Why Lego reduce releasing hospital / clinic theme

[ks6349]

Looks like they focus on Police theme in recent years, 

and also the Fireman theme, a lot of different sets of Police and Firemen

theme that we can easily find. But why do they reduce on 

producing hospital or clinic theme? even for the small sets...

Yes I know there is 60204, but really only 60204 in recent years.....

 

Probably the only reason is that the theme doesn't sell... However, I think 60204 sells very well..

Edited March 7, 2020 by ks6349

[Medzomorak]

Because Lego has a cyclical release policy by nature. I don't have the best grip of the City subject, but there are still hospital and firefighter sets on sale at the moment - at least in Hungary.

Police offers more ready made action and adventures for kids so it is always going to get more attention, while the other distress services are more supplementary and niched. However, I doubt they're ever going to stop releasing newer sets from these subcategories, because they're always going to be popular.

So I wouldn't really worry about this issue. At least there's something out there to buy while a lot of other themes are practically dead right now.

[Fugazi]

There is a forum dedicated to Town themes discussion, please post this kind of topics over there. 

[The Island Chronicles]

2 hours ago, Medzomorak said:

Police offers more ready made action and adventures for kids so it is always going to get more attention, while the other distress services are more supplementary and niched.

The designers of City can make action with other lines of work too. 

[dr_spock]

Don't forget to add LEGO® Friends hospitals to the release cycle now.  I think when Friends has one, City doesn't and vice versa.  You can look on brickset.com at the release years of City and Friends hospital sets.  Let us know if there is a pattern to this madness:

https://brickset.com/sets/theme-Friends

https://brickset.com/sets/theme-City

 

[The Island Chronicles]

@dr_spock I think he's talking about City. 

@ks6349 You are just talking about City, right? 

[ks6349]

@Brandon PeaTrue. Except Friends

[The Island Chronicles]

1 minute ago, ks6349 said:

@Brandon PeaTrue. Except Friends

You know....considering how many girls want to be cops too, I'm surprised that the designers of Friends aren't joining the success of police stations. I would like to see TLG do a Heartlake City Police Headquarters. Just as much as I would like to see that modular police station on LEGO Ideas be released. 

Edited March 7, 2020 by Brandon Pea

[ks6349]

9 minutes ago, Brandon Pea said:

You know....considering how many girls want to be cops too, I'm surprised that the designers of Friends aren't joining the success of police stations. I would like to see TLG do a Heartlake City Police Headquarters. Just as much as I would like to see that modular police station on LEGO Ideas be released. 

Yes, I hope there will be police station for the creator expert series... There was detective office but it does not exactly look like a police station. All other city police

stations don't interest me. They are so simple and without much details inside

[The Island Chronicles]

22 minutes ago, ks6349 said:

Yes, I hope there will be police station for the creator expert series... There was detective office but it does not exactly look like a police station. All other city police

stations don't interest me. They are so simple and without much details inside

The vehicles that City does are more interesting. I'm still begging the designers of City to do a re-release of the flat nose tow truck from 2009 and a school bus to the Great Vehicles lineup for 2021. 

Edited March 7, 2020 by Brandon Pea

[Lyichir]

To be honest, it hasn't really been reduced that much. Hospital sets have only ever come out once every six years since the start of the City theme, and only twice before that in the Town theme (in 1980 and 1987). The only real decline has been a lower number of small supplementary sets like ambulances and helicopters. Even then, you might be surprised to realize that there's never been more than four medical sets released in a year, with most years falling far below that if there are any sets at all. It's always been more of a niche theme than Fire and Police, probably in part because apart from the rush to get a patient to the hospital, the "action" of playing with a medical theme is more low-key (and thus a little less exciting for kids than a police chase or fighting a fire).

[ks6349]

Just now, Brandon Pea said:

The vehicles that City does are more interesting. I'm still begging the designers of City to add a school bus to the Great Vehicles lineup for 2021. 

Yes... I like their vehicles. I've got a lot of helicopter, trucks and police patrol cars, minifigures as well.... 

[The Island Chronicles]

Just now, Lyichir said:

 (and thus a little less exciting for kids than a police chase or fighting a fire).

....or racing a car. 

Just now, ks6349 said:

Yes... I like their vehicles. I've got a lot of helicopter, trucks and police patrol cars, minifigures as well.... 

I've got enough of those myself. 

[ks6349]

Just now, Lyichir said:

To be honest, it hasn't really been reduced that much. Hospital sets have only ever come out once every six years since the start of the City theme, and only twice before that in the Town theme (in 1980 and 1987). The only real decline has been a lower number of small supplementary sets like ambulances and helicopters. Even then, you might be surprised to realize that there's never been more than four medical sets released in a year, with most years falling far below that if there are any sets at all. It's always been more of a niche theme than Fire and Police, probably in part because apart from the rush to get a patient to the hospital, the "action" of playing with a medical theme is more low-key (and thus a little less exciting for kids than a police chase or fighting a fire).

