'Fortnite' creators and Lego are making a metaverse for kids

Like it or loathe it, the concept of the metaverse — essentially a virtual world people can visit in avatar form using VR and AR headsets — is getting more and more real by the day.

And realistically, just like the internet, a virtual world isn't necessarily going to mean a safer world.

On Thursday, the Lego Group and Fortnite creator Epic Games announced the two companies are working on a digital world that aims to be a safe space for children. The partnership means both will agree to a set of three principles, including prioritising children's safety, safeguarding privacy, and empowering them with "control over their digital experience."

Details are thin at the moment, but it's worth noting that both companies do have experience in this area. The Lego Company has previously worked with UNICEF to develop a Digital Child Safety Policy, for instance, while Epic Games acquired "kidtech" platform Super Awesome in 2020, a company focussed on digital safety for children.

“Kids enjoy playing in digital and physical worlds and move seamlessly between the two," said Lego group CEO Niels B Christiansen. "We believe there is huge potential for them to develop life-long skills such as creativity, collaboration and communication through digital experiences.

"But we have a responsibility to make them safe, inspiring and beneficial for all. Just as we've protected children’s rights to safe physical play for generations, we are committed to doing the same for digital play."