''.<ref name="Wallis">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/column_index.php?story=8479 |title=Playing Catch Up: Traveller's Tales' Jon Burton |first=Alistair |last=Wallis |date=November 9, 2006 |website=[[Wikipedia:Gamasutra|Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:CMP Media LLC|CMP Media LLC]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227143942/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/column_index.php?story=8479 |archive-date=27 February 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Boyes">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6165669.html |title=Q&A: Lego Star Wars producer Jonathan Smith |first=Emma |last=Boyes |date=9 February 2007 |website=[[Wikipedia:GameSpot UK|GameSpot UK]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:CNET Networks|CNET Networks, Inc]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210095617/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6165669.html |archive-date=10 February 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The new publishing company retained exclusive rights for the production of LEGO video games until 2012.<ref name="Maragos">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=5308 |title=Traveller's Tales Acquires Giant Entertainment |first=Nich |last=Maragos |date=April 15, 2005 |website=[[Wikipedia:Gamasutra|Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:CMP Media LLC|CMP Media LLC]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612183140/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=5308 |archive-date=12 June 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Traveller's Tales co-founder [[Wikipedia:Jon Burton|Jon Burton]] saw potential in the LEGO license, and discussions were held as to whether the two companies would work well together as a "developer driven publisher".<ref name="Wallis"/> Traveller's Tales acquired Giant in April 2005, and the two teams became divisions of a new company called [[TT Games]].<ref name="Maragos"/> Giant was renamed to TT Games Publishing by 2006.-->
 
=== Websites ===
Around 1999, LEGO Media International published an English website, ''www.legomedia.com'', through which fans could learn about LEGO games, send email postcards to friends, or find customer support.<ref name="legomedia.com"/> The website was also available in Hebrew at ''www.legomedia.co.il''.<ref name="legomedia.co.il"/>
 
<gallery>
File:Lego Media Website Nov 1999.png | ''legomedia.com'' as it appeared in November 1999
File:LEGO Media website Mar2000 Mania.jpg | ''legomedia.com'' in March 2000
LEGO Interactive website 20050104.png | January 2005
</gallery>
 
== Media published ==
The following tables list the software and books published by LEGO Media International. The list only includes the initial releases of each product; many were re-released at various points by this company, as well as by third-party distributors. Additionally, ''LEGO Island'' is omitted from list, as it was initially published by [[Mindscape]].
 
