Lego Vidiyo (stylized as LEGO VIDIYO) was a Lego theme that allows children to create their own music videos and dance clips using a range of Lego toy sets and an associated app.[2] It is licensed from Universal Music Group.[3] The theme was first introduced in March 2021,[4] before being discontinued by the end of January 2022 after being deemed a commercial disaster.[5]

Lego Vidiyo
SubjectMusic video maker
Licensed fromThe Lego Group and Universal Music Group
Availability2021–2022
Total sets42[1]
Official website

Overview

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Lego Vidiyo is a music video maker brand that combines music with Lego playsets.[6] Users create their own music videos featuring Lego minifigures by using an app named Vidiyo. The product line includes BeatBox toy sets that each contain a minifigure and connect to the app.[7] The associated toy sets include Lego tiles called BeatBits that unlock digital and audio effects. The toy sets are marketed at children aged 7 to 10 years old.[8]

Development

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Lego Vidiyo was created in collaboration with Universal Music Group (UMG). The theme was developed with the aim of blending physical play with digital play.[9] The associated app was designed to use augmented reality (AR) to create the illusion of Lego minifigures coming to life and moving to music.[8] Early concept art for the app experience was created in February 2018 and a sketch design for the BeatBoxes was created in April 2018.[10] As part of the collaboration with Universal Music Group, a record deal was signed with the Universal Music Group label, Astralwerks. The deal involved the release of a single titled Shake.[11][12] On April 27, 2021, eight additions to Lego Vidiyo were unveiled, including two BeatBoxes, 12 Bandmates, and five Stage Models.[9]

On July 23, 2021, The Lego Group released a statement that confirmed that Lego Vidiyo would go on hiatus for 2022 following feedback relating to the play experience. The company stated that the theme would continue to be available and that The Lego Group and Universal Music Group were planning to, "pilot some new ideas in 2022, then release new play experiences in 2023 and beyond."[13] However, after "extensive quantitative and qualitative research" was conducted, The Lego Group decided to discontinue the Vidiyo theme after January 31, 2022.[14]

Launch

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Lego Vidiyo was announced on January 26, 2021, with the first associated products released in March 2021.[15] In addition, The Lego Group built a life-sized model of a Lego Vidiyo Beatbox in Sydney Harbour.[16] An event named Vidiyo Music Fest was planned to tour several Legoland resorts in August and September 2021 to promote the theme.[17]

Toy line

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According to BrickLink, The Lego Group has released a total of 42 Lego Vidiyo sets.[1] In September 2021, The Lego Group announced the sets were to be discontinued by the end of January 2022.[5]

Bandmates

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Bandmates - Series 1 was released on March 1, 2021, and included 12 characters.[18][19][20] Each of the sets contains a Bandmates minifigure and three BeatBits. The twelve collectible minifigures are Ice Cream Saxophonist, Samurapper, Shark Singer, DJ Cheetah, Genie Dancer, Discowboy, Red Panda Dancer, Banshee Singer, Alien Keytarist, Cotton Candy Cheerleader, Bunny Dancer and Werewolf Drummer.[21]

Bandmates - Series 2 was released on October 1, 2021, and includes 12 characters.[22] Each of the sets contains a Bandmates minifigure and three BeatBits. The twelve collectible minifigures are Zombie Dancer, DJ Beatbox, Slime Singer, DJ Captain, Alien Dancer, Karaoke Mermaid, Dragon Guitarist, Vampire Bassist, Puppy Singer, DJ Rasp-Beary, Discowgirl Guitarist and Carnival Dancer.[23][24]

BeatBoxes

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The first wave of BeatBoxes sets were released along with Bandmates. Each of the BeatBoxes contains a minifigure, fourteen random BeatBits and two special BeatBits.[18][25] The Beatboxes can store the BeatBits and minifigure. The six BeatBoxes being released were Candy Mermaid,[26] Punk Pirate,[27] Alien DJ,[28] Party Llama,[29] Unicorn DJ[30] and Robot Break-dancer.[31][32]

The second wave of BeatBoxes sets was released along with Stage Models on August 1, 2021. Each of the BeatBoxes contains a minifigure, fourteen random BeatBits and two special BeatBits. The two BeatBoxes being released are Metal Dragon and Folk Fairy.[22]

Stage Models

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Stage Models is a series of sets that were released in June 2021. Each of the sets contains a performance stage, minifigures with accessories, fourteen random BeatBits and four special BeatBits. The five Stage Models released were Candy Castle Stage, Robo HipHop Car, K-Pawp Concert, Punk Pirate Ship and The Boombox.[22][33][34][35]

Web shorts

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Two web shorts were released on YouTube to promote the theme.

