Blocksworld

Blocksworld is a 3D sandbox game developed by Fortell Games, Inc and published under Blocksworld LLC for mobile devices, desktop computers, and virtual reality headsets. On its initial launch, Blocksworld was developed by BoldaiAB and published by Linden Labs for mobile and later desktop devices. It initially released in the iPad in Nordic countries on November 21, 2012, and then globally on July 6, 2013. The game expanded to the iPhone in 2016 and to desktop devices via Steam on September 25, 2017. Blocksworld's servers were shut down on June 17, 2020, and it was removed from both the App Store and the Steam Store on July 2, 2020. It was revived by Fortell Games, Inc in mid-2023, and is planned to return in Q3 2024.
== Development ==
Blocksworld was initially developed by BoldaiAB, a Swedish game development company. The company was known for creating Brain Builder, a game engine based on Unity, which enabled users to create games. A notable game developed using this engine was RAZEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58XkU6XrKa8, a simple car game. On January 24, 2012, BoldaiAB announced a deal for developing technology for iOShttps://www.facebook.com/boldai/posts/pfbid0jHMozukHnWGCNhFXFfvP62WPEZX6q6aFkj85NUtbJgtNTgrybB43bYeg4B1Q5XgHl. This technology contributed to the development of a sandbox beta initially known as "Creative Builder", which was later renamed "Blocksworld" by February 29th. The game received a €10,000 grant at the Nordic Games Conference. A beta version was released for E3 on June 6th https://www.facebook.com/boldai/posts/167462513385315, followed by an invite-only beta on September 4th. Blocksworld was officially launched in the Nordic states on November 21st as a paid game, priced at $0.99 USD. Linden Lab acquired the game on January 24, 2013, and later the entire company. The game was globally released on July 6th as a freemium game.
Blocksworld partnered with Hasbro to release special sets based on My Little Pony, Transformers, and G.I. Joe. A set based on Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return was released in collaboration with Summertime Entertainment on May 9, 2014. The licenses for these titles expired in 2017. TORLEY composed the music using Somatone. Development actively continued until January 2018, after which updates ceased, but servers remained operational until 2020.
== Gameplay ==
Blocksworld focused on block-based building. Players chose from different world templates and customized blocks and the world by applying textures, changing colors, and altering sizes. Blocks could be programmed for various actions, like changing color, moving, or speaking. Players built in 'worlds' that could be published or kept private. Participation in the game rewarded players with in-game currency, which could be used to purchase sets containing unique blocks and actions. Despite being a singleplayer game, Blocksworld fostered a vibrant social community, with the Blocksworld Military Community being one of the most notable.
Due to declining revenue and popularity, Linden introduced pay-to-play updates, placing many previously free features behind a paywall. This strategy, among other decisions, contributed to the game's eventual closure.
== History ==
===About Boldai===
Boldai AB, a Swedish middleware company, was focused on advancing artificial intelligence in computer games. Founded by Martin Magnusson, the company consisted of Magnusson, Tomas Ahlström, and Magnus Hallin. Boldai created Brain Builder, a visual scripting solution for designing game AI systems. "Creative Builder", a prototype game demonstrating Brain Builder's capabilities, was later renamed to Blocksworld and showcased at GDC 2012. Boldai was acquired by LindenLab on January 24, 2013.
===About LindenLab===
LindenLab, founded in 1999, is known for creating shared creative spaces. The company launched Second Life in 2003, a virtual world driven by user-generated content. LindenLab acquired Blocksworld in 2013.
==Decline and discontinuation==
Blocksworld's decline and discontinuation were due to a combination of factors, primarily related to decisions made by Linden. The loss of rights to My Little Pony and Transformers sets in 2017 significantly impacted the player base. Subsequent attempts to revitalize the game were unsuccessful, leading to the introduction of pay-to-play features. The game's active community dwindled, and in 2020, Linden ceased server operations and removed all references to the game from its website.
== Fortell Games Acquisition ==
In August 2023, Blocksworld was acquired by Fortell Games Inc., indicated by changes in the game's publisher listing on the app store and Steam page. In November 2023, the game's social media accounts hinted at a revival. A community research survey was posted in December 2023, exploring potential monetization strategies and feature additions, including VR/MR support.
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