Blocksworld

Blocksworld was a physics-based 3D sandbox video game developed by BoldaiAB and Linden Lab released originally for the iPad on November 21, 2012, in Nordic countries and later worldwide on July 6, 2013. It was later released for the iPhone on 2016, and later, via Steam on September 25, 2017. As of 2020, Blocksworld is absent from Linden Lab's website (excluding previous press releases), and servers were fully shut down on June 17, 2020. It was subsequently removed from the App Store afterwards, and was later pulled from Steam on July 2, 2020.[3]

This article is about the sandbox video game. For the general concept in computer science research, see blocks world.

Blocksworld
Developer(s)Linden Lab, BoldaiAB
Publisher(s)Linden Lab, BoldaiAB (2012 Nordic release)
Engine
Platform(s)
[1]
Release
  • NR: November 21, 2012
[2]
  • WW: July 6, 2013
Genre(s)Sandbox
Mode(s)

Gameplay
A creation made in Blocksworld

In Blocksworld, players could build using 3D building blocks that could be combined to construct simple or complex creations. Players could also use "action blocks" and a drag-and-drop visual programming tool to add interactivity to their creations. Examples included drivable cars, flyable jets, and playable games with win/lose conditions, health systems, and other attributes.[4] Players could also upload their creations for others to play.

Development
Release timeline
2012Launched in November 2012 and created by BoldaiAB
2013Launched globally by Linden Lab
2014
2015
2016Added to the App Store for iPhone
2017Added to Steam
2018
2019
2020Blocksworld servers are shut down

Blocksworld was initially developed by Swedish independent video game developer Boldai (originally named Creative Builder[5]) which was acquired by US-based Linden Lab on January 24, 2013.[6][7] An earlier paid version of the game was briefly available in 2012 in Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway[8] for 28 Swedish Krona.[9] Blocksworld was intended to be released worldwide on December 13, 2012, for US$0.99.[10] This was later pushed back until Linden Lab's acquisition. For the subsequent global release, the game was repositioned as a freemium offering where players had the option to purchase premium sets and games, additional building objects and pieces, coins, and other upgrades and extras for a small fee.

Legacy

Despite the servers shut down in 2020, the game still retains an active player base. Blocksworld: The Secondary Server, also known simply as Blocksworld 2, is an unofficial fan revival project which started in 2019.[11] It is rumoured that in 2023, Blocksworld was acquired by Fortell Games Inc, a studio located in Kyiv, Ukraine, and California, after it was noticed the games publisher changed on the App Store. The purchase is still unconfirmed.

References
  1. "Blocksworld Steam (streaming is no longer available). page". Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  2. "Blocksworld Nordic Launch Nov 21st! News - Boldai AB". November 15, 2012.
  3. "Blocksworld on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  4. Frauenfelder, Mark (August 16, 2013). "Apps for Kids 41: Blocksworld". boingboing.net. Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  5. https://m.facebook.com/boldai/posts/289166904476297?_se_imp=2a2qyYrsAdLcWTuH7
  6. Fahey, Mike (January 24, 2013). "This Beautiful Blocky Building Toy is Going Global". kotaku.com. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  7. "LINDEN LAB® ACQUIRES BLOCKSWORLD". January 24, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  8. "App Detail » App Annie Analytics".
  9. "This Beautiful Blocky Building Toy is Going Global". January 24, 2013.
  10. "Blocksworld launches, already top grossing education app in Sweden". November 22, 2012.
  11. https://bwsecondary.ddns.net/
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