Latest impact of other themes on historic themes

[Aanchir]

Oh that employee gift set is very charming! Also, the fact that the exclusive figs are characters from other themes "dressing up" makes me hopeful we might still get a more straightforward Willa the Witch throwback in a regular set or minifig series at some point. I also like the use of the rubber capes from recent Super Heroes sets as a modern counterpart to the classic plastic capes. I wouldn't mind seeing them used that way in future Castle throwback sets.

One surprise to me when I was looking at the digital building instructions is that it includes the 1x1 dragon coin tile from the Harry Potter sets. I wonder if that means that part is not IP-locked, or if those rules just don't apply to sets like this that aren't released to consumers. My guess is the latter, but I would be very happy if I'm wrong, since that coin makes a neat counterpart to the crown coin, and fits beautifully with the world of LEGO Castle.

20 minutes ago, danth said:

Bottom line: You just can't expect fans of these themes to be happy about cool sets they have no way to get.

Not being happy about it is reasonable, but I don't think it's fair to act like it was created to spite non-employees who would've wanted a set like this (even if it feels that way to you). It's just about creating something nice for fellow LEGO employees, same as any other set of this sort. It's not really about us in the first place.

Believe me, I'd love more small Castle throwback sets like this as much as you would! But I don't think the existence of an employee gift set like this really affects what we see in more widely-produced sets one way or another. If anything, the influence seems to go the other direction — the designer of this year's employee gift set probably wouldn't have settled on a Castle throwback scene/costume party if not for so many of the necessary parts (Majisto's hat and wand, forestman clothes, Black Falcon clothes and shield, etc) already being available from other recent sets.

[Classic_Spaceman]

3 hours ago, danth said:

Well, I'm taking the existence of these sets as a personal "F*** You" to fans of classic themes.

This and the Space set from a while back are both amazing sets with awesome, exclusive minifigs that fans of classic themes would love, but they're not available to us. You can't even get these on eBay or Bricklink, unlike GWP sets, and GWP sets are already fairly exploitative.

I disagree. The only exclusive pieces are Wu's torso, Mrs. Castillo's body, and the sign; while nice to get, none of those really fit into traditional Castle settings, and the rest of the set is an easy PAB purchase. The Space one was even more accessible, as the only exclusive elements were one printed part and the purple CS torso with purple arms and hands already attached. 
Obviously, I would love for this set (and similar sets!) to be available for purchase somehow, but I am not really seeing this as a "personal F-U" to fans. In fact, I see this as a sign that LEGO is internally recognising the importance and popularity of the classic themes - Last year's set was Space, and we got a full Space subtheme in City the very next year (which is continuing into 2025, and we are getting with something to do with Blacktron!); not only is this set Castle, it also recognises classic themes like Space (robot) and Adventurers (Johnny Thunder) alongside modern themes like Ninjago (Wu) and Dreamzzz (Mrs. Castillo)! 
Am I saying that this is a pattern, and that we will get City Castle next year? No. What I mean is that LEGO clearly recognises the classic themes as being significant and important, which bodes well for more classic-inspired or remake sets in the future! 
 

[Black Falcon]

8 hours ago, Classic_Spaceman said:

I disagree. The only exclusive pieces are Wu's torso, Mrs. Castillo's body, and the sign; while nice to get, none of those really fit into traditional Castle settings, and the rest of the set is an easy PAB purchase. The Space one was even more accessible, as the only exclusive elements were one printed part and the purple CS torso with purple arms and hands already attached. 

Have to agree here. While it is a fun Set and sure has some usefull parts, all the exclusive ones aren´t really suitable for castle. That beeing set I like the set for what it is, but probably wouldn´t have been a must have for me. Still hoping that we will get a castle GWP set this year, though. We are getting slowly towards the end of the year, so there might not be that much time left for it - especially with no rumour or mention of one yet. And not sure if they will do a castle GWP for Insiders again, because we already had it there last year.

[R0Sch]

Here's the Studio file of the DS2024 build with some necessary placeholders due to missing parts in library (e.g. baby owl, large flask, coin, torsos, rubber capes, heads): DS2024.io

[Doddsino]

That DS build is okay, but the minifigs are nothing special. They're rather ugly, actually.

Edited October 27, 2024 by Doddsino

[The Reader]

10 hours ago, Doddsino said:

That DS build is okay, but the minifigs are nothing special. They're rather ugly, actually.

Just my thoughts. I like the Blue roof though.

[DonQuixote]

On 10/26/2024 at 8:07 AM, Black Falcon said:

Have to agree here. While it is a fun Set and sure has some usefull parts, all the exclusive ones aren´t really suitable for castle. That beeing set I like the set for what it is, but probably wouldn´t have been a must have for me. Still hoping that we will get a castle GWP set this year, though. We are getting slowly towards the end of the year, so there might not be that much time left for it - especially with no rumour or mention of one yet. And not sure if they will do a castle GWP for Insiders again, because we already had it there last year.

