Ideas results announced!
Posted by Huw,
It's all happening today... the results of the LEGO Ideas review for the first period of 2024 have just been revealed on the Ideas blog.
One project from 48 nominees passed review and will be made into a set. Find out which after the break and let us know if it excites you in the comments!
The Ideas pipeline -- sets that have been announced but are not yet available -- now looks like this:
- Twilight, approved in December 2023 (1st 2023 review period)
- Minifigure prize machine and river steamboat, approved May 2024 (2nd 2023 review period)
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Italian Riviera, approved August 2024 (3rd 2023 review period)
- Disney Pixar Luxo Jr., approved September 2024 (2nd 2023 review period)
- Minerals, approved November 2024 (1st 2024 review period)
Competition winners:
- Two space-themed models (March 2024)
100 likes
134 comments on this article
Wow
I like this idea
This set looks pretty cool, but it's seriously disappointing that out of all these candidates only one became a set. That reptiles set would have been a great follow-up to the existing insects set, and there were some really good historical sets this time around.
Unique. Eye catching. No licensing fee.
I personally had my eye on a few other sets, but it looks cool, and was in the handful I thought would make it through.
Only one project made it through!?!
There were a few good potentials on there.
Ideas review needs some serious rethinking, unless they're just going to end it completely.
buncha rocks
Lovely build so very pleased it got approved
Yikes. Who's the target audience for this? If I were into minerals I'd rather have the real stuff on my shelf, no?
@JasonBall34 said:
"buncha rocks"
"They're minerals, Marie! Jesus!"
@Spike730 said:
"Yikes. Who's the target audience for this? If I were into minerals I'd rather have the real stuff on my shelf, no?"
I mean I'm not into rocks but it could be a fun little set as long as it doesn't balloon to like >$60.
Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender
As usual, in a pool of far more interesting sets with wide appeal, LEGO goes for the blandest one with the niche-est of audiences.
On the other hand, considering 9 ou of 10 times the LEGO "designers" ruin the fan submission, perhaps it's for the best.
Hopefully some of the actually interesting sets in this wave - the "The Art of Japan" one, can go into the BrickLink Designer Program which is now consistently giving us much better sets than the Ideas line.
@WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
Because nobody owns the licence for bits of rock...
In all honesty, I was really hoping for the Wolfpack Castle.
Missed opportunity to include an upscaled energy crystal!
As someone with a degree in geology, this excites me greatly!
Glad it's not another TV show set finally and something not themed or licenced this time around (although I kinda yern for a portal gun) This a nice return to form for ideas
I don’t think I’d have passed any of them if I was on the review team
Ugh... This is like one of those set design decisions made in the early 2000s that put Lego in financial trouble.
@VaultDweller_197 said:
"Glad it's not another TV show set finally and something not themed or licenced this time around (although I kinda yern for a portal gun) This a nice return to form for ideas "
How is this a return to form? Novelty unlicensed builds have been a consistent presence in Ideas selections. It's not like it's been years since we've seen one--the cat was fairly recent.
The rack needs to be totally redesigned - that does not look a sturdy construction!
Rocks looks solid enough...
@mr_skinny said:
"I don’t think I’d have passed any of them if I was on the review team "
Agree, quite a mediocre season
I like it. Builds depicting natural shapes are something I like more than random IP: the set. This could be boring but the actual submission is already quite varied and classy in its presentation.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to shell out heaps of cash for this which it will probably cost. But it's nice to see some variety and an actual good idea.
That said... any of those submissions could be Icons. Icons is too broad of a theme if you ask me. It's just 'display sets of thing', which can be anything.
After Globe, Typewriter, Polaroid, Stratocaster, Foosball table, Adidas shoe, Nintendo, Atari, Retro Radio, and Rose bouquet... TLG may have finally found an object where they won't have to hear us complain: "You could just go out and buy a real one for less than the Lego version." I haven't checked diamond and ruby prices lately though.
This rocks!
@zipper said:
"In all honesty, I was really hoping for the Wolfpack Castle."
THERE WAS A WOLFPACK CASTLE ON THIS REVIEW?!?!?! AND LEGO DIDN'T PICK IT??!?!?!?
@WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
The last time Shrek was huge without it being an ironic following was 20 years ago.
Better than the never-ending swarm of bland IP sets? Sure.
A good set by any stretch of the imagination? No. But like so much of modern Lego sets, it'll have its niche with people. I can't possibly understand it, but I've long come to just understand Lego is less a toy and more a status symbol anymore.
No Coraline house? My disappointment is immense and my day is ruined.... I really wanted another Victorian mansion! Instead, we get a knockoff version of the Rolling Stones. (this joke only works if you toss the new set down a hill)
Oh, this is actually a really neat pick!
I agree with the above comments that the Ideas review needs to be overhauled though, far too many potential products getting overlooked for nearly five years now.
@WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
Because some people will?
Boring...
@davefaust78 said:
"Ugh... This is like one of those set design decisions made in the early 2000s that put Lego in financial trouble."
Lego has a much broader fan base after 2020-2022. And they have shown they will continue to try to grow this given by the many niche sets released. Not everything will appeal to their regular fan base. That being said it's also nice not to see a Ideas set that will be > $150...definitely factored when trying to draw new fans in. And for us fans...could be a great parts pack with all the trans-coloured pieces.
@ShinyBidoof said:
" @WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
Because some people will?"
Yeah, I guess 1% of the AFOL community counts as "some people"
Yes!
Plastic rocks on a shelf!
That's what I need!
Just looked at the submissions for the first time, and while the rocks is cool (but not for me), the Art of Japan and the Booknook would have been my preferences. Ah well, easy pass.