=== Software ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
! Title
! Release
! Platforms
! Developer
|-
! colspan="4" | as LEGO Media
|-
| ''[[LEGO Chess]]''
| 11 November 1998
| [[Wikipedia:Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
| [[Krisalis Software]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Creator (video game)|LEGO Creator]]''
| 11 November 1998
| Windows
| [[Superscape]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Loco]]''
| 11 November 1998
| Windows
| [[Intelligent Games]]
|-
| rowspan="3" | ''[[LEGO Racers (video game)|LEGO Racers]]''
| 23 August 1999
| Windows
| rowspan="3" | [[High Voltage Software]]
|-
| 22 October 1999 || [[Wikipedia:Nintendo 64|Nintendo 64]]
|-
| 26 November 1999 || [[Wikipedia:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Friends (1999 video game)|LEGO Friends]]''
| October 1999
| Windows
| [[Ivanoff Interactive]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|LEGO Rock Raiders]]''
| 18 November 1999
| Windows
| rowspan="2" | [[Data Design Interactive]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Rock Raiders (PlayStation video game)|LEGO Rock Raiders]]'' <small>(PlayStation)</small>
| {{vgrelease|EU|10 December 1999<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Lego Rock Raiders'' for PlayStation |url=http://chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=1598 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010426032611/http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=1598 |archive-date=26 April 2001 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=Chipsworld}}</ref>|NA|17 August 2000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://psx.ign.com:80/previews/11740.html |title= New screens of Lego Media's venture into strategic mining action -- mining has never been this fun! |last=Zdyrko |first=Dave |date=August 4, 2000 |website=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN PSX]] |publisher=Snowball.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815063155/http://psx.ign.com:80/previews/11740.html |archive-date=August 15, 2000}}</ref>}}
| PlayStation
|-
| ''[[LEGOLAND (video game)|LEGOLAND]]''
| 1 May 2000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/027/131/legoland.html |title=LEGOLAND Released |last=Fudge |first=James |date=May 1, 2000 |website=[[Wikipedia:Computer Games Magazine|Computer Games Strategy Plus]] |publisher=Strategy Plus, Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021129092215/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/027/131/legoland.html |archive-date=29 November 2002}}</ref>
| Windows
| Krisalis Software
|-
| ''[[LEGO Alpha Team (video game)|LEGO Alpha Team]]''
| 4 October 2000<ref name="5 games">{{cite web |url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/030/010/lego.html |title=LEGO Media Ships Three New Games |first=James |last=Fudge |date=October 4, 2000 |website=[[Wikipedia:Computer Games Magazine|Computer Games Strategy Plus]] |publisher=Strategy Plus, Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030709190655/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/030/010/lego.html |archive-date=2003-07-09}}</ref>
| Windows
| [[Digital Domain]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Stunt Rally]]''
| 4 October 2000<ref name="5 games"/>
| Windows
| Intelligent Games
|-
| ''[[LEGO My Style: Preschool]]''
| 4 October 2000<ref name="5 games"/>
| Windows, [[Wikipedia:Classic Mac OS|Macintosh]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Stormfront Studios]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO My Style: Kindergarten]]''
| 4 October 2000<ref name="5 games"/>
| Windows, Macintosh
|-
| ''[[LEGO Alpha Team (Game Boy Color video game)|LEGO Alpha Team]]'' <small>(GBC)</small>
| 17 November 2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Lego Alpha Team'' for GameBoy |url=http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=3471 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010427142632/http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=3471 |archive-date=27 April 2001 |website=Chipsworld}}</ref>
| [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Color|Game Boy Color]]
| [[Climax Studios]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Stunt Rally (Game Boy Color video game)|LEGO Stunt Rally]]'' <small>(GBC)</small>
| 22 December 2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lego Stunt Rally for GameBoy |url=http://chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=3676 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020306192639/http://chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=3676 |archive-date=6 March 2002 |website=Chipsworld}}</ref>
| Game Boy Color
| [[Graphic State]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Racers (Game Boy Color video game)|LEGO Racers]]'' <small>(GBC)</small>
| 29 December 2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lego Racers for GameBoy |url=http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=3683 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010427201041/http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=3683 |archive-date=27 April 2001 |website=Chipsworld}}</ref>
| Game Boy Color
| Climax Studios
|-
! colspan="4" | as LEGO Software
|-
| ''[[LEGO Creator: Knights' Kingdom]]''
| 4 October 2000<ref name="5 games"/>
| Windows
| Superscape
|-
| ''[[LEGO Island 2 (Game Boy Color video game)|LEGO Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge]]'' <small>(GBC)</small>
| 22 March 2001<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ebgames.com:80/ebx/categories/newReleases/morenr-GBC.asp |title=New Releases |website=EBWorld.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010331034358/http://www.ebgames.com:80/ebx/categories/newReleases/morenr-GBC.asp |archive-date=31 March 2001}}</ref>
| Game Boy Color
| [[Crawfish Interactive]]
|-
| rowspan="2" | ''[[LEGO Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge]]''
| 26 March 2001<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/031/125/010326-07.html |title=LEGO Island 2: Brickster's Revenge ships |date=March 26, 2001 |website=[[Wikipedia:Computer Games Magazine|Computer Games Strategy Plus]] |publisher=Strategy Plus, Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030709172102/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/031/125/010326-07.html |archive-date=July 9, 2003}}</ref>
| Windows
| rowspan="2" | [[Silicon Dreams Studio]]
|-
| 27 March 2001<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/newReleases/morenr-PS.asp |title=New Releases |website=EBWorld.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010413171810/http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/newReleases/morenr-PS.asp |archive-date=13 April 2001}}</ref>
| PlayStation
|-
| rowspan="2" | ''[[LEGO Racers 2]]''
| 21 September 2001<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lego Racers 2 for PC CD-ROM |url=http://chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=4791 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020105182503/http://chipsworld.co.uk:80/detProd.asp?ProductCode=4791 |archive-date=5 January 2002 |website=Chipsworld}}</ref>
| Windows