I understand that a big set like a hospital could induce higher risk for the sales and business so Lego is reluctant to take risk. However, I think they should at least 

release more ambulances which I don't see that they have done for the city series in recent years.... For city sets of recent years we can see a lot of police and fireman

vehicles but hardly any ambulances.... Isn't medical services important part of a city???

[The Island Chronicles]

Just now, ks6349 said:

Isn't medical services important part of a city???

That is true. Medics and Doctors are also just as heroic as cops and firefighters. Thus why they are called first responders. Maybe we'll see a standalone ambulance in 2021 like we did in 2012. 

Towing is also a vital civilian service too. We've got a tow truck with the tuning shop, but I'm kinda hoping for something more generic and standalone like previous tow trucks that we have gotten from City. Personally, speaking as a mechanic, the tow truck was my favorite vehicle from City. It was the buses, but it changed once I got no. 7638 in the mail the other week. I also got the big tow truck from the 2009 garage set from Bricklink. 

[ks6349]

1 hour ago, Brandon Pea said:

That is true. Medics and Doctors are also just as heroic as cops and firefighters. Thus why they are called first responders. Maybe we'll see a standalone ambulance in 2021 like we did in 2012. 

Towing is also a vital civilian service too. We've got a tow truck with the tuning shop, but I'm kinda hoping for something more generic and standalone like previous tow trucks that we have gotten from City. Personally, speaking as a mechanic, the tow truck was my favorite vehicle from City. It was the buses, but it changed once I got no. 7638 in the mail the other week. I also got the big tow truck from the 2009 garage set from Bricklink. 

In addition to city vehicles, I am particularly interested in their "starter" sets that usually comprise 4 minifigures e.g. 60120, 60072, 60100..... luckily I could still get 60072 and 60100 at a relatively acceptable price last year

by the way, 60100 - airport starter set is one of the best value sets ever, 4 city people and a small helicopter!! Here in my country it's only $9 now (usd)

Edited March 7, 2020 by ks6349

[Medzomorak]

9 hours ago, Brandon Pea said:

The designers of City can make action with other lines of work too. 

While might understand intuitively what you mean, I'm not convinced. There was the Res-Q town subtheme maybe, but that's just the costal guard city lineup today.

Other than that Firefighters are fighting fires and hospitals are just medical staff hosting patients. Policemen are fighting bad guys, bank robbers, gangsters and masterminded evils. It'll always be more excitng. I think it is simple as that.

City isn't really left behind, you even got the Jungle, arctic and subnautic themes integrated. There are new modular buildings all the time and very diverse creator sets as well.

This is a farely new set with a lot of accessories and a great design. What else could you wish for?

Edited March 7, 2020 by Medzomorak

[The Island Chronicles]

@Medzomorak Words only. No pictures...Can you explain that a little more? I'm a slow processor. What do you mean you're not convinced? I don't think excitement stops at cops, firefighters and explorers. 

[Medzomorak]

4 hours ago, Brandon Pea said:

@Medzomorak Words only. No pictures...Can you explain that a little more? I'm a slow processor. What do you mean you're not convinced? I don't think excitement stops at cops, firefighters and explorers. 

But I just told you, I can only repeat myself. Firefighters and Medical staff are emergency services for natural and healthcare disasters. Police on the other hand are part of the law enforcement, which means getting criminals. That inherently gives more exciting action generally, action which kids prefer more on a statistical level. Weapons, shoot-outs, bank robberies, etc.

That's it. It's not about comparing cops' and firefighters' bravery it is just the very nature of their work of line. Doesn't matter how heroic a doctor is, it's not the same as fighting a criminal. This is how Lego thinks, this is what their sales show, thus the lesser number of sets. And again, everything you are talking about is actually there for city. This theme is the most diverse thing you could just ask for.

Edited March 7, 2020 by Medzomorak

[The Island Chronicles]

42 minutes ago, Medzomorak said:

But I just told you, I can only repeat myself. Firefighters and Medical staff are emergency services for natural and healthcare disasters. Police on the other hand are part of the law enforcement, which means getting criminals. That inherently gives more exciting action generally, action which kids prefer more on a statistical level. Weapons, shoot-outs, bank robberies, etc.

No need to be hasty dude. I'm just slow at processing.

The designers of City sets don't really focus on the weaponry and killing aspect of police. They just do the chase and arrest piece. Thats it. It's similar to the firefighters putting out the fires and rescuing cats from trees and the doctors and paramedics getting people who are hurt to the hospital. They don't focus on the blood and gore piece. That's why I said action can happen anywhere.

So with that being said this is how it happens; police - chasing and arresting criminals, firefighters - putting out fires and rescuing animals, doctors/medics - getting people to the hospital, etc. Even going beyond emergency subthemes such as the explorers subthemes. 

