Alright, well riding on the coattails of the Popmart idea, I wanted to spin up the logical next idea: A Splinterlands Lego collection!
The Concept
Build a family of Lego toys resembling Splinterlands cards, focusing on the latest set (Conclave Arcana) to market the character, lore, and game to new audiences.
The Toys
At the heart of the concept is the toys of course, who would need to closely resemble the cards from the game to both appeal to existing gamers and create a sense of consistency when buyers come into the game from the legos.
Filthy Scavenger
Swiftbeard Stout
Archmage Yabanius
Inept Healer
Game Tie-Ins
- Digital redemption codes to enter a tournament
The figurines could come with special cards that give users a one-time code that lets them enter highly coveted ghost card tournament:
- ...or to get a Ghost card to play in ranked
Now this might be the trickiest as it would highly impact the Splinterlands community, but the idea would be to get a Ghost card (no earnings) of the unit (maybe at level 1?) by scanning the code provided along with it. Perhaps it could have limited uses, and of course it would need to be bound to 1 account. It would likely be difficult to get the right mechanics, but it would be a great way to give utility to the toys.
- ...or to get special "glamour"
Perhaps there could be certain versions that have special clothing, and which would unlock a cosmetic glamour in-game:
Could it actually be do
Researching the actual feasibility of this was a bit hard, but of course AI was there to help. After a few different queries, here's a good summary of what it might look like to try partnering with LEGO for a Splinterlands-themed line and a quick reality check and roadmap:
🔍 How Likely Is It?
Unlikely via official LEGO Group. LEGO is extremely selective with IP collaborations. They mostly partner with:
- Massive global franchises (e.g., Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel)
- Proven family-friendly brands with multigenerational appeal
- Brands with retail presence, toyline potential, and billion-dollar-level cultural recognition
However...
- LEGO Ideas could be a potential backdoor. It allows fan submissions, and popular entries (10k+ votes) may be reviewed for official sets.
- Custom Brick Vendors (e.g., Brickmania, Minifigs.me, Citizen Brick) offer unofficial LEGO-compatible sets with more flexibility and could be ideal for a proof of concept.
🛠️ What Would It Take to Go Official?
Massive community support
- Demonstrable audience demand: LEGO looks for widespread interest. Aim to generate 10k+ fans on LEGO Ideas or a similar public campaign.
- Demonstrable audience demand: LEGO looks for widespread interest. Aim to generate 10k+ fans on LEGO Ideas or a similar public campaign.
Robust IP Positioning
- Splinterlands would need to present itself as more than a niche Web3 game. A compelling story/lore universe, strong visual identity, and cross-generational appeal are key.
- Splinterlands would need to present itself as more than a niche Web3 game. A compelling story/lore universe, strong visual identity, and cross-generational appeal are key.
Retail & Licensing Readiness
- LEGO seeks partners with merchandise and licensing experience. Having existing physical products (e.g. card packs, merch) is a plus.
- LEGO seeks partners with merchandise and licensing experience. Having existing physical products (e.g. card packs, merch) is a plus.
Clean Legal/IP Reputation
- LEGO is extremely risk-averse about anything involving crypto or NFTs. The brand must be “kid-safe” and free from controversy.
- LEGO is extremely risk-averse about anything involving crypto or NFTs. The brand must be “kid-safe” and free from controversy.
A Licensing Agent or Entertainment Partner
- Having a middle-tier entertainment studio or toy distributor pitch the idea helps. LEGO rarely deals with indie projects directly unless through Ideas.
💡 TLDR:
- Use custom-brick manufacturers to prototype a high-end Splinterlands set.
- Run a campaign (YouTube, Twitter, TikTok) to showcase the demand.
- Submit to LEGO Ideas as a “fan concept,” building grassroots support.
- If it catches fire, then consider licensing pathways or pitching LEGO via a partner with retail experience.
What do you think? Do we have a shot with LEGO?
Note: All the art in this post was created using AI.