I have personally been disappointed by Ideas recently. I understand why people do not like a bunch of expensive Ips, but feel that each wave should have at least one original set and one licensed set.
@Spike730 said:
"Yikes. Who's the target audience for this? If I were into minerals I'd rather have the real stuff on my shelf, no?"
You say the same about the botanical sets? It may not be your preferred choice for the winner, but at least Lego is attempting something different. Only time will reveal if it turns out to be a success or a significant misfire.
@WolfpackBricksStudios said:
" @ShinyBidoof said:
" @WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
Because some people will?"
Yeah, I guess 1% of the AFOL community counts as "some people""
I think you have massively overestimated that percentage of AFOL's who will want this. Should be a tenth of that, or less.
Looks nice but also the easiest set in years to build on your own so a very good idea, less of a good set.
@WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
It might be a surprise for you, but not every AFOL has the same preferences as you. Take me for example: i have zero interest in Shrek and I have even less interest in the last airbender. I have seen Shrek movie and I like them. I have never seen even a scene from the airbender. This rocks are not for you or me. They are for casuals, especially women over 30 years old which is a growing lego market.
A nice display set.
Hello everyone! I’m the maker of the minerals - thank you all for your comments (you cannot always please everybody) and congrats and thanks to @Huw and all the Brickset team for your invaluable work and dedication! Keep building, keep dreaming!
Cool design and you can barely tell it's LEGO from a little distance. Unlike many commentators above, I can actually imagine a lot of people liking this for that exact reason: it's LEGO, but not very obviously so. This may very well appeal to the same "niche" (heavy air quotes) that's also responsible for the success of the botanical sets -- a.k.a. non-AFOLS, who buy the bulk of 18+ LEGO products instead of complaining about it. ;-)
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Cool design and you can barely tell it's LEGO from a little distance. Unlike many commentators above, I can actually imagine a lot of people liking this for that exact reason: it's LEGO, but not very obviously so. This may very well appeal to the same "niche" (and I quote) that's also responsible for the success of the botanical sets -- a.k.a. non-AFOLS, who buy the majority of LEGO products instead of complaining about it. ;-)"
Thanks !!!
@DDF72 I personally think this is really cool! Whenever my wife and I visit a natural history museum, we always make sure to see the minerals section. I hope the instruction manual includes interesting scientific facts about the minerals.
If ever there was proof that a Rock Raiders revival is sorely needed... this is it.
Shame about interstellar, with it being 10 years old in a few weeks and having a rerelease. would have been perfect.
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Cool design and you can barely tell it's LEGO from a little distance. Unlike many commentators above, I can actually imagine a lot of people liking this for that exact reason: it's LEGO, but not very obviously so. This may very well appeal to the same "niche" (heavy air quotes) that's also responsible for the success of the botanical sets -- a.k.a. non-AFOLS, who buy the bulk of 18+ LEGO products instead of complaining about it. ;-)"
Agreed. A lot of Ideas sets (and now Botanicals) are things that look cool and aren't obviously Lego. We have the Typewriter and Ship in a Bottle (plus many botanicals) on display in the living room and people love them. It's that sort of thing that draws a certain crowd for sure.
@ricecake said:
" @DDF72 I personally think this is really cool! Whenever my wife and I visit a natural history museum, we always make sure to see the minerals section. I hope the instruction manual includes interesting scientific facts about the minerals."
Thanks @ricecake and that’s the idea! Let’s see if Lego is on the same line … thanks again!
Given the massive backlog of Ideas sets still to happen when will this actually see the light of day? If lego price inflation continues for the next few years this £40-50 set will end up costing £100-120 by the time it actually hits shelves.
Lego should pause the ideas stuff until they actually get the full line developed and released
They really just hate us
Thanks @dimc ! I have built the set… it sits nicely in my living room’s shelf and it usually draws some attention without being too obvious LoL
Very good choice. If the amount of redesign is kept to a minimum, I could see picking it up. My biggest worry is that they will shift parts to the shelf and oversimplified the minerals. Seem to be the trend lately with too much of the parts budget going into the base or frame of a set.
I like the Suspension Railway, and have made similar MOCs. Motorizing vehicles on roller coaster track using only official Lego parts is a PITA. I doubt it could ever be brought up to the building standards of an actual set at a reasonable size and price.
All the other finalists just highlight the issues plaguing ideas. They need to rework the voting so that licensed sets have to meet a higher threshold.
@Huw said:
" @WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
Because nobody owns the licence for bits of rock..."
Dwayne Johnson might have something to say about that. ;-)
No portal gun :(
No shrek set. :( It's over
Pretty cool but since Lego does already a lot of decorative sets for adults, they could have come up with this by themselves eventually (or already, imho).
I hope someday they understand that people seem to want some Antiquity sets/lines : I'd love to have roman/greek/egyptian themed sets.
Too many ideas pass the 10,000 votes threshold. Maybe threshold should be increased?
Would love it if the designers super-size a 'Rock 1 x 1 Crystal 5 Point' or a get a similar reference in there.
Why do people in the comments act like this decision was "rocks set vs. expensive IP set"? There are so many fun and interesting sets in that collection that aren't based on a show or movie or something like that. As a history student I was rooting for the Egyptian Temple. This set even seems like a great playset that warrants its own theme, honestly. Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more. I just feel like as a fan of Lego I am missing out (and the company is missing out on my money). Like the recent hype about Lego D&D: We could have gotten an inexpensive generic fantasy theme a long time ago. Why does it always need to be based on something? People will say "because otherwise nobody will buy it" If the much smaller company Playmobil can do it, why not the industry giant Lego? I refer to the reason given in my comment above. I don't know what else could be the explaination. I'm sure someone will be happy to grab the Minerals set at the airport because they have forgotten their nephew's birthday and need a quick gift.