| rowspan="2" | [[Attention to Detail]]
|-
| 2 October 2001<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/previews/17110.html |title=LEGO Racers 2 |date=September 27, 2001 |first=Dave |last=Zdyrko |website=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN PS2]] |publisher=Snowball.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011202142648/http://ps2.ign.com/previews/17110.html |archive-date=December 2, 2001}}</ref>
| [[Wikipedia:PlayStation 2|PlayStation 2]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Bionicle (video game)|LEGO Bionicle]]''
| 1 October 2001<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.planetgamecube.com/games.cfm?action=profile&id=223 |title=Game Info: Lego Bionicle: Quest for the Toa |website=Planet GameCube |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011221163835/http://www.planetgamecube.com:80/games.cfm?action=profile&id=223 |archive-date=21 December 2001}}</ref>
| [[Wikipedia:Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance]]
| [[Saffire]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Island 2 (Game Boy Advance video game)|LEGO Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge]]'' <small>(GBA)</small>
| 1 October 2001<ref>{{cite web |url=http://planetgamecube.com:80/games.cfm?action=profile&id=316 |title=Game Info: Lego Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge |website=Planet GameCube |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011102165202/http://planetgamecube.com:80/games.cfm?action=profile&id=316 |archive-date=2 November 2001}}</ref>
| Game Boy Advance
| [[Silicon Dreams Studio]]
|-
| ''[[LEGO Creator: Harry Potter]]''
| 2001
| Windows
| Superscape
|-
| ''[[LEGO Racers 2 (Game Boy Advance video game)|LEGO Racers 2]]'' <small>(GBA)</small>
| 2001
| Game Boy Advance
| [[Pocket Studios]]
|-
| [[LEGO Print Creator]]
| 2001
| Windows
| The Bending Spoon
|-
| [[LEGO Software Demo CD]]s
| 2001
| Windows
| Enigma Interactive
|-
! colspan="4" | as LEGO Interactive, with Electronic Arts
|-
| ''[[Football Mania]]''
| 18 June 2002<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/362/362610p1.html |title=LEGO Soccer Mania Ships |date=June 18, 2002 |website=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN PS2]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020628102136/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/362/362610p1.html |archive-date=June 28, 2002}}</ref>
| Windows, PlayStation 2
| Silicon Dreams Studio
|-
| ''[[Football Mania (Game Boy Advance video game)|Football Mania]]'' <small>(GBA)</small>
| 18 June 2002<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/362/362570p1.html |title=Snap Together Footy |first=Craig |last=Harris |date=June 18, 2002 |website=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040429082000/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/362/362570p1.html |archive-date=April 29, 2004}}</ref>
| Game Boy Advance
| Tiertex Design Studios
|-
| ''[[Bionicle: Matoran Adventures]]''
| 28 October 2002<ref name="Harris">{{cite web |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/375/375696p1.html |title=Two Lego Games Released |date=October 28, 2002 |last=Harris |first=Craig |website=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040406072047/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/375/375696p1.html |archive-date=April 6, 2004}}</ref>
| Game Boy Advance
| [[Argonaut Games]]
|-
| ''[[Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension (2002 video game)|Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension]]''
| 28 October 2002<ref name="Harris"/>
| Game Boy Advance
| [[Tiertex Design Studios]]
|-
| ''[[Creator: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
| 15 November 2002<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/objects/491/491732.html |title=Lego Creator: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets |website=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040621125743/http://pc.ign.com/objects/491/491732.html |archive-date=June 21, 2004}}</ref>
| Windows
| [[Qube Software]]
|-
| rowspan="3" | ''[[Drome Racers]]''
| 18 November 2002<ref name="Sulic">{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/378/378779p1.html |title=What the Nuts is a Drome? |date=November 26, 2002 |first=Ivan |last=Sulic |website=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050213070204/http://pc.ign.com:80/articles/378/378779p1.html |archive-date=February 13, 2005}}</ref>
| PlayStation 2
| rowspan="3" | Attention to Detail
|-
| 3 December 2002<ref name="Sulic"/>
| Windows
|-
| 19 September 2003<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news190903whatsnew |title=What's New? |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=19 September 2003 |website=[[Wikipedia:Eurogamer|Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network Limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610045432/https://www.eurogamer.net/news190903whatsnew |archive-date=10 June 2024}}</ref>
| [[Wikipedia:GameCube|GameCube]]
|-
| ''[[Island Xtreme Stunts]]''
| 2002
| Windows, PlayStation 2
| rowspan="2" | Silicon Dreams Studio
|-
| ''[[Island Xtreme Stunts (Game Boy Advance video game)|Island Xtreme Stunts]]'' <small>(GBA)</small>
| 2002
| Game Boy Advance
|-
| rowspan="4" | ''[[Bionicle (video game)|Bionicle]]''
| 10 October 2003<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news101003whatsnew |title=What's New? |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=10 October 2003 |website=[[Wikipedia:Eurogamer|Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network Limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610062424/https://www.eurogamer.net/news101003whatsnew |archive-date=10 June 2024}}</ref>
| PlayStation 2
| rowspan="4" | Argonaut Games
|-
| 17 October 2003<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news171003whatsnew |title=What's New? |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=17 October 2003 |website=[[Wikipedia:Eurogamer|Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network Limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610062429/https://www.eurogamer.net/news171003whatsnew |archive-date=10 June 2024}}</ref>
| [[Wikipedia:Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
|-
| 20 October 2003<ref name="Thorsen">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/200 |title=Bionicle store-bound |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=October 20, 2003 |website=[[Wikipedia:GameSpot|GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:CNET Networks|CNET Networks]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040331192805/http://www.gamespot.com:80/news/2003/10/20/news_6077085.html |archive-date=March 31, 2004}}</ref>
| GameCube
|-
| 28 October 2003<ref name="Thorsen"/>
| Windows
|-
! colspan="4" | as LEGO Interactive, with THQ
|-
| ''[[Bionicle (Game Boy Advance video game)|Bionicle]]'' <small>(GBA)</small>
| 2003
| Game Boy Advance
| rowspan="2" | Möbius Entertainment
|-
| ''[[Drome Racers (Game Boy Advance video game)|Drome Racers]]'' <small>(GBA)</small>
| 2003
| Game Boy Advance
|-
| ''[[LEGO Knights' Kingdom (video game)|LEGO Knights' Kingdom]]''
| 2004
| Game Boy Advance
| Razorback Developments
|}
 
