To many people, the similarities between Roblox and LEGOs seem obvious. They both have a similar aesthetic, both are based on building figures and structures, and both are entirely based on construction using a block-like piece. However, the two companies are so different that they should not be lumped together.
There are four main differences between Roblox and LEGO:
- Genres of Play
- Multiplayer Capacity
- Building
- Marketing and Sales Strategy
These four main differences are at the heart of the comparison between Roblox and LEGOs. This post will discuss these points expansively to give you a clear picture of the two similar yet different Intellectual and commercial properties.
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What Is The Difference Between Roblox and LEGOs?
It’s often difficult to highlight differences between two commercial entities like Roblox and LEGOs. This is because when it comes to LEGOs, you can’t quantify them into one singular bracket; rather, they occupy a variety of play methods and media. These include video games, movies, toys, and TV series.
On the other hand, Roblox enjoys a dual identity as well. It is both a medium whereby players can engage in different types of games and a platform to create new games. This makes it unique in regards to anything constructed or produced by LEGOs.
Nonetheless, there are a few differences that we can discuss when it comes to the fringes that seem most similar between Roblox and LEGOs. This section will discuss these in full, starting with our most preferred comparison metric.
1. Genres Of Play
The Genres of Play are the categories occupied by both Roblox and LEGOs when it comes to their products being engaged with by consumers. In simpler terms, when we mean to discuss Genres of Play, we are discussing the category of play the franchise belongs to and how its fans interact with it.
Although both Roblox and LEGOs might seem similar in their design philosophy and general outlook, their particular Genres of play differ greatly. So much, to think they are similar even begins to feel like quite a stretch.
LEGOs
When observing LEGOs, we identify that there are several genres and media spaces that it occupies. The first and foremost is that of a toy for children and adults to interact with. They are focused on building, catharsis, and learning. And putting the blocks together is their primary method of play.
The second genre of play that LEGOs occupy exists within the sphere of video games. Several of LEGO’s video games are based on popular franchises such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Indiana Jones. These are all co-operative, or single-player, puzzle games.
The latest game in the LEGO genre of the play is the LEGO Worlds video game. LEGO allows players to use digital bricks and assets to create whatever they please. This type of game verges more towards the realm of simulation and what it might feel like to build in an open-world environment without restrictions.
Roblox
Roblox is far more straightforward when it comes to which types of genres of play it occupies. This is because Roblox is only a video game player on PC, Tablets, Phones, etc. Because Roblox lacks the physical aspects of LEGOs, it does not occupy that genre of play that LEGOs otherwise does.
However, there are also significant differences between the Roblox and LEGO play genres regarding their video games. Roblox is a kid-friendly, voxel-based, 3D sandbox game and platform.
In their first genre of play, players can construct through an expression of their creativity and imagination a host of different games or virtual works, brick by brick. They can subsequently share them with the rest of the Roblox community.
In Roblox’s second genre of play, the game utilizes these creative games and virtual worlds as a medium for players to play and interact with one another. Players can join and play these games alone or with other players on their online server. This makes Roblox feel more like an MMO than just a 3D-sandbox game.
2. Multiplayer Capacity
One of the primary factors in LEGO video games and Roblox is its multiplayer component. However, both games have had a completely different design philosophy regarding implanting their unique multiplayer structures.
Two separate aspects of multiplayer Capacity will be discussed in this section whether the games have Cross-play functionality and the difference in player count in any singular multiplayer session.
In terms of Cross-play functionality, the LEGO games, even the latest releases, do not have Cross-play functionality enabled. You may only be in a multiplayer session with another player on the same system as you, i.e., PC, Xbox, PS4, etc. And this means that other platforms are limited in engaging with each other.
However, this is not the case when it comes to Roblox. Players on PCs, Phones, or tablets may freely join in game sessions because the game contains Cross-play functionality. This widely expands the ability of the player base to interact with each other. And does not horde most of the community on one particular platform.
Finally, let’s discuss multiplayer play sessions. Most LEGO games usually allow only 1-4 players to play simultaneously within their games, and there is not a lot of freedom in what activities these players can do.
However, in Roblox, the play sessions can be anywhere from 2 players up to 100 players in any particular game session. This means that the capacity for social interaction and multiplayer gaming within Roblox is far more expansive when compared to LEGO.
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3. Building
It is difficult to think about LEGO video games that allow you to build within them. The only game in recent memory with that capacity is the newly released LEGO Worlds. Similar to real-world LEGOs, you can create any structure, figure, or object through their signature bricks.
However, the majority of the game building is done in specified biomes. And this hinges upon the type of environment the player has been loaded into in their expansive catalog. On the other hand, building within Roblox is completely different and takes on a new context from just building for yourself.
In Roblox, players can customize their avatars with bought items and merch from the store or build their games using the game’s intuitive and simplistic mechanics. This has led to so many games originating from the Roblox community.
Where LEGO focuses on building environments, people, things, and creatures. Roblox preoccupies itself with building games, structures within them, and cool items for avatars to interact with and wear.
4. Marketing and Sales Strategy
Both Roblox and LEGOs have completely different strategies and marketing tactics when it comes to selling their products. Their price ranges as well as how they make money also greatly differ from one another.
In the case of Roblox, it is a free-to-play video game that anyone can download at any time on their phone, tablet, or PC. Roblox Premium, however, is their main service that allows the corporation to make money. They provide a premium currency called Robux for in-game purchases, which drives the major revenue for the game.
On the other hand, the tactic for LEGOs is simple. They do not market themself as a free-to-play game. Their video games are usually fixed, and if players want to enjoy their experience in these games, they must buy them at retail price.
Both companies market to children and attempt to do so by highlighting the creative aspects of their games and their action, adventure, or explorative themes.
And that’s about it. We could highlight the major differences between these two prolific children’s franchises. Both Roblox and LEGOs as enjoyed much success from their respective audiences. And they both fulfill different niches in the market.