@classicstylecastle said:
"Would love it if the designers super-size a 'Rock 1 x 1 Crystal 5 Point' or a get a similar reference in there."
GWP: Rock Raiders Chief minifig.
Honestly LEGO Ideas became the new "Real Life Size Object" tag. Just rename Ideas to this title please. It's so predictable it's something any AFOL can now predict quite accurately what will be approved or not every quarter.
Oh no, it's Botanical all over again
@WolfpackBricksStudios said:
" @ShinyBidoof said:
" @WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
Because some people will?"
Yeah, I guess 1% of the AFOL community counts as "some people""
Ah, so the 'we' you are the spokesperson for is only AFOL rather then everyone who buys Lego.
But, yes, I agree that even that 1% counts. Then if you take into account that AFOLs probably only account for 1%* of Lego buyers maybe this 'some people' group is quite large.
*made up percentage as well
How can you look at something like any of the medieval projects or the egyptian temple and say "Yeah the mineral shelf is the one we're going with"
Ideas strongly needs to be restructured as a system. That said, this set concept is super appealing and I might actually pick this one up. Good pick by Lego, and it's the first non-licensed Ideas set since 21109 to get me immediately interested.
I am much more likely to buy an (Ideas) set that recreates some real-world thing in Lego than something of some random IP (yes, even if that recreation is more expensive than the real-world thing). But this one I think I'll pass. I don't really care about rocks, real or not...
YESSSSSSSSSS! I am so hype for this. Gonna be a great gift for my wife!
I love that this set has been chosen. My dad was a geologist, and we always had mineral specimens on display around the house. I still do this to a lesser extent. Can hardly wait.
Not for me
Man, Shrek and Avatar got snubbed again, and no Coraline or Portal. While they are pretty cool, it does feel dumb that a bunch of rocks won out over everything else.
I am torn on this one.
It looks neat, but that is mainly because I love Transluscent bricks.
The buildingstechniques look rather simple and borig to me, so that is putting me off...
NOt sure yet, I'll see what LEGO makes of it in the end.
Love this model and happy to see a non-IP submission make it through. Rocks are cool and LEGO rocks are even cooler!
I must admit that there's some schadenfreude in seeing Shrek and ATLA fans experience what Bionicle fans felt when we lost to a typewriter.
Pretty sure with them picking this that they're thinking along the same lines of it'll be a surprise hit like Botanicals. Heck, theres alot of people with rock collections, or who just like mineral geodes as display pieces.
That said however, I think I'd rather have the real thing over a lego version. While I own numerous botanicals, the appeal of those is having something that doesn't have the same care demands as the real plants, and will stay looking the same all year round. Rocks already do that so it feels kinda silly making an inanimate copy version or something that is already an inanimate object.
@GirlWoman said:
"Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more."
LEGO literally made all of those, either as CMFs, GWPs, or regular retail sets. In some cases even way more accurate than Playmobil has. You can actually currently buy an Egyptian pyramid (21058), a Roman hallmark of architecture (10276), a Viking village (21343), and the biggest medieval-themed LEGO castle to date (10305), to mention just a handful of the many LEGO sets based on historical eras. While they're not full-fledged themes, you can't claim LEGO never attempted to make anything related to our ancestors.
There ideas just keep getting better and better!
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
" @GirlWoman said:
"Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more."
LEGO literally made all of those, either as CMFs, GWPs, or regular retail sets. In some cases even way more accurate than Playmobil has. You can actually currently buy 21058, 10276, 21343, and 10305, to mention just a handful of the many LEGO sets based on historical eras. While they're not full-fledged themes, you can't claim LEGO never attempted to make anything related to those themes."
Very cool that you shortened my original comment in your quote. Now it isn't as obvious how you completely missed the point I was making. Or are are you trying to manipulate the conversation maliciously? Does your back hurt from moving the goal post that far?
@thor96 said:
" @WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
It might be a surprise for you, but not every AFOL has the same preferences as you. Take me for example: i have zero interest in Shrek and I have even less interest in the last airbender. I have seen Shrek movie and I like them. I have never seen even a scene from the airbender. This rocks are not for you or me. They are for casuals, especially women over 30 years old which is a growing lego market. "
Same, actually. I've never watched Shrek or ATLA, but I know how popular they are among the Zillenials and so I think they deserve to be made
@BelgianBricker said:
"I am torn on this one.
It looks neat, but that is mainly because I love Transluscent bricks.
The buildingstechniques look rather simple and borig to me, so that is putting me off...
NOt sure yet, I'll see what LEGO makes of it in the end."
hi! Dario here… fully respect your comment and you are right, the pyrite and the quartz are very straightforward builds, nonetheless the geode, rhodo and black tourmaline are 100% snot ! The rhodo is build studs up & down to allow me to use the mini figure stand in clear trans alongside with the cheese slopes … well at least that’s my build technique ! Ciao
@GirlWoman said:
" @ToysFromTheAttic said:
" @GirlWoman said:
"Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more."
LEGO literally made all of those, either as CMFs, GWPs, or regular retail sets. In some cases even way more accurate than Playmobil has. You can actually currently buy 21058 , 10276 , 21343 , and 10305 , to mention just a handful of the many LEGO sets based on historical eras. While they're not full-fledged themes, you can't claim LEGO never attempted to make anything related to those themes."
Very cool that you shortened my original comment in your quote. Now it isn't as obvious how you completely missed the point I was making. Or are are you trying to manipulate the conversation maliciously? Does your back hurt from moving the goal post that far? "
I didn't shorten anything, I just highlighted this bit full of inaccuracies. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it appears to me the point you were making was that LEGO, according to you, doesn't make enough sets based on historical themes, while they have been doing that for as long as I've been alive, and many of the things you felt you're 'missing out on' are currently on the shelves. I think it's perfectly fair to point that out.