=== Books ===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! Year !! Title !! Author !! Illustrator !! Series
|-
|rowspan="7" | 2000
| ''[[Knights' Kingdom: Medieval Mischief and Mayhem]]''
|rowspan="2" | [[Alan Grant]]
| [[Artworld UK]]
|rowspan="2" | comic strip storybook
|-
| ''[[Rock Raiders: High Adventure Deep Underground]]''
| Robin Smith, LEGO Media International
|-
| ''Busy City''
| Anne Marie Ryan (ed.)
| Lester Troughton
|rowspan="3" | Masterbuilders
|-
| ''Create N' Race''
| Davey Moore
| Alexander Tomlinson, [[Sebastian Quigley]], Jason Edwards
|-
| ''Mars Mission''
| Anne Marie Ryan (ed.)
| Sebastian Quigley
|-
| ''Cool Cars''
| ?
| ?
|rowspan="2" | Brick Tricks
|-
| ''Fantastic Fliers''
| ?
| ?
|-
|}
 
== References ==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="Annual 1997">{{cite web |url=http://www.lego.com/press/issue27/progress.html |title=Progress in North America, Great Britain, Benelux and Russia |date=28 April 1997 |work=The LEGO Group Annual Report 1996 |publisher=[[The LEGO Group]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/19970615101143/http://www.lego.com/press/issue27/progress.html |archive-date=1997-06-15}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Annual 2004">{{cite book |date=14 March 2005 |url=https://www.lego.com/cdn/cs/aboutus/assets/blt07abb4b8a3da3f39/Annual_Report_2004_ENG.pdf |title=Annual Report 2004 – LEGO Group |publisher=Stakeholder Relations |p=53 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311135352/https://www.lego.com/cdn/cs/aboutus/assets/blt07abb4b8a3da3f39/Annual_Report_2004_ENG.pdf |archive-date=11 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
<ref name="BNB 4">{{cite web |url=https://www.lego.com/cdn/cs/set/assets/bltd399c039fb565168/bits_n_bricks_s01e04_lego_island_feature_and_transcript.pdf |title=Episode 4 – LEGO Island|last1=Crecente |first1=Brian |last2=Vincent |first2=Ethan |others=Participants: Scott Anderson, Michael Thompsen, Kitty O’Neill, Ben Davies, Floris Thoonen |date=30 December 2020 |work=[[Bits N' Bricks]] |type=Podcast |publisher=The LEGO Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405231237/https://www.lego.com/cdn/cs/set/assets/bltd399c039fb565168/bits_n_bricks_s01e04_lego_island_feature_and_transcript.pdf |archive-date=5 April 2024 |url-status=live}} [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_x7MiUcT8s Audio version] via YouTube.</ref>
 
