Ancient Theme

[vexorian]

How would an ancient theme be harder to sell than the current kingdoms line? They are both history based with no fantasy elements whatsoever. And just like some kids manage to like knights, I see no reason why wouldn't there be kids that like centurions or gladiators.

I really did remember TLG saying the minifigs in the collectable series are exclusive to that line. Even if they didn't say so, it would be quite obvious that they wouldn't release them in sets as that would kill their collectible value. That should not mean that, for example, they would not make a different fig with other accessories that represented the same thing as one of the collectable minifigs. IE The cop in series 2 won't prevent town to have cops in the future, the scuba diver didn't stop atlantis from happening, etc. It should also not prevent the new molds from being reused in sets.

Edit: LEGO did say that some pieces and accessories created for collectable minifigs won't be ever used again. The Minifigs are the pieces they talk about. Weapons and tools are accessories.

In the case of representative figures like centurions or ninjas that would appeal to kids more for being centurions and ninjas than for the specific molds. It does seem unlikely LEGO would release a theme soon that had even other ninjas and centurions.

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Meh I wish I never had playmobil as a child. When you are a kid you think it is cool at first, but then, you can only build the main model (which is actually hard for a kid to build without breaking) oh and lose one of the giant plastic parts and your set has become useless rubish because you can't build anything else but an incomplete boat or castle tower with it. I think megabloks do it better at competing with LEGO. Saying playmobil is a competitor just because the target market is the same, is almost like saying that Barbie is a competitor. Parents would usually not limit themselves to an exclusive kind of toy anyway.

Edited July 12, 2010 by vexorian

[Swiss Army Droid]

I think it would be really cool if Lego did a historic theme. It would also be a chance for Lego to help get kids interested in history. A Greek or Roman theme would provide a good mix of army and architecture, both of which are already done well by TLG. I think it would sell pretty well.

[blueandwhite]

How would an ancient theme be harder to sell than the current kingdoms line? They are both history based with no fantasy elements whatsoever. And just like some kids manage to like knights, I see no reason why wouldn't there be kids that like centurions or gladiators.

I'm not sure anybody can give a definitive answer to that. Still, the Castle theme is time tested and proven which probably makes it an easy product for LEGO to promote. Introducing another history theme brings with it an element of risk as there's no way for LEGO to determine how well the line might be recieved prior to its release. As you mentioned there are bound to be some children who like centurions/gladiators/spartans/etc., however the same could be said for any historic theme. The real question is whether those themes have the mass appeal to grab a large enough market share.

[Tom Bricks]

A very clever way they can do this is by creating a theme somewhat along the lines of "Mythical Heroes Vs. Monsters" and then creating numerous sets of monsters who face off against a faction of hoplites and "heroes". It will be to ancient themes, what Fantasy was to castle

Isn't that exactly what Vikings was? I don't remember that really selling well either

I'd like to see it but i don't think its gonna happen.

[Toth]

I think it would be a total succes with both adults and kids.

Adults: because we all wait for something fresh. Even if the new line of Castle is nice, an ancient theme or a Mythology theme would be a revolution!

Personnaly, it's maybe the theme i wait the most (with classic monsters theme.)

Kids: too much people underestimate kids maybe. Kids are not as limited. They dream about a lot more than middle age knights. Just remember what you liked when you were kid. What books, what films, what cartoons. The peplums. Conan the barbarian. In france for exemple, the little Asterix is really popular and there is no Asterix without ROMANS. For the latest kids, Gladiator is printed in there heads forever.

So yes, definitly Kids would adore Roman armies, gladiators, spartans, mythologic warriors, cyclops, minotaurs, barbarians.

there is the same problem in cartoon industry. Today we only got contemporary school themes as most of the channels fear that our kids won't be able to understand and transpose themselves in another time. (past especially). What a joke. Adults thinking that way are the limited minds and they slow down creativity and variety.

Themes like Ancient, Mythology, Celtic legends, Legendary monsters are without risks. it's a garanty of succes cause it got all what kids are looking for.

