It is no secret that AFOLs were apprehensive when the LEGO® Group acquired Bricklink. Personally, I was happy with the change. However, I know many fans did not like the idea of the LEGO® Group meddling in the online marketplace. The partnership has seen some bumps and shake-ups. However, my experience on Bricklink as a buyer remains largely unchanged. Now, the partnership is brining new possibilities to the AFOL community. This morning, a press release announced that LEGO® Ideas is partnering with Bricklink. Subsequently, the collaboration aims to develop the Bricklink Designer Program.
What is the Bricklink Designer Program? In truth, the program already exists under a different moniker. In 2018, it launched as the AFOL Designer Program. The initiative marked the 60th anniversary of the LEGO® Brick. As a result, crowdfunding turned 13 original designs by fans into sets. The program proved popular. Consequently, the LEGO® Group is expanding on the concept in a new test pilot.
The Bricklink Designer Program will crowdfund projects not produced by LEGO® Ideas.
The test targets past 10k designs from LEGO® Ideas. LEGO® Ideas can only release four or five sets a year. However, the partnership with Bricklink provides the opportunity to make more. Many AFOLs experience disappointment when their favorite ideas do not become official LEGO® sets. Consequently, I think this pilot will provide a welcome change. It allows crowdfunding of additional concepts. Ultimately, more ideas concepts from LEGO® Ideas will see the light of day.
For the time being, select designers will be invited to participate. However, the exact projects and designers have not been announced yet. Consequently, expect more information in 2021. How do you feel about the Bricklink Designer Program? Feel free to comment below or reach out on social media. For more LEGO® news, click here.
Until next time,
-Tom
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