<ref name="CTCD">{{cite web |url=https://www.ctcompanydir.com/companies/lego-media-international-inc/ |title=LEGO MEDIA INTERNATIONAL, INC. |website=Connecticut Business Directory |id=0579539 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512145002/https://www.ctcompanydir.com/companies/lego-media-international-inc/ |archive-date=2024-05-12 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
<ref name="edge">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/edge-020/Edge-073/page/98/mode/2up?view=theater |title=Work on a new level |page=98 |magazine=[[Wikipedia:Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |date=July 1999 |edition=UK |publisher=[[Wikipedia:Future Publishing|Future Publishing]] |number=73}}</ref>
 
<ref name="LMPR Racers">{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=LEGO Racers |url=http://press.legomedia.com/news/e3_legoracers.asp |location=[[Wikipedia:London|London]] |website=LEGO Media Press Room |date=May 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001027035304/http://press.legomedia.com/news/e3_legoracers.asp |archive-date=27 October 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
<ref name="press 6">{{cite news |url=http://www.lego.com/press/press_6.html |title=Digital LEGO products |date=March 22, 1996 |website=[[LEGO World Wide Web]] Press Info |publisher=[[The LEGO Group]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/19970110041308/http://www.lego.com:80/press/press_6.html |archive-date=10 January 1997 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
<ref name="legomedia.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.legomedia.com/home.asp |title=Home |website=LEGO Media International (English Website) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990218113205/http://www.legomedia.com/home.asp |archive-date=1999-02-18 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
<ref name="legomedia.co.il">{{cite web |url=http://legomedia.co.il/ |title=Home |website=LEGO Media International (Hebrew Website) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991009202914/http://legomedia.co.il/ |archive-date=1999-10-09 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
<ref name="designweek-clinic">{{cite web |url=https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/21-may-1998/clinic-brands-lego-media/ |title=Clinic brands Lego Media |date=1998-05-22 |publisher=Design Week |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624031213/https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/21-may-1998/clinic-brands-lego-media/ |archive-date=2021-06-24 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
}}
 
{{LEGO Media International}}
 
[[Category:1996 establishments]]
[[Category:2004 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Divisions of the LEGO Group|Media International]]
[[Category:Video game companies]]

Latest revision as of 08:05, 13 August 2024

LEGO Media International Limited
Company typeSubsidiary
Industry
Founded1996; 28 years ago (1996)
Defunct2004; 20 years ago (2004)
FateDissolved
Headquarters100 Hammersmith Road,
London
,
England[1]
ParentLEGO A/S[2]: 53 
Website

LEGO Media International Limited was a British video game and entertainment company headquartered in London. It was a subsidiary of the LEGO Group created to develop and publish media, primarily software for children. An American branch, LEGO Media International, Inc., operated out of the LEGO Group's United States headquarters in Enfield, Connecticut until 2001.

LEGO Media International was established in 1996 in response to the growing dominance of video games and the threat they posed to the toy industry. The company published media under several different brand names: first LEGO Media until 2000, then LEGO Software from 2000 to 2002, and finally LEGO Interactive from 2002 until its closure. Each name change came with a narrowing of the types of media published by the company, from all types to software to exclusively video games. Under the LEGO Interactive brand, the company co-published games with Electronic Art and THQ.

In 2004 LEGO Media International was shut down as part of a cost-cutting initiative in response to massive losses the previous year. Managers from LEGO Media International formed a new company, Giant Interactive Entertainment, which was soon purchased by Traveller's Tales and became TT Games Publishing.

History

Background[3]: 1 

LEGO Media International was established in the spring of 1996 in Hammersmith, London.[4][5] Its formation was announced on 22 March 1996 (the launch date of the then-new LEGO World Wide Web) as one of two new software departments being established by the LEGO Group, the other being Strategic Project Unit Darwin. The new British company was planned to develop and market LEGO software through alliances with various software company partners.[6] A separate American branch was established in Enfield, Connecticut, at the location of LEGO Systems, Inc.[7]

In 1998, the LEGO Group engaged with Clinic to develop LEGO Media International's brand identity including software category logo icons, individual game logotypes, and product packaging.[8][9]


Websites

Around 1999, LEGO Media International published an English website, www.legomedia.com, through which fans could learn about LEGO games, send email postcards to friends, or find customer support.[10] The website was also available in Hebrew at www.legomedia.co.il.[11]

  • legomedia.com as it appeared in November 1999

    legomedia.com as it appeared in November 1999

  • legomedia.com in March 2000

    legomedia.com in March 2000

  • January 2005

    January 2005

Media published

The following tables list the software and books published by LEGO Media International. The list only includes the initial releases of each product; many were re-released at various points by this company, as well as by third-party distributors. Additionally, LEGO Island is omitted from list, as it was initially published by Mindscape.