You also said: "We could have gotten an inexpensive generic fantasy theme a long time ago"
'We' actually did. Depending on your age, you may be too young to remember, but there was a fantasy theme that ran for a number of years, until LEGO started doing Lords Of The Rings sets. If anything. LEGO's doing more historically themed sets now than ever before. Of course, the licensed stuff sells better, and since LEGO is a company, it makes perfect sense for them to go with a franchise rather than a generic theme.
@GirlWoman said:
"Why do people in the comments act like this decision was "rocks set vs. expensive IP set"? There are so many fun and interesting sets in that collection that aren't based on a show or movie or something like that. As a history student I was rooting for the Egyptian Temple. This set even seems like a great playset that warrants its own theme, honestly. Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more. I just feel like as a fan of Lego I am missing out (and the company is missing out on my money). Like the recent hype about Lego D&D: We could have gotten an inexpensive generic fantasy theme a long time ago. Why does it always need to be based on something? People will say "because otherwise nobody will buy it" If the much smaller company Playmobil can do it, why not the industry giant Lego? I refer to the reason given in my comment above. I don't know what else could be the explaination. I'm sure someone will be happy to grab the Minerals set at the airport because they have forgotten their nephew's birthday and need a quick gift."
TLG is about 20x bigger than Playmobil, and that grows as Playmobil is doing and worse and worse each year https://www.plasteurope.com/news/PLAYMOBIL_t255205/ so they aren't a great poster child for "do more history stuff!"
The history stuff is cool, sure, and I'm not against seeing more of it. But it's pretty clear why TLG isn't taking the risk of giving them full-fledged themes.
@Ridgeheart said:
"Oh, just shut up and kiss already."
...I didn't have that on my Brickset comments BINGO card. Did anybody have that on theirs? Bueller?
@fakespacesquid said:
" @GirlWoman said:
"Why do people in the comments act like this decision was "rocks set vs. expensive IP set"? There are so many fun and interesting sets in that collection that aren't based on a show or movie or something like that. As a history student I was rooting for the Egyptian Temple. This set even seems like a great playset that warrants its own theme, honestly. Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more. I just feel like as a fan of Lego I am missing out (and the company is missing out on my money). Like the recent hype about Lego D&D: We could have gotten an inexpensive generic fantasy theme a long time ago. Why does it always need to be based on something? People will say "because otherwise nobody will buy it" If the much smaller company Playmobil can do it, why not the industry giant Lego? I refer to the reason given in my comment above. I don't know what else could be the explaination. I'm sure someone will be happy to grab the Minerals set at the airport because they have forgotten their nephew's birthday and need a quick gift."
TLG is about 20x bigger than Playmobil, and that grows as Playmobil is doing and worse and worse each year https://www.plasteurope.com/news/PLAYMOBIL_t255205/ so they aren't a great poster child for "do more history stuff!"
The history stuff is cool, sure, and I'm not against seeing more of it. But it's pretty clear why TLG isn't taking the risk of giving them full-fledged themes. "
Exactly this. LEGO had a medieval theme for decades, but the reason they stopped making it was because kids weren't into castles and knights as much as previous generations. That's why all medieval stuff is in the 18+ line now. Cars outsell carriages, as do helicopters. Playmobil stuck to the old proven play patterns for too long, and they're just now catching up with licensed themes. And while I hate to admit it, it's the licensed stuff that has me more interested in Playmobil than I've ever been.
As nice as the minerals geodes are and will look,
Choosing just one out of over 30-40ish projects instead of usually choosing 2 or 3 is a pretty annoying move from Ideas.
First the lighthouse, now this.
@fakespacesquid said:
" @GirlWoman said:
"Why do people in the comments act like this decision was "rocks set vs. expensive IP set"? There are so many fun and interesting sets in that collection that aren't based on a show or movie or something like that. As a history student I was rooting for the Egyptian Temple. This set even seems like a great playset that warrants its own theme, honestly. Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more. I just feel like as a fan of Lego I am missing out (and the company is missing out on my money). Like the recent hype about Lego D&D: We could have gotten an inexpensive generic fantasy theme a long time ago. Why does it always need to be based on something? People will say "because otherwise nobody will buy it" If the much smaller company Playmobil can do it, why not the industry giant Lego? I refer to the reason given in my comment above. I don't know what else could be the explaination. I'm sure someone will be happy to grab the Minerals set at the airport because they have forgotten their nephew's birthday and need a quick gift."
TLG is about 20x bigger than Playmobil, and that grows as Playmobil is doing and worse and worse each year https://www.plasteurope.com/news/PLAYMOBIL_t255205/ so they aren't a great poster child for "do more history stuff!"
The history stuff is cool, sure, and I'm not against seeing more of it. But it's pretty clear why TLG isn't taking the risk of giving them full-fledged themes. "
Thank you for actually raising a good counter argument. I had no idea Playmobil was struggling. To me it seems like they were doing better than ever before, because I see them more and more in toy aisles. In fact, that they seem to be bigger than ever was why I brought this up in the first place. Maybe it's that crisis creativity and throwing-everything-at-a-wall-and-see-what-sticks mentality that makes their current catalogue so appealing to me, similar to how it was in the early 2000s for Lego. But this is definitely the wrong forum to discuss the state of Playmobil.
I might be wrong but at first sight there doesn't seem to be any new or uncommon pieces, not to mention no exclusive prints and not even minifigs. Perhaps the golden pieces on the top left corner of the image might be the only ones I don’t already have. So this set for me would be either a parts pack or if I'd really feel like building some minerals maybe head to my parts bins and download the instructions but no need to purchase the set (just the golden pieces). Usually I'm more excited about a new set because of the minifgures or the build, none of those check with this set.