  • Shake is an official music video released on YouTube.[a] It is performed by L.L.A.M.A (Love, Laughter, And Music Always), Ne-Yo and Carmen DeLeon.[36][37]
  • Building Working DJ Decks from LEGO Bricks is an official web short released on YouTube. It features Sam Battle building DJ Decks with Lego Bricks with a combination of Lego MindstormsLego Technic and a Lego-compatible circuit board. L.L.A.M.A also made a special appearance.[38][39]

Video game and app

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Lego Brawls

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A crossover mobile fighting game named Lego Brawls was developed by RED Games. Lego Brawls was released for Apple Arcade on September 19, 2019, for iOS devices, and for PC and Consoles in June 2022.[40][41][42][43] It includes Punk Pirate as an unlockable champion and other Vidiyo characters and accessories as cosmetic elements.[44][45] A Vidiyo-themed control the point arena is also featured.

The Lego Vidiyo app was released on March 1, 2021, and is the mobile app for the Lego Vidiyo theme. It is available for the operating systems iOS and Android. The app allows the user to choose different songs from the app,[46] scan minifigure characters with the BeatBits to unlock digital effects and set the stage to perform their own 60-second music video.[47][48] It can also send the music video to other the users in the app.[49][50]

Other merchandise

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The Vidiyo brand has also produced clothing and accessories for children and young adults, including collaborations with Adidas in 2021.[51]

Awards and nominations

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In May 2021, Lego Vidiyo was awarded "Smart Toy Awards 2021" and also "Innovation" by the World Economic Forum.[52][53]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ This song is also available in the App.

