Fans react as LEGO shuts down Bionicle fan game ‘Masks of Power’ after 8 years of development

Lego’s recent actions have elicited mixed reactions in the gaming community. The popular toy company issued a cease-and-desist letter to a group of developers who had been working on a Bionicle fan game for several years and were only a few months away from its public release.

The Bionicle series is one of Lego's most popular franchises. Unfortunately, it was discontinued, and production of new toys was stopped. Loyal fans of the franchise, Team Kanohi, decided to build on the abandoned story and bring Bionicle back to life. Still, their several years of efforts were in vain, as Lego has officially demanded that they quit their activities.

The lead developer of Team Kanohi, Jordan Willis, announced in a statement:

“Despite our efforts to work with them, we have been asked to shutter the project in its entirety. Transparently, we are surprised by this development given our project’s age and the LEGO group’s reputation for amicable relationships with fan projects. Nonetheless, we are beheld to their whims and have no choice to comply.”

Fans react to Lego’s cease and desist letter

Netizens have given mixed reactions following Lego’s actions against the Bionicle fan game. @Dexerto on X shared the news with the caption:

“LEGO shut down Bionicle fan game Masks of Power after dozens of devs worked for 8 years to make it.”

The post quickly garnered several reactions, as netizens expressed their opinions. Some netizens supported Lego's actions.

“Honestly, that’s on the devs, they didn’t have permission to use the brand, why would they think a company like Lego with a reputation to uphold would just let that slide?” @KillerMiller047 commented.

“Lego went after a block building game called Blockland like 15 years ago. They have been known to not mess around with this. These people knew better than to risk infringement on Lego. I dont agree with Lego's decision but it is what it is.” @thaonlyjonathan stated.

“Dont know why people do this. Of course, they will get shut down. They don't own the IP. They could have made a game inspired by it, but not exactly like it instead. Hopefully, that's what Rustbound will be.” @HaydiesPlace added.

While some netizens were in support of Lego's actions, most condemned it.

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“I have always been sad about Bionicle being halted for a long time. The fact Lego took down non-profit fanwork of a franchise they havent done anything with in 15 YEARS is so disappointing. Big companies being vile as always. Support indie.” @Banbuds tweeted.

“I don’t understand why companies like Lego in this situation don’t just buy the game. Massive W for the community, Lego gains a game that people actually want to play and not some McDonald’s toy level junk any studio of their own would put out, like why not?” @BaeshaK replied.

“@LEGO_Group you know, you could have asked for 20-30% of revenue made by the game hire the devs and double check their lore to see if it matches the official stuff and had a ready to go game that needed a few ports with barely any of your money put into it, just saying. Bad move.” @MorrisRamsay1 added.

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Team Kanohi revealed they are already working on another independent project, Rustbound, under their newly opened game studio, Unmasked Games.

“We hope that you’re all just as excited as we are,” they said in their official statement.

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