Software

Title Release Platforms Developer
as LEGO Media
LEGO Chess 11 November 1998 Windows Krisalis Software
LEGO Creator 11 November 1998 Windows Superscape
LEGO Loco 11 November 1998 Windows Intelligent Games
LEGO Racers 23 August 1999 Windows High Voltage Software
22 October 1999 Nintendo 64
26 November 1999 PlayStation
LEGO Friends October 1999 Windows Ivanoff Interactive
LEGO Rock Raiders 18 November 1999 Windows Data Design Interactive
LEGO Rock Raiders (PlayStation)
PlayStation
LEGOLAND 1 May 2000[14] Windows Krisalis Software
LEGO Alpha Team 4 October 2000[15] Windows Digital Domain
LEGO Stunt Rally 4 October 2000[15] Windows Intelligent Games
LEGO My Style: Preschool 4 October 2000[15] Windows, Macintosh Stormfront Studios
LEGO My Style: Kindergarten 4 October 2000[15] Windows, Macintosh
LEGO Alpha Team (GBC) 17 November 2000[16] Game Boy Color Climax Studios
LEGO Stunt Rally (GBC) 22 December 2000[17] Game Boy Color Graphic State
LEGO Racers (GBC) 29 December 2000[18] Game Boy Color Climax Studios
as LEGO Software
LEGO Creator: Knights' Kingdom 4 October 2000[15] Windows Superscape
LEGO Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge (GBC) 22 March 2001[19] Game Boy Color Crawfish Interactive
LEGO Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge 26 March 2001[20] Windows Silicon Dreams Studio
27 March 2001[21] PlayStation
LEGO Racers 2 21 September 2001[22] Windows Attention to Detail
2 October 2001[23] PlayStation 2
LEGO Bionicle 1 October 2001[24] Game Boy Advance Saffire
LEGO Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge (GBA) 1 October 2001[25] Game Boy Advance Silicon Dreams Studio
LEGO Creator: Harry Potter 2001 Windows Superscape
LEGO Racers 2 (GBA) 2001 Game Boy Advance Pocket Studios
LEGO Print Creator 2001 Windows The Bending Spoon
LEGO Software Demo CDs 2001 Windows Enigma Interactive
as LEGO Interactive, with Electronic Arts
Football Mania 18 June 2002[26] Windows, PlayStation 2 Silicon Dreams Studio
Football Mania (GBA) 18 June 2002[27] Game Boy Advance Tiertex Design Studios
Bionicle: Matoran Adventures 28 October 2002[28] Game Boy Advance Argonaut Games
Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension 28 October 2002[28] Game Boy Advance Tiertex Design Studios
Creator: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 15 November 2002[29] Windows Qube Software
Drome Racers 18 November 2002[30] PlayStation 2 Attention to Detail
3 December 2002[30] Windows
19 September 2003[31] GameCube
Island Xtreme Stunts 2002 Windows, PlayStation 2 Silicon Dreams Studio
Island Xtreme Stunts (GBA) 2002 Game Boy Advance
Bionicle 10 October 2003[32] PlayStation 2 Argonaut Games
17 October 2003[33] Xbox
20 October 2003[34] GameCube
28 October 2003[34] Windows
as LEGO Interactive, with THQ
Bionicle (GBA) 2003 Game Boy Advance Möbius Entertainment
Drome Racers (GBA) 2003 Game Boy Advance
LEGO Knights' Kingdom 2004 Game Boy Advance Razorback Developments

Books

Year Title Author Illustrator Series
2000 Knights' Kingdom: Medieval Mischief and Mayhem Alan Grant Artworld UK comic strip storybook
Rock Raiders: High Adventure Deep Underground Robin Smith, LEGO Media International
Busy City Anne Marie Ryan (ed.) Lester Troughton Masterbuilders
Create N' Race Davey Moore Alexander Tomlinson, Sebastian Quigley, Jason Edwards
Mars Mission Anne Marie Ryan (ed.) Sebastian Quigley
Cool Cars ? ? Brick Tricks
Fantastic Fliers ? ?