References

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  1. ^ "Bits N' Bricks Season 1 Episode 14: LEGO VIDIYO™: A Conversation" (PDF). Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  2. ^ Tuchow, Ryan (January 27, 2021). "LEGO, Universal partner on app & toys". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  3. ^ Gartenberg, Chaim (January 26, 2021). "Lego Vidiyo is a new augmented reality-powered version of TikTok — for your Minifigures". The Verge. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  4. ^ a b "LEGO officially discontinues augmented reality VIDIYO theme". 9to5Toys. 2022-01-21. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  5. ^ "LEGO, Universal Music Group Team to Inspire with Music". licenseglobal.com. 2020-04-20. Retrieved 2021-03-18.
  6. ^ Thompson, Sarah Jane (2021-03-11). "Argos launches brand new Lego range and it's super cute". Daily Record. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
  7. ^ a b Dan Grabham (January 26, 2021). "Lego Vidiyo enables kids to make their own music videos featuring minifigures". Pocket-lint.com. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  8. ^ a b "LEGO and Universal Music Group unveil eight new additions to LEGO VIDIYO". toynews-online.biz. 27 April 2021.
  9. ^ "New concept art takes you behind the beats of LEGO VIDIYO". Brick Fanatics. 12 March 2021.
  10. ^ "LEGO minifigure DJ Llama signs record deal with Astralwerks". Mojo Nation. 2021-02-16. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  11. ^ "Universal Music Group signs LEGO VIDIYO artist". Brick Fanatics. 17 February 2021.
  12. ^ "[Update] VIDIYO, LEGO's music-themed augmented reality kits, reportedly put on indefinite hiatus". 9to5Toys. 2021-07-23. Retrieved 2021-07-24.
  13. ^ "LEGO VIDIYO sets are officially being discontinued soon". Brick Fanatics. 2022-01-21. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  14. ^ "Universal and LEGO launch augmented reality music video making app, VIDIYO". Music Business Worldwide. 2021-01-26. Retrieved 2021-07-26.
  15. ^ "Life-size LEGO VIDIYO BeatBox rocks Sydney Harbour". Brick Fanatics. 8 March 2021.
  16. ^ "LEGO VIDIYO's Party Llama is going on a worldwide tour". Brick Fanatics. 8 June 2021.
  17. ^ a b "VIDIYO sets officially announced!". Brickset. 16 February 2021.
  18. ^ "New From Lego: AR Llamas That Dance to Katy Perry". Wired.com. 16 February 2021.
  19. ^ Daniel Cooper (16 February 2021). "Lego's Vidiyo music video creator is silly fun, and I love it". Engadget. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  20. ^ LEGO VIDIYO - MUSIC VIDEO MAKER SET REVEAL. February 16, 2021 – via YouTube.
  21. ^ a b c "LEGO VIDIYO summer 2021 sets revealed, including brand new brick-built stages". Brick Fanatics. 27 April 2021.
  22. ^ "Closer look at LEGO VIDIYO 43108 Bandmates Series 2". Brick Fanatics. 27 April 2021.
  23. ^ "LEGO VIDIYO 43108 Bandmates Series 2 available now". Brick Fanatics. 1 October 2021.
  24. ^ Dan Grabham (February 16, 2021). "Lego reveals full lineup of sets for Lego Vidiyo - and we've had a go!". Pocket-lint.com. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  25. ^ "Candy Mermaid - LEGO VIDIYO Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB". www.lego.com. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  26. ^ "Punk Pirate - LEGO VIDIYO Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB". www.lego.com. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  27. ^ "Alien DJ - LEGO VIDIYO Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB". www.lego.com. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  28. ^ "Party Llama - LEGO VIDIYO Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB". www.lego.com. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  29. ^ "Unicorn DJ - LEGO VIDIYO Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB". www.lego.com. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  30. ^ "Robot Break-dancer - LEGO VIDIYO Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB". www.lego.com. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  31. ^ "LEGO VIDIYO will cover multiple music genres, from pop and punk to reggae and hip hop". Brick Fanatics. 16 February 2021.
  32. ^ "LEGO VIDIYO set introduces brand new plate". Brick Fanatics. 29 April 2021.
  33. ^ "Here's every new LEGO VIDIYO set available today". Brick Fanatics. 1 June 2021.
  34. ^ "Six great LEGO sets on sale worldwide – August 2022". Brick Fanatics. 13 August 2022.
  35. ^ "LEGO VIDIYO's original song by L.L.A.M.A is out now". Brick Fanatics. 19 February 2021.
  36. ^ "Music by L.L.A.M.A". musicbyllama.com. 22 February 2021.
  37. ^ "LEGO VIDIYO inspires working brick-built DJ deck". Brick Fanatics. 19 February 2021.
  38. ^ Building Working DJ Decks from LEGO Bricks – LEGO VIDIYO. March 17, 2021 – via YouTube.
  39. ^ "LEGO Brawls". Metacritic. Retrieved 2021-04-16.
  40. ^ "LEGO Brawls Coming to Nintendo Switch". thebrickfan.com. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  41. ^ "LEGO Brawls brings the fight to more platforms later this year". Brick Fanatics. 11 February 2022.
  42. ^ "The next season of LEGO Brawls is a free-for-all". Brick Fanz. 10 May 2022.
  43. ^ "The next season of LEGO Brawls is a free-for-all". Brick Fanatics. 6 June 2021.
  44. ^ "LEGO Brawls has everything from NINJAGO to Alien Conquest". Brick Fanatics. 15 June 2021.
  45. ^ "Every song and artist available on LEGO VIDIYO right now". Brick Fanatics. 16 February 2021.
  46. ^ Scott Stein (January 26, 2021). "Lego Vidiyo sounds like a TikTok-like music video playground for kids". CNET. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  47. ^ Scott Stein (February 16, 2021). "Lego Vidiyo hands-on: An AR-powered music video app with scannable minifigures". CNET. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  48. ^ Fahey, Mike (26 January 2021). "Lego Vidiyo Lets Kids Make Augmented Reality Music Videos With Minifigs". Kotaku. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  49. ^ Torres, Ida (January 27, 2021). "Lego Vidiyo lets kids direct their own music videos". Android Community. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  50. ^ Yates, Jack (2021-05-27). "LEGO partners with Adidas for new VIDIYO apparel". Brick Fanatics. Retrieved 2021-05-28.
  51. ^ "Award Show 2021". Smart Toy Awards. Retrieved 2021-05-22.
  52. ^ "LEGO VIDIYO dances its way to the top of awards". Brick Fanatics. 31 May 2021.
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