I don't like a castle GWP. I prefer a small castle set instead that is easily available for everyone 

[Black Falcon]

11 minutes ago, DonQuixote said:

I don't like a castle GWP. I prefer a small castle set instead that is easily available for everyone 

I certainly wouldn´t mind both ;).

I mean I love the Lion Knights Castle, I also like the Town Square but also the Forestmen GWP - and even the Majisto one, even if it was lacking at some points - and I certainly wouldn´t mind to get some more GWPs. But I also would love to get smaller, cheaper castle Sets. Like they could make a Wolfpack Tower for instance and release a small raid on a carriage GWP alongside with it. But I don´t really see them doing smaller Sets as buyable Sets in the near future sadly.

[Lion King]

10 hours ago, DonQuixote said:

I don't like a castle GWP. I prefer a small castle set instead that is easily available for everyone 

I agree with you.  I’m not a huge of general GWP sets but I do like Modular GWPs (vintage taxi, moving truck, etc).  I still wish that modular GWP should be regular sets as much as Castle sets. 

[Roebuck]

Now that GWP are back on the PAB menu, I wound not mind a Castle one so I can finally order some parts

[Westbrick]

Has anyone built the ship from 76440? I’m not interested in the carriage (although a horse is always useful) but the ship itself looks like it could fit into the medieval theme? There’s a deal on it through Argos in the UK, so am considering it. 

[karrit]

Just saw a rumor about How to Train Your Dragon sets coming in 2025.  Should be a good source of parts for Vikings & Castles.

[unclejeffie]

12 hours ago, karrit said:

Just saw a rumor about How to Train Your Dragon sets coming in 2025.  Should be a good source of parts for Vikings & Castles.

Unless its minidolls..

[karrit]

9 hours ago, unclejeffie said:

Unless its minidolls..

I really hope not.

[zoth33]

11 hours ago, unclejeffie said:

Unless its minidolls..

Still should have some good parts and dragons would be good too.  I also hope it's not minidolls but the Elves theme had some good sets.  

[Classic_Spaceman]

A couple of Lunar New Year sets have leaked, and one has a new chain piece! The part has two attachments (one on each end) that are similar to the tassel piece, with a single link connecting them; based on what I can see of the set’s construction, the ends have bar connections rather than studs. 
This should be useful for flails: DnD mace head or Technic ball, 1x1 round plate with hole, lightsaber hilt, 3L bar. 
Hopefully we get a new spiked mace/flail head in a future CMF! 
 

13 hours ago, unclejeffie said:

Unless its minidolls..

I doubt that it will be, since Minidolls are used for “girl’s themes”; HTTYD would be considered a “boy’s theme” (from what I know of the property), so Minifigs are definitely on the table! 
 

[MAB]

1 hour ago, Classic_Spaceman said:

I doubt that it will be, since Minidolls are used for “girl’s themes”; HTTYD would be considered a “boy’s theme” (from what I know of the property), so Minifigs are definitely on the table! 
 

I imagine they would aim a How To Train Your Dragon theme at all children, rather than being a "boy theme". Both genders enjoy the movies.

4 hours ago, zoth33 said:

Still should have some good parts and dragons would be good too.  I also hope it's not minidolls but the Elves theme had some good sets.  

I can't see the dragons being much use for Castle, as they are a very specific look for the movies. And if they use more generic dragons then they won't look very much like the movies.

[Wesley D]

Good to know they can do the effort of making special prints for one of the most exclusive sets of 2024, DS2024 The Magic of Play, while we still get stickers in pretty high priced sets, like in 10332 Medieval Town Square. I had not bought it yet, because I was torn up over all the compromises that set clearly shows, but now I'm sure I never will.

More and more I think LEGO has to step up their game if they want to be and stay a premium product, 'Only the best is good enough'.

[Darth Shadowthrone]

10 hours ago, MAB said:

I imagine they would aim a How To Train Your Dragon theme at all children, rather than being a "boy theme". Both genders enjoy the movies.

I can't see the dragons being much use for Castle, as they are a very specific look for the movies. And if they use more generic dragons then they won't look very much like the movies.

Some of the HTTYD dragons do have a distinctive look, especially Night Furies and Nadders, but I reckon a red Monstrous Nightmare would fit well in a castle display and the two-headed Zippleback could work well as a sea monster 

[Classic_Spaceman]

13 hours ago, MAB said:

I imagine they would aim a How To Train Your Dragon theme at all children, rather than being a "boy theme". Both genders enjoy the movies.

Oh, I am well aware that gendered toys are arbitrary, stereotypical, distinctions, and that gender does not determine what you can (and do) like! I just mean that LEGO will probably put the IP with vikings and dragons into the “boy” category and use Minifigs for the sets. 
 

[MAB]

23 minutes ago, Classic_Spaceman said:

Oh, I am well aware that gendered toys are arbitrary, stereotypical, distinctions, and that gender does not determine what you can (and do) like! I just mean that LEGO will probably put the IP with vikings and dragons into the “boy” category and use Minifigs for the sets. 
 