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @GirlWoman said:
"Why do people in the comments act like this decision was "rocks set vs. expensive IP set"? There are so many fun and interesting sets in that collection that aren't based on a show or movie or something like that. As a history student I was rooting for the Egyptian Temple. This set even seems like a great playset that warrants its own theme, honestly. Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more. I just feel like as a fan of Lego I am missing out (and the company is missing out on my money). Like the recent hype about Lego D&D: We could have gotten an inexpensive generic fantasy theme a long time ago. Why does it always need to be based on something? People will say "because otherwise nobody will buy it" If the much smaller company Playmobil can do it, why not the industry giant Lego? I refer to the reason given in my comment above. I don't know what else could be the explaination. I'm sure someone will be happy to grab the Minerals set at the airport because they have forgotten their nephew's birthday and need a quick gift."
TLG is about 20x bigger than Playmobil, and that grows as Playmobil is doing and worse and worse each year https://www.plasteurope.com/news/PLAYMOBIL_t255205/ so they aren't a great poster child for "do more history stuff!"
The history stuff is cool, sure, and I'm not against seeing more of it. But it's pretty clear why TLG isn't taking the risk of giving them full-fledged themes. "
Exactly this. LEGO had a medieval theme for decades, but the reason they stopped making it was because kids weren't into castles and knights as much as previous generations. That's why all medieval stuff is in the 18+ line now. Cars outsell carriages, as do helicopters. Playmobil stuck to the old proven play patterns for too long, and they're just now catching up with licensed themes. And while I hate to admit it, it's the licensed stuff that has me more interested in Playmobil than I've ever been."
Of course cars outsell carriages if you never do carriages. As I said, it's been pretty dire in terms of historical themes and all we ever really get is if it is tied to some movie. Been like that for over a decade.
Happy for anyone interested in this but for me it's another sigh of relief that I won't need to be spending any money on this round.
@GirlWoman said:
"Why do people in the comments act like this decision was "rocks set vs. expensive IP set"? There are so many fun and interesting sets in that collection that aren't based on a show or movie or something like that. As a history student I was rooting for the Egyptian Temple. This set even seems like a great playset that warrants its own theme, honestly. Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more. I just feel like as a fan of Lego I am missing out (and the company is missing out on my money). Like the recent hype about Lego D&D: We could have gotten an inexpensive generic fantasy theme a long time ago. Why does it always need to be based on something? People will say "because otherwise nobody will buy it" If the much smaller company Playmobil can do it, why not the industry giant Lego? I refer to the reason given in my comment above. I don't know what else could be the explaination. I'm sure someone will be happy to grab the Minerals set at the airport because they have forgotten their nephew's birthday and need a quick gift."
I feel the same about Playmobil’s very decent, mostly past historical themes.
I equally wanted cool Lego Greek modular city sections with shops, temples, cobbled streets etc.
I think the CMF range drove my belief that there would be North American First Nations villages and a Roman Empire theme as I’m passionate for education with play.
Alas once you see the output either licensed money makers or failed in-house zaniness (it’s an accepted word?) I realised money is better spent on discounted sets/ parts towards MOCs. I so wish we had 1 populated historical theme every 2 years but I think we just have to DIY.
Congratulations to the designer!
Personally, I don't own a rock collection, nor do I plan to. Unfortunately, nor does anyone I know, so I can see this set having very limited appeal. I voted for several of the entries above - IP and non-IP, that I thought were fantastic - it really is a shame they've not made it through this time but I'd urge those designers to tweak their creations and try again, if they can.
But does it have a Kyber Crystal?
@GirlWoman said:
" @ToysFromTheAttic said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @GirlWoman said:
"Why do people in the comments act like this decision was "rocks set vs. expensive IP set"? There are so many fun and interesting sets in that collection that aren't based on a show or movie or something like that. As a history student I was rooting for the Egyptian Temple. This set even seems like a great playset that warrants its own theme, honestly. Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more. I just feel like as a fan of Lego I am missing out (and the company is missing out on my money). Like the recent hype about Lego D&D: We could have gotten an inexpensive generic fantasy theme a long time ago. Why does it always need to be based on something? People will say "because otherwise nobody will buy it" If the much smaller company Playmobil can do it, why not the industry giant Lego? I refer to the reason given in my comment above. I don't know what else could be the explaination. I'm sure someone will be happy to grab the Minerals set at the airport because they have forgotten their nephew's birthday and need a quick gift."
TLG is about 20x bigger than Playmobil, and that grows as Playmobil is doing and worse and worse each year https://www.plasteurope.com/news/PLAYMOBIL_t255205/ so they aren't a great poster child for "do more history stuff!"
The history stuff is cool, sure, and I'm not against seeing more of it. But it's pretty clear why TLG isn't taking the risk of giving them full-fledged themes. "
Exactly this. LEGO had a medieval theme for decades, but the reason they stopped making it was because kids weren't into castles and knights as much as previous generations. That's why all medieval stuff is in the 18+ line now. Cars outsell carriages, as do helicopters. Playmobil stuck to the old proven play patterns for too long, and they're just now catching up with licensed themes. And while I hate to admit it, it's the licensed stuff that has me more interested in Playmobil than I've ever been."
Of course cars outsell carriages if you never do carriages. As I said, it's been pretty dire in terms of historical themes and all we ever really get is if it is tied to some movie. Been like that for over a decade."