When you are involved in a job that is classed as a major civilian service, there is no such thing as an action free day. There is always action and Lego can do that and they have done it. With every line of work City has covered, they have put some type of action in there - even stretching the truth at times. 

42 minutes ago, Medzomorak said:

That's it. It's not about comparing cops' and firefighters' bravery it is just the very nature of their work of line. Doesn't matter how heroic a doctor is, it's not the same as fighting a criminal. This is how Lego thinks, this is what their sales show, thus the lesser number of sets. And again, everything you are talking about is actually there for city. This theme is the most diverse thing you could just ask for.

I wish people wouldn't use sales as an excuse. Thats really annoying. The thing is....you can call a theme diverse. But you, like a lot of other people on these forums aren't seeing the big picture with City. 

If you look at the big picture, you can see that City almost only focuses on these three topics every year; police, great vehicles and explorers. Since 2012, you will not see a City wave without those three. That's why people on other forms of social media are calling Lego City a dump of repetition and non diversity. 

I know we should take time to understand why Lego does what they do with City and the limitations they may be under. But at the same time, people should take time to understand why people think the way they do about certain Lego themes such as City. 

Edited March 7, 2020 by Brandon Pea

[dr_spock]

9 hours ago, Brandon Pea said:

@dr_spock I think he's talking about City.

Yes, he's wondering the reduction of hospitals in CITY.  Looking at the bigger picture. Since the release of Friends in 2012,  CITY had one hospital set.   Friends had at least 4 hospital sets (2 people and 2 animals).  Heartlake seem to get some priority on the company's hospital set designers.

[The Island Chronicles]

Just now, dr_spock said:

Yes, he's wondering the reduction of hospitals in CITY.  Looking at the bigger picture. Since the release of Friends in 2012,  CITY had one hospital set.   Friends had at least 4 hospital sets (2 people and 2 animals).  Heartlake seem to get some priority on the company's hospital set designers.

My guess is that civilian services such as farms and hospitals just do better under Friends than in City. Though if possible, I'm hoping that the designers of City give the farm subtheme another chance. The reason I'm begging for things like this to return is because I hate buying them second hand and I have more money now than I did back when these were out. 

[ks6349]

3 hours ago, Brandon Pea said:

My guess is that civilian services such as farms and hospitals just do better under Friends than in City. Though if possible, I'm hoping that the designers of City give the farm subtheme another chance. The reason I'm begging for things like this to return is because I hate buying them second hand and I have more money now than I did back when these were out. 

I don't like hospitals in Friends, I think Friends is too girlish and doesn't match other City materials very well

[The Island Chronicles]

4 hours ago, ks6349 said:

I don't like hospitals in Friends, I think Friends is too girlish and doesn't match other City materials very well

I agree. However some builds make sense like that hair salon. 

[Medzomorak]

13 hours ago, Brandon Pea said:

No need to be hasty dude. I'm just slow at processing.

Nobody is hasty. I'm giving you answers. No need to imply anything on your debate partner just because you feel that way. You are putting frills on your argument, especially that thing with 'action based'. This is not slow processing, this is not reading the other forum members' answer, or just conveniently ignoring arguments contradicting yours. You are also making answers which implicate never-written arguments from the debate partner. Considering this, I think you've just made up your mind already and waiting to be agreed upon by others.

12 hours ago, Brandon Pea said:

I wish people wouldn't use sales as an excuse. Thats really annoying. The thing is....you can call a theme diverse. But you, like a lot of other people on these forums aren't seeing the big picture with City. 

If you look at the big picture, you can see that City almost only focuses on these three topics every year; police, great vehicles and explorers. Since 2012, you will not see a City wave without those three. That's why people on other forms of social media are calling Lego City a dump of repetition and non diversity. 

I know we should take time to understand why Lego does what they do with City and the limitations they may be under. But at the same time, people should take time to understand why people think the way they do about certain Lego themes such as City. 

The big picture you are talking about is actually your own subjective picture.

The fact is that city is indeed the most diversed theme ever created by Lego, period. Why? Because you have arctic explorers, miners, jungle explorers, deep sea, trains, volcanologists, space, police, firefighters, medics, vehicles, cost guards, airport, cargo, harbour, swamp police, mountain police, construction site, traffic, tuning shops, even farm. This is all the previous 10 years and half of them is still available and new. It only takes a minute to check out Lego.com and see for yourself.

 

You have Creator modular buildings and smaller buildings totally compatible with City sets.

You just want it to be personally customized to your own needs and discard every other fundamental aspects. Also sales are not an excuses, they are reasons. TLG is not a charity foundation. Sales are causing other themes being drought out totally for long long years now, like Pirates, Castle and Space. The last hospital set is just 2 years old and it was a great one. In many stores still available. Nothing shows Lego would stop making newer ones in the near future. They're not reducing anything, only not creating more without reason.

Also this was the question of the thread so you got an answer for it.