Edited July 12, 2010 by Toth

[castlestrike666]

Isn't that exactly what Vikings was? I don't remember that really selling well either

In the beginning, vikings sold pretty good, but they didn't last long. It was a new line, with some new parts in it, so it was a hit. Just as i.e. Atlantis. I don't see this theme last very long either, but I agree there are some neat and useful new parts in it.

And I personally think that Romans/Greeks are better known to children then the Viking or Atlantis theme is.

I'd say: yes there will be such theme. Maybe not in the few next months, but there will be one. Just look at the previous enquiry TLC launched. As I can still remember, there were 2 (correct me if I'm wrong) questions where they asked if you wanted to see an Ancient/Greek theme.

To me this is the biggest proof that LEGO isn't excluding this idea, don't you think?

The demand is too big. Too many adults are asking for this theme. And it would be stupid not to listen to this so important target group. Know that the importance of AFOL's is increasing daily! Why did TLC launced the Ambassadors? Why are they sending enquiries? Because we are important!

As for the children, I am sure they will be interested by this theme. Why wouldn't they be? As some said before, Asterix and Obelix is well known and pretty popular among children. And why would Playmobil start this line if it wouldn't sell? I can assure you they just do not launch a new theme fully blindfolded, and a profound market research has happened.

I've been doing Marketing for the past three years, and I can say it would really be foolish not to start this line (unless the market research proves the contrary of course!).

[Brig. Brick]

I believe that in addition to market research, they need filling the void of franchises such as Star Wars (soon finished), and make new and fresh topics ( and please no more Toy Story or Cars )

additionally, I think is best for the economy of TLG stop paying for those franchises

I think that the new minifig collections is one way to test the market, proof new molds and designs; and likes and dislikes from the people

But from all the designs from the new minifig collections, I think that this greek/spartan/roman soldier is one who has more chance to survive for a mass production

I started this topic, just for see the expectation about new topics, especially the ancient, who is one of my past dream (I want to see Zeus, Poseidon and Hades in lego), but suddenly became in a battle of marketing, and is better, because, if TLG could see this forum, they will see the interest and potencial of this topic

Edited July 13, 2010 by Brig. Brick

[Sirens-of-Titan]

Granted kids are marginally aware of the history of Rome and ancient Greece, the only way to truly make a big impression on them is to sell it on the bases of popular culture.

Yes, they will dig the uniforms, and they will like the new pieces that will come in the sets, but to keep on coming back and buying more and more there has to be a hook, to really draw them in, a story of a sort that they can follow and continue when they get to playing, so if there is an "ancient' theme, which i too would love to see, there will undoubtedly also be a well developed story behind it, with motifs like monsters, heroes and villains.

Look at any Lego theme and see for yourself that these are present in all of the them, and it is part of the reason people aren't fully happy with the Kingdoms theme; a lot of protagonists but few antagonists and no leadership on the side of the Dragon Knights.

[vexorian]

Star Wars (soon finished),

Unlikely

additionally, I think is best for the economy of TLG stop paying for those franchises

The opposite actually (I hate licenses , but the truth is that more often than not they are profit for TLG).

LEGO is probably not going to risk losing their Disney license again so that MB takes them over again. It was not positive news for TLG when it happened.

The collectible minifigs line is a market test, but not for prospect theme but for the idea of LEGO collectibles.

[AncientCiv]

Of course I'd love for LEGO to release an Ancient theme.

However, the more I MOC with Price of Persia, the more I'm loving the flesh minifigures and all the extra detail that comes with a license theme. Now I'm hoping TLG releases more license themes set in historic settings like Ancient India, Greece, Rome or China.

[BasOne]

Unlikely

The collectible minifigs line is a market test, but not for prospect theme but for the idea of LEGO collectibles.

I think TLG hit the jackpot with the collectible minifigs, they are sold by the bucketload, especially to AFOL's

I think i bought over 250 sofar and with atleast series 4 and 5 coming i think i'll double that easily.

Collectible buildings and the like are allready available but very expensive.