References

  1. ↑ "Work on a new level". Edge. No. 73 (UK ed.). Future Publishing. July 1999. p. 98.
  2. ↑ Annual Report 2004 – LEGO Group (PDF). Stakeholder Relations. 14 March 2005. p. 53. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 March 2024.
  3. ↑ Crecente, Brian; Vincent, Ethan (30 December 2020). "Episode 4 – LEGO Island" (PDF). Bits N' Bricks (Podcast). Participants: Scott Anderson, Michael Thompsen, Kitty O’Neill, Ben Davies, Floris Thoonen. The LEGO Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 April 2024. Audio version via YouTube.
  4. ↑ "Progress in North America, Great Britain, Benelux and Russia". The LEGO Group Annual Report 1996. The LEGO Group. 28 April 1997. Archived from the original on 1997-06-15.
  5. ↑ "LEGO Racers". LEGO Media Press Room (Press release). London. May 1999. Archived from the original on 27 October 2000.
  6. ↑ "Digital LEGO products". LEGO World Wide Web Press Info. The LEGO Group. March 22, 1996. Archived from the original on 10 January 1997.
  7. ↑ "LEGO MEDIA INTERNATIONAL, INC". Connecticut Business Directory. 0579539. Archived from the original on 2024-05-12.
  8. ↑ "Clinic brands Lego Media". Design Week. 1998-05-22. Archived from the original on 2021-06-24.
  9. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20010219201546/http://www.clinic.co.uk:80/pages/work/workframe_lego.htm
  10. ↑ "Home". LEGO Media International (English Website). Archived from the original on 1999-02-18.
  11. ↑ "Home". LEGO Media International (Hebrew Website). Archived from the original on 1999-10-09.
  12. ↑ Zdyrko, Dave (August 4, 2000). "New screens of Lego Media's venture into strategic mining action -- mining has never been this fun!". IGN PSX. Snowball.com. Archived from the original on August 15, 2000.
  13. ↑ "Lego Rock Raiders for PlayStation". Chipsworld. Archived from the original on 26 April 2001. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  14. ↑ Fudge, James (May 1, 2000). "LEGOLAND Released". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on 29 November 2002.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 Fudge, James (October 4, 2000). "LEGO Media Ships Three New Games". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on 2003-07-09.
  16. ↑ "Lego Alpha Team for GameBoy". Chipsworld. Archived from the original on 27 April 2001.
  17. ↑ "Lego Stunt Rally for GameBoy". Chipsworld. Archived from the original on 6 March 2002.
  18. ↑ "Lego Racers for GameBoy". Chipsworld. Archived from the original on 27 April 2001.
  19. ↑ "New Releases". EBWorld.com. Archived from the original on 31 March 2001.
  20. ↑ "LEGO Island 2: Brickster's Revenge ships". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. March 26, 2001. Archived from the original on July 9, 2003.
  21. ↑ "New Releases". EBWorld.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2001.
  22. ↑ "Lego Racers 2 for PC CD-ROM". Chipsworld. Archived from the original on 5 January 2002.
  23. ↑ Zdyrko, Dave (September 27, 2001). "LEGO Racers 2". IGN PS2. Snowball.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2001.
  24. ↑ "Game Info: Lego Bionicle: Quest for the Toa". Planet GameCube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2001.
  25. ↑ "Game Info: Lego Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge". Planet GameCube. Archived from the original on 2 November 2001.
  26. ↑ "LEGO Soccer Mania Ships". IGN PS2. IGN Entertainment. June 18, 2002. Archived from the original on June 28, 2002.
  27. ↑ Harris, Craig (June 18, 2002). "Snap Together Footy". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 29, 2004.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Harris, Craig (October 28, 2002). "Two Lego Games Released". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 6, 2004.
  29. ↑ "Lego Creator: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 21, 2004.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Sulic, Ivan (November 26, 2002). "What the Nuts is a Drome?". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 13, 2005.
  31. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (19 September 2003). "What's New?". Eurogamer. Gamer Network Limited. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024.
  32. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (10 October 2003). "What's New?". Eurogamer. Gamer Network Limited. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024.
  33. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (17 October 2003). "What's New?". Eurogamer. Gamer Network Limited. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Thorsen, Tor (October 20, 2003). "Bionicle store-bound". GameSpot. CNET Networks. Archived from the original on March 31, 2004.
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