LEGO made carriages on a steady basis from 1984 up to 1995, and with some intervals for another decade and a half after that. Yet they never stopped making cars. In fact, they vastly expanded on making cars with various sub themes. The reason why is simple: kids like cars. Most adults like cars too. That's why there are so many cars in the 18+ and Technic themes.
I'm sure if there was a huge demand for historical themes among kids LEGO would make those, but after bringing a number of short-lived historical themes to market between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s, including some eras you suggested, LEGO stopped making those. Not because they don't want to, but because they can make more money by focussing on other products.
I'm not defending LEGO's choices, but it's clear to see why a company that was saved from bankruptcy by picking up the license for Star Wars and Harry Potter is so keen on jumping on franchises and making as much product as they think they can shill. I'd love to see more minifig-scale sets based on historical eras myself as well, but I also realize that really limits the appeal.
@GirlWoman said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @GirlWoman said:
"Why do people in the comments act like this decision was "rocks set vs. expensive IP set"? There are so many fun and interesting sets in that collection that aren't based on a show or movie or something like that. As a history student I was rooting for the Egyptian Temple. This set even seems like a great playset that warrants its own theme, honestly. Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more. I just feel like as a fan of Lego I am missing out (and the company is missing out on my money). Like the recent hype about Lego D&D: We could have gotten an inexpensive generic fantasy theme a long time ago. Why does it always need to be based on something? People will say "because otherwise nobody will buy it" If the much smaller company Playmobil can do it, why not the industry giant Lego? I refer to the reason given in my comment above. I don't know what else could be the explaination. I'm sure someone will be happy to grab the Minerals set at the airport because they have forgotten their nephew's birthday and need a quick gift."
TLG is about 20x bigger than Playmobil, and that grows as Playmobil is doing and worse and worse each year https://www.plasteurope.com/news/PLAYMOBIL_t255205/ so they aren't a great poster child for "do more history stuff!"
The history stuff is cool, sure, and I'm not against seeing more of it. But it's pretty clear why TLG isn't taking the risk of giving them full-fledged themes. "
Thank you for actually raising a good counter argument. I had no idea Playmobil was struggling. To me it seems like they were doing better than ever before, because I see them more and more in toy aisles. In fact, that they seem to be bigger than ever was why I brought this up in the first place. Maybe it's that crisis creativity and throwing-everything-at-a-wall-and-see-what-sticks mentality that makes their current catalogue so appealing to me, similar to how it was in the early 2000s for Lego. But this is definitely the wrong forum to discuss the state of Playmobil."
It often comes as a surprise, but I feel like it's pretty indicative of the landscape as a whole. How many recent shows or movies are historically based? Take away the adults-only things like GOT, and remove the WWI/II era, and there's precious little out there. Without content there to drive interest, toy sales will dwindle, and the cycle keeps going. Maybe it's only out of the zeitgeist for a time and it'll come back someday, maybe it lost some magic as we got older. I think with so many things vying for attention these days, it'll really only be focused adults that are the market for historical stuff (which is why we've seen TLG focus on the architecture/display side)
And Playmobil still does well in Germany compared to everywhere else, so that could be why you're seeing it more. But they're basically *only* doing well in Germany, sadly.
I also really like that idea of "crisis creativity." Obviously not ideal on the side of the company, but it's interesting to see all of the options that come out of it. Looking back to the late 90's and early 00's of Lego's history helps to give a lot of perspective on where they are now. Takes a lot of steam out of the "This is the worst set in history" folks
I'm an AFOL and I like this set so I guess I'm in that estimated 1% interested in this set. Congratulations @DDF72. I will admit there were 11 sets it this round that I was interested in, only 1 licensed one. I'm surprised that one I like actually got chosen for a change. Count me as another who has zero interest in Shrek, The Last Airbender, Coraline or any of the many sitcoms that people keep submitting to Ideas.
Minerals made of extremely repetitive bricks of plastic ??!! Wow.......
The reveal video referred to this as having "organic" shapes, which seems a miss.
@fakespacesquid said:
"It often comes as a surprise, but I feel like it's pretty indicative of the landscape as a whole. How many recent shows or movies are historically based? Take away the adults-only things like GOT, and remove the WWI/II era, and there's precious little out there. Without content there to drive interest, toy sales will dwindle, and the cycle keeps going. Maybe it's only out of the zeitgeist for a time and it'll come back someday, maybe it lost some magic as we got older. I think with so many things vying for attention these days, it'll really only be focused adults that are the market for historical stuff (which is why we've seen TLG focus on the architecture/display side)
"
I wasn't aware of it until recently, but it appears there have been several movies out in the past decade centered around Robin Hood and King Arthur, but all of them have massively underperformed at the box office, despite having some significant star power attached to them.
I'm old enough to remember how much Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves was a part of the cultural (western) zeitgeist back in 1991, but the fact that these new movies based on the same ideas fail to make an impact entirely is probably indicative of medieval legends falling out of favor for more contemporary epics, like Star Wars and the MCU. And I can see why, because those movies are made to be 'toyetic'. Interestingly, the Prince Of Thieves toy line was mostly made up out of Star Wars sculpts, but it was a terrible failure, even despite the huge success of the movie and the Bryan Adams theme song. So, it's not hard to see why toy companies are reluctant of making medieval themed toys.
Congrats @DDF72! This was the set that I was hoping would get approved the most!
For me, Ideas is best when it is putting out IP based playsets, and here's why: because only LEGO can do them in a way that completely fits within the rest of the LEGO playset ecosystem. Official knockoff brands have designs that dont fit the same shape template, and custom or knockoff brands are either poorer quality plastic or detailed in ways that they look out of place next to minfigs created by LEGO.
A set like this anyone could produce; it doesn't need TLG for it to exist. Anyone can MOC it or another brand could make it. Even if the blocks felt cheaper, this is a display piece, so you wouldn't be reminded of it.