LEGO don't do sets for boys and sets for girls though. They say as much implicitly and sometimes explicitly in their advertising. I noticed a few months ago that they even removed gender from the gift finder on their website. They also have minidolls in franchises that might be of interest to boys, like Wicked, and Gabby's Dollhouse for younger kids. If they thought they would hit the demographic they are aiming at better with minidolls, they'd do it. Especially if they do small molded dragons, then the proportions of minidolls might work better in looking realistic than minifigs.

Edited November 3, 2024 by MAB

[Classic_Spaceman]

22 minutes ago, MAB said:

LEGO don't do sets for boys and sets for girls though. 

Though they are getting better, LEGO’s Minidoll themes are more stereotypically girl-coded (Friends, Disney Princesses, Wednesday, Wicked, etc), while the Minifig themes are more boy-coded (City, Ninjago, Star Wars, Superheroes, etc). 

25 minutes ago, MAB said:

If they thought they would hit the demographic they are aiming at better with minidolls, they'd do it. 

This is my point - LEGO believes that certain demographics prefer Minidolls, while others prefer Minifigs. Looking at which themes have gotten which ‘fig types, vikings and dragons are more likely to fall into the demographic that prefers Minifigs. 
 

[Lyichir]

13 hours ago, Wesley D said:

Good to know they can do the effort of making special prints for one of the most exclusive sets of 2024, DS2024 The Magic of Play, while we still get stickers in pretty high priced sets, like in 10332 Medieval Town Square. I had not bought it yet, because I was torn up over all the compromises that set clearly shows, but now I'm sure I never will.

More and more I think LEGO has to step up their game if they want to be and stay a premium product, 'Only the best is good enough'.

Wow, it's almost like a small printing run for a hyper-exclusive set is easier to slot into the production line than a large number of extra prints for a more widely produced sets (that already had a fair share of unique printed minifigure parts).

EDIT: Just saw a comment by a designer on Reddit confirming that sets like this or convention exclusives with small production runs are printed part by part on internal equipment used by the Lego design department for prototyping, which is understandably slower than the production lines at the factories and would be unsuited for manufacturing at a worldwide consumer scale. So it's not even like these parts were chosen to be printed instead of any parts in sets—the production of these employee sets does not impact the production of consumer sets in the first place.

Edited November 3, 2024 by Lyichir

[zoth33]

17 hours ago, MAB said:

I imagine they would aim a How To Train Your Dragon theme at all children, rather than being a "boy theme". Both genders enjoy the movies.

I can't see the dragons being much use for Castle, as they are a very specific look for the movies. And if they use more generic dragons then they won't look very much like the movies.

Yeah but that's the beauty of lego you can make it whatever you want to it doesn't have to just used for HTTYD.  

The Maleficent Dragon is specific to the movie but looks great on it's own.

Also I use several Ninjago dragons for my fantasy/castle world  

3 hours ago, MAB said:

LEGO don't do sets for boys and sets for girls though. They say as much implicitly and sometimes explicitly in their advertising. I noticed a few months ago that they even removed gender from the gift finder on their website. They also have minidolls in franchises that might be of interest to boys, like Wicked, and Gabby's Dollhouse for younger kids. If they thought they would hit the demographic they are aiming at better with minidolls, they'd do it. Especially if they do small molded dragons, then the proportions of minidolls might work better in looking realistic than minifigs.

Lego may not say that because they want to sound inclusive but that doesn't mean certain themes aren't aimed at girls or boys.  Friends is definitely aimed at girls.  Ninjago is definitely aimed more towards boys, speed racers more toward boys.  Disney princess is aimed at girls.  We could go on and on.  

[a_clay_brick]

2 hours ago, Classic_Spaceman said:

Though they are getting better, LEGO’s Minidoll themes are more stereotypically girl-coded (Friends, Disney Princesses, Wednesday, Wicked, etc), while the Minifig themes are more boy-coded (City, Ninjago, Star Wars, Superheroes, etc). 

This is my point - LEGO believes that certain demographics prefer Minidolls, while others prefer Minifigs. Looking at which themes have gotten which ‘fig types, vikings and dragons are more likely to fall into the demographic that prefers Minifigs. 
 

You hit the nail on the head. While boys can obviously like minidoll sets and girls can like like minifig sets, it's clear the distinction only exists because the market demands it. I would even go further to say that the Disney theme being both minifigs and minidolls, the minidolls only being in the sets directly targeted at the young girl demographic, shows us that if a set has no target gender, they go with minifigs. For this reason along with what you said, I am leaning very heavily towards HTYYD being minifigs.

Also I believe the main argument for minidolls is that the character designs would translate well to them, but I'm not sure if theres any precedent of LEGO doing that. To me it seems clear every mini-doll set is aimed at a primarily girl market.