Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

ft.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

31–40 of 55 posts

Re: Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

#31

Post by eternityforest »

capableweb wrote: post #20
gonzo41 wrote: post #9

Isn't online lego just minecraft? My experience of lego in the real world, is just minecraft in the digital world. I'm not really sure what their edge is going to be here.

I guess the biggest differential would be that Lego exists in the real world, while Minecraft is 100% digital. If you build something digital with official parts from Lego, you can build that very same thing in real-life with the very same bricks. Doing something similar with Minecraft would require creating the parts yourself (or buying them in-officially).

I'm slightly surprised IRL Minecraft isn't a big thing. You'd think there would be a Lego competitor with square blocks, that could stack side-to-side, and everyone would go nuts for it

Re: Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

#32

Post by makeitdouble »

zakk wrote: post #13

Why does every company need to try to take over the world? They make toy bricks, they actually make the freaking best toy bricks ever… Just stick to that! I know I might be exceedingly idealistic, and as soon as MBAs and consultants take over a company things need to change, but have strong feelings towards LEGO and I am fine being idealistic here!

> they actually make the freaking best toy bricks ever

I’d disagree.

They used to, but currently the best toy brick would be chinese makers’ technic blocks (which might be 10% weaker than Lego bricks, but cost a third of the price and are available in bulk), coupled with an alternative controller like Sbrick or Buwizz or a few others that entered the market.

For simpler, more “classic” sets, the buckets are still good value to buy in physical retail stores, but otherwise frustrating to use compared to single or two/three color sets.

Re: Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

#33

Post by eternityforest »

pingpongrandom wrote: post #8
extrememacaroni wrote: post #5

Anyone remember Lego’s Spybotics? It was a hacking themed flash game. So many hours spent on it, it was one of the first flash games I played and was fascinated by how cool it looked. I’m not sure if I went to pogo.com to play it or not.

Was this the one where you started in a jungle, and you had to use a first-gen mindstorms kit to explore Inca-like ruins? If so, yes - and that game was epic. Loved it to bits. EDIT: I think I may be thinking of something else - regardless, found a flash archive of the old games here: http://biomediaproject.com/bmp/lmp/games/lego-game-archive-c...

Lego'a old site was amazing. I spent hours dreaming of one day having a Mindstorms set!

Re: Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

#34

Post by matheweis »

skeletal88 wrote: post #16

I wish they opened up their new technics control interface. I don't want to be bound to use their apps which they can stop supporting any time. Do won't buy the new technics sets until then :(

I think they may be more open than it appears.

LEGO published an official reference for communicating with all of the modern technic hubs on their github: https://github.com/LEGO/lego-ble-wireless-protocol-docs

There are several projects that have implemented parts of the protocol, ex: https://github.com/undera/pylgbst https://github.com/JorgePe/pyb00st https://github.com/virantha/bricknil

If the official protocol leaves you wanting, there exists 3rd party firmware for a most of the hubs that allows you to run python directly on the hubs: https://pybricks.com/

Re: Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

#35

Post by skeletal88 »

capableweb wrote: post #19
skeletal88 wrote: post #16

I wish they opened up their new technics control interface. I don't want to be bound to use their apps which they can stop supporting any time. Do won't buy the new technics sets until then :(

> new technics control interface Which ones are you referring to specifically?

The control+ or whatever it's called, that you can control from phone apps butit seems that it is already opened up

Re: Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

#36

Post by xcambar »

amelius wrote: post #21
gonzo41 wrote: post #9

Isn't online lego just minecraft? My experience of lego in the real world, is just minecraft in the digital world. I'm not really sure what their edge is going to be here.

Perhaps lego=minecraft+merchandise?

Perhaps Minecraft = LEGO - merchandise?

The difference being that since Lego was here well before, so Minecraft should be defined from Lego, not the other way around.

Re: Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

#37

Post by MadsRC »

As someone who’s worked at the LEGO Group, I find this terribly exciting to follow.

These positions will most likely (I’m not employed there anymore so this is just a guess) be for their new Copenhagen office, London office or Shanghai. They also just recently opened up their new corporate headquarters in Billund and will be looking to put people there.

Tech talent is hard to come by in Denmark in general these days, but The LEGO Group has had additional issues with finding talent. The reason for this is that they insist people move to Billund - something no sane Dane would ever do, unless they really, really wanted to work for LEGO.

Their rates are “fine” though. Far from being the best, but fine. Their benefits are awesome though.

Last I heard, they were forcing people back to the office in a “hybrid” setup. 2 days remote, 3 days in the office.

They’ve also traditionally have low employee churn - 10, 20 and 40 yearn anniversaries are very, very common.

Re: Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

#38

Post by DeltaCoast »

eternityforest wrote: post #31
capableweb wrote: post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I guess the biggest differential would be that Lego exists in the real world, while Minecraft is 100% digital. If you build something digital with official parts from Lego, you can build that very same thing in real-life with the very same bricks. Doing something similar with Minecraft would require creating the parts yourself (or buying them in-officially).

I'm slightly surprised IRL Minecraft isn't a big thing. You'd think there would be a Lego competitor with square blocks, that could stack side-to-side, and everyone would go nuts for it

A lot of what's fun about Minecraft for me is the physics and crafting. I'm not sure that translates super well to physical alone. If you're willing use your imagination for those parts, Lego does offer Minecraft sets.

Re: Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

#39

Post by lvl102 »

gonzo41 wrote: post #9

Isn't online lego just minecraft? My experience of lego in the real world, is just minecraft in the digital world. I'm not really sure what their edge is going to be here.

LEGO recently announced partnership with Epic and Sony for its own metaverse.

Re: Lego to expand online ambitions by tripling total of software engineers

#40

Post by MadsRC »

marvin wrote: post #7

Heard from a friend they’ve had trouble recruiting, as they pay well below market rate. Anyone know of any updates on that front?

As mentioned in another comment, they’re rates are “fine”. Not the best,but definitely not bad.

They do rely on the “coolness” factor of working for LEGO though. Many people work there because their parents did or because they think it’s cool.

They generally treat their employees very nice and I’d have no problem recommending them as a employer.

It’s still a multinational enterprise though, with all the problems that it entails (corporate restructuring every 2-3 years, anyone?)

Post reply on HN