TLG should focus on producing things that they can put their own stamp on from a character and play design perspective. Not static, generic sets like this.
@ytjedi said:
"For me, Ideas is best when it is putting out IP based playsets, and here's why: because only LEGO can do them in a way that completely fits within the rest of the LEGO playset ecosystem. Official knockoff brands have designs that dont fit the same shape template, and custom or knockoff brands are either poorer quality plastic or detailed in ways that they look out of place next to minfigs created by LEGO.
A set like this anyone could produce; it doesn't need TLG for it to exist. Anyone can MOC it or another brand could make it. Even if the blocks felt cheaper, this is a display piece, so you wouldn't be reminded of it.
TLG should focus on producing things that they can put their own stamp on from a character and play design perspective. Not static, generic sets like this."
Well said. People complain about IP, but I love IP, and it's nice to see someone articulate a novel defense for it beyond just "I really like (insert IP here)" which was my entire reasoning up until now
Art of Japan and Crescent moon both looked really interesting. The portal gun looked cool, even though I've never played the game.
Minerals look like they could be well done, but I don't have much interest in buying/building/displaying this type of set or the real thing for that matter. But it is neat to see the sparkles/reflections.
As for the rest, I guess it means I'll have to try to build my own Nine-Nine bullpen. Babushka!
I have seen much better minerals MOCs than the Ideas project. Lets hope Lego improve on it!
My son collects rocks and minerals. I just showed him but he wasn't impressed. He also collects cacti and succulents and built and displays the LEGO cactus set among the real thing. Something looks off with buildable minerals, I guess it is the number and regularity of the flaws in the 'crystals' where the bricks join.
I’d love to see a Brickset article based around statistics of rejected ideas. What % are based on IPs or existing themes like Castle and Modulars, how many times an IP has been rejected (I think Avatar the Last Airbender holds that record?), or how many submissions were built with real Lego and effort versus the vaporware that comes from the digital designer programs.
@tedgarb said:
"YESSSSSSSSSS! I am so hype for this. Gonna be a great gift for my wife!"
Is she your rock?
Rock solid set.
I think Bert would approve.
:-)
Frankly, anyone who wants to build monuments from history might as well just buy whatever sets come close to their vision, then adapt or MOC them. Adults in particular shouldn't have to rely on official sets to create things so straightforward. (The Bricklink Designers Program is also a great source for that sort of build--if you can't stomach the price of the assembled set, just download the (free) instructions and work from there!)
I enjoy seeing Lego used to make something that hadn't previously seemed reasonable to me. This set ticks that box very well. I'd rather see Ideas produce this sort of set than repetitive elaborate MOCs.
@WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
Because the botanicals line sells better than Sesame Street or Whinnie The Pooh
@WolfpackBricksStudios said:
" @ShinyBidoof said:
" @WolfpackBricksStudios said:
"Why does LEGO seem to think we like rock collections more than Shrek and The Last Airbender"
Because some people will?"
Yeah, I guess 1% of the AFOL community counts as "some people""
Yes. That is literally the definition.
With the mansion and b.garden, luckily this is a hard pass
Of all the proposals they could have picked, they went with a pile of rocks?
It looks good, don't get me wrong, but is that the one they picked over Shrek, Spirited Away, the Roman Forum and plenty of Medieval models?
Not a sitcom set? Impossible
Well it's not my taste but I'm sure someone could use rocks made from bricks.
I love the details of the minifigures in this set!
Rock hard pass. ;)
Why lego cant give give us roman/greek sets outside of CMF, please lego, give us acient temples or something like that.
@GirlWoman said:
"Why do people in the comments act like this decision was "rocks set vs. expensive IP set"? There are so many fun and interesting sets in that collection that aren't based on a show or movie or something like that. As a history student I was rooting for the Egyptian Temple. This set even seems like a great playset that warrants its own theme, honestly. Why does Lego refuse to do anything inspired by history? The only things we get is if its based on a (Disney) movie like Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia or Lone Ranger. I dislike Playmobil but at least they embrace what our ancestors have given us: Playmobil has themes based on ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Sparta, medieval Europa, Feudal Japan, German literrary figures, greek Mythology, viking warriors and much more. I just feel like as a fan of Lego I am missing out (and the company is missing out on my money). Like the recent hype about Lego D&D: We could have gotten an inexpensive generic fantasy theme a long time ago. Why does it always need to be based on something? People will say "because otherwise nobody will buy it" If the much smaller company Playmobil can do it, why not the industry giant Lego? I refer to the reason given in my comment above. I don't know what else could be the explaination. I'm sure someone will be happy to grab the Minerals set at the airport because they have forgotten their nephew's birthday and need a quick gift."
You raise a great point that Lego hasn't made any historical themes recently. Lego has never made a Roman Empire theme (other than a few Architecture sets and Collectable Minifigures), which seems like an exploitable niche.
Also, great point that a generic fantasy theme would have been nice. Lego's generic (but vaguely Lord of the Rings-inspired) fantasy-era castle subtheme from 2007-2009 was popular. At least because D&D characters are created by individual players, the theme is barely IP, as it lacks recognizable specific characters/vehicles/locations that characterize other licensed themes.
"An Energy Crystal has been found!"
- Jet, LEGO Rock Raiders
@WolfpackBricksStudios said:
" @zipper said:
"In all honesty, I was really hoping for the Wolfpack Castle."
THERE WAS A WOLFPACK CASTLE ON THIS REVIEW?!?!?! AND LEGO DIDN'T PICK IT??!?!?!?"
