Gazillion Entertainment and LEGO System A/S have announced today that Gazillion will be selling its rights to LEGO Universe to the toymaker. The game was developed by NetDevil, a Gazillion subsidiary, and the LEGO Group has offered employment to a majority of the existing developers.
“We’re excited about the launch of LEGO Universe, and are happy to have the developers officially join the LEGO team,” said Jesper Vilstrup, Vice President at the LEGO Group. “This acquisition demonstrates our commitment both to the ongoing success of LEGO Universe and to an overall strategy to expand our brand online.”
“Gazillion’s focus is developing, operating, and publishing the next generation of browser-delivered games,” said David Brevik, Gazillion Entertainment President and COO. “We’re proud of the game our team built, and are certain that it has a bright future. The transition of members of our team to the LEGO Group enables us to focus completely on internally-published, free-to-play game businesses.”
LEGO and NetDevil had a work-for-hire agreement to develop LEGO Universe in 2006. Two years later, Gazillion acquired NetDevil and the project. The acquisition of LEGO Universe by the LEGO Group ends the original development contract. Gazillion will be moving its other NetDevil projects to another location as the LEGO Universe team will retain the Louisville, Colorado studio.
The key word in the announcement is “majority.” Gamasutra reports that a number of LEGO Universe employees have been cut in the transition from Gazillion.
"We were all told we were 'safe' just a week or so ago, and last night the first couple of people let go were posting on Facebook," explained former animator Toby Cochran on his personal website. "Then all hell broke loose on Facebook and everyone was getting anxious; it was a total surprise to be getting a call saying you lost your job. Personally, it sucks to find out massive layoffs are happening and watching friends post about it before you know or hear anything directly."
"From what we've been told, a handful of artists will be kept on board [to] continue working on LEGO Universe. But at the moment that will be a very, very small team. As the count continues to rise on Facebook, they've cut over 20 people."
