While plenty of companies are vying for the top spot, it seems likeLEGOhas a firm grip on the toy industry. Modern offerings like the massive, incredibly detailedLord of the RingsRivendell set, or the abundance of smaller, but no less amusing pieces have had a huge impact onLEGO’s popularity in recent years, which doesn’t look like it’s slowing any time soon.
It’s also been loved by gamers for decades at this point, as is clear with all the creative titles that it has come up with sinceLEGO Islandon the PC in 1997. Recently, it has launched some Formula 1-centric sets based on the McLaren F1 team, which could be perfect catalysts for something new in the gaming space.
Lego Has Built a Reputation of Quality in Gaming
LEGOis one of the few properties that has the freedom to dabble in different genres while seemingly retaining a faithful fan base.LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, for example, is realistically different toLEGO 2K Drive, which is all together different to the now-discontinuedLEGO Dimensions. The property is known for its whimsical humor and fun gameplay that can keep players of all ages entertained, and so long as it maintains that level of quality, it’s free to play around with whatever games come next. The same could be said of the physicalLEGOsets in recent years, which have each done well to feel unique, but in-keeping with the brand’s high standards.
The recent release of theLEGOreplica of Ayrton Senna’s 1988 championship-winning McLaren MP4/4, as well as the larger set of the 2022 car from the same team shows thatLEGOhas at least a passing interest in Formula 1.LEGOalso has sets based on classic Ferraris and the Mercedes F1 team, which further implies that they are primed for inclusion in a video game of some kind.LEGO2K Driveshows that a racing game fits theLEGOmold wonderfully, as its driving mechanics are simply excellent.
Ultimately, Formula 1 in Gaming is Too Serious for its Own Good
Formula 1 fans have been somewhat restricted in their choice of games in recent years. Codemasters' annual titles are great, but cater to the sim racing community where precision is key, and in being this way, the fun of F1 can be lost in the competitiveness of it all.LEGOcould reintroduce a light-hearted take on the popular racing series to strike a balance with Codemasters’F1series, something that has been largely absent since the release of thecommercially overlooked kart-racerF1 Race Stars, which was a one-and-done title which prioritized fun over all else.
F1 Could Give LEGO More Purpose in the Gaming Space
However, using the aforementioned game as a template and dressing it in Formula 1 clothing would feel like a wasted opportunity. TheLEGOexpansion of theXbox exclusiveForza Horizon 4showed that the toy-like visuals can still be graphically impressive, and injected the same jovial personality of other LEGO offerings into an otherwise serious driving game. It makes sense, then, to take that philosophy to the track by bringing the contemporary McLaren sets to the realm of gaming to create something that bridges the gap between light-hearted fun and engaging racing mechanics.
The McLaren MP4/4 LEGO set is a very specific callback to one of the sport’s truly great, and most dominant cars. Using it to launch a video game spin-off would have to result in something that pleases hardcore Formula 1 fans, new and old, and would serve to promote and displayLEGO’s dominance of the toys industry, as well as its continued competence in gaming, regardless of which genre it takes on.
LEGO 2K Drive
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to Bricklandia, home of a massive open-world LEGO® driving adventure. Race anywhere, play with anyone, build your dream rides, and defeat a cast of wild racing rivals for the coveted Sky Trophy!In LEGO 2K Drive, your awesome transforming vehicle gives you the freedom to speed seamlessly across riveting racetracks, off-road terrain, and open waters. Explore the vast world of Bricklandia, show off your driving skills, and build vehicles brick-by-brick!THE ULTIMATE LEGO DRIVING EXPERIENCEGet behind the wheel and gear up for tons of open-world exploration and thrilling races! Take on the exciting Story mode, jump into a single race or Cup Series tourneys, and let loose in off-the-wall minigames. Master the art of drifting, boosting, jumping, and using power-ups to defeat opponents!RACE FOR THE SKY TROPHYStory mode follows your journey from rookie racer to famous champion as you compete against a series of charismatic rivals. With each victory, you’ll work your way up the ranks to take on the infamous Shadow Z.OPEN-WORLD EXPLORATIONThe vast and vibrant world of Bricklandia is yours to explore as you see fit, full of colorful characters and kooky quests. Zoom past lush fields on Turbo Acres' pavement, go off-roading in the deserts of Big Butte County, cruise across Prospecto Valley’s picturesque waterways, and more.UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITYBuilding vehicles in the Garage is as easy as snapping bricks together. Construct new cars and boats from scratch, modify any vehicle in your collection, or unwind with guided builds, then take your creation for a drive!