Don’t worry, this is for retail where it will sell thousands from casual buyers, the Wolfpack castle will go on the Bricklink program so the vocal AFOLs can buy a couple of thousand for more with no redesign work.
@Kynareth said:
" @WolfpackBricksStudios said:
" @zipper said:
"In all honesty, I was really hoping for the Wolfpack Castle."
THERE WAS A WOLFPACK CASTLE ON THIS REVIEW?!?!?! AND LEGO DIDN'T PICK IT??!?!?!?"
Don’t worry, this is for retail where it will sell thousands from casual buyers, the Wolfpack castle will go on the Bricklink program so the vocal AFOLs can buy a couple of thousand for more with no redesign work."
Hopefully. Castle is built on hope (since 2013).
@legoapprentice:
Sorry, which ones are the diamond and ruby again?
@historynut:
Ideas has been running about one year out for the past few years.
@GirlWoman:
Because frequently there is at least one non-IP project that they wish wouldn't have been rejected, and just as frequently there is at least one IP project they wish would have been. But the truth is, IP projects likely get non-IP projects accepted, not rejected. They implemented a rule some years ago where for every IP set they release, they have to release at least one non-IP set as well. This means that if they really want another IP set, they kind of have to find a non-IP set to pair it up with.
@LegoLover58:
Very easy. "Been done before, been done before...and something that has _not_ been done before." Remember, Ideas isn't about cranking out repeats of popular sets, but about producing stuff that's new and different.
@fakespacesquid:
The devil you say! So when all the Germans bemoan the fact that TLG isn't producing the same stuff as Playmobil, what they're really saying is they want the ship to sink?
@ToysFromTheAttic:
See, the irony there is that I once walked past a shelf of Playmobil sets and felt like I was looking at an alternate universe of TLG. I saw the BttF DeLorean, the Mystery Machine, Ghostbusters' Ecto-1, a _teal_ VW Beetle, and a _red/white_ VW microbus, all clustered together within arm's reach of each other.
@bgruner:
Natural, yes. Organic? Well, diamonds are technically organic, as is amber, but both are also gemstones.
@AustinPowers:
I thought Bert collected paperclips.
I don't know if I'll get this, but I *really* like that geode.
@Tuzi said:
"Missed opportunity to include an upscaled energy crystal!"
Maybe the final model will do that (which would be really cool), you never know!
@VaultDweller_197 said:"Glad it's not another TV show set finally and something not themed or licenced this time around (although I kinda yern for a portal gun) This a nice return to form for ideas"
I agree. While I love some of the licensed Ideas sets, some of my all-time favorites are non-licensed.
@Darth_Dee said:"This rocks!"
Yes, it's quite gneiss.
@DDF72 said:"Hello everyone! I’m the maker of the minerals - thank you all for your comments (you cannot always please everybody) and congrats and thanks to @Huw and all the Brickset team for your invaluable work and dedication! Keep building, keep dreaming!"
Congratulations on getting picked!
@bricks4everyone said:"I might be wrong but at first sight there doesn't seem to be any new or uncommon pieces, not to mention no exclusive prints and not even minifigs. Perhaps the golden pieces on the top left corner of the image might be the only ones I don’t already have. So this set for me would be either a parts pack or if I'd really feel like building some minerals maybe head to my parts bins and download the instructions but no need to purchase the set (just the golden pieces). Usually I'm more excited about a new set because of the minifgures or the build, none of those check with this set."
That isn't the final set you're seeing. Do you not know how Ideas works?
@PurpleDave said:
" @AustinPowers:
I thought Bert collected paperclips."
Yeah, but apparently he really digs them rocks too ;-)
@TheOtherMike said:
"Yes, it's quite gneiss."
LOL
Good one. Wish I had come up with that. :-)
Ditch the stand, have them look like they've been just carved out of the earth, botanical succulent style. Make them look far more attractive than the current display does.
Anyone seen the bricklink latest? I'm a bit disappointed by the finalists to be honest.
@GrizBe said:
"Pretty sure with them picking this that they're thinking along the same lines of it'll be a surprise hit like Botanicals. Heck, theres alot of people with rock collections, or who just like mineral geodes as display pieces.
That said however, I think I'd rather have the real thing over a lego version. While I own numerous botanicals, the appeal of those is having something that doesn't have the same care demands as the real plants, and will stay looking the same all year round. Rocks already do that so it feels kinda silly making an inanimate copy version or something that is already an inanimate object. "
THIS!!!
Hit the nail on the head!
A copy of an inanimate object, that has very limited appeal!
I got a rock.
@PixelTheDragon said:
"I got a rock. "
you win the internet, best comment in the thread.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @PixelTheDragon said:
"I got a rock. "
you win the internet, best comment in the thread."
Meh. Someone in my LUG’s Discord posted a meme of that with Charlie Brown and Lucy in costume, carrying LEGO shopping bags. Zero explanation for why, though, so it was at least another ten minutes before I finished reading posts there and landed on this. Kinda deflated the joke for me.
Interesting selection and congrats to @DDF72 !
Can anyone find the brickset article that announced the 48 projects selected? I'm curious to see if I commented to say what I liked, or if anyone predicted this. I can't see the announcement in the "Lego Ideas" category, and googling site:brickset.com I can't seem to find it either?
@Brick_Master said:
"Interesting selection and congrats to @DDF72 !
Can anyone find the brickset article that announced the 48 projects selected? I'm curious to see if I commented to say what I liked, or if anyone predicted this. I can't see the announcement in the "Lego Ideas" category, and googling site:brickset.com I can't seem to find it either?"
There might not be one. I don’t see any class announcements for 2024, but they show up for 2023.
I like this idea, and think it still has room for Lego's designers to make it even better. It'll be interesting to compare the submission and the final set.