LEGO Board Game Monkey Palace Launches

Written by George Chrysostomou

With the tabletop gaming industry hitting a bit of a boom period, and the interest in indie titles growing among mainstream audiences, big brands are starting to turn their focus towards the industry. That is the case with LEGO, who previously formed an unexpected partnership with a tabletop expert. 

LEGO Board Games

Back in August, Asmodee and LEGO came together to announce a new, multi-year partnership, which would see the board game brand design tabletop experiences utilising the bricks of the toy company. 

The tease came with a promise that these games would run across a huge variety of genres, and would appeal to all age groups. It was an ambitious plan, but one that LEGO and Asmodee could certainly pull off considering the latter’s experience across the field. 

LEGO itself actually has a history within the industry as well, and previously produced board games like Harry Potter: Hogwarts, Race 3000, and Creationary. Each allowed players to build their own boards or models, customising the experience to suit them with a range of original premises. 

Now, the duo have opened up a new studio named Dotted Games, which is based in Denmark and brings together great minds from across the tabletop space. The creation of this brand indicates that LEGO and Asmodee are committed to this long-term partnership. 

Monkey Palace LEGO Board Game Launches

Plans were put in place for the initial run of titles, one of which was Brick Like This, a family-centric game for 2-8 players, which will be releasing some time down the line. However, the first major launch was set to be Monkey Palace, which just dropped this weekend. 

Created by David Gordon and Tin Aung Myaing, Monkey Palace was initially pitched as an all-ages jungle experience, aimed at 2-4 players. Both competitive and collaborative, the title was given the following premise: 

“Players must strategically work together to construct the Monkey Palace while competing for the highest brick income and points, all under the watchful gaze of the Monkey. The palace gradually takes form, resulting in an impressive construction using LEGO elements that players can proudly display at home. The iconic LEGO System in Play means that each time the board game is played, the building experience and final construction are totally unique and different.”

Now, players can check out the experience for themselves, via their favourite board game sellers. At an average sale price of £34.99, the title is one of Asmodee’s more premium products.

What is LEGO Monkey Palace?

For those unsure about Monkey Palace, there’s an official website you can head to, which offers video-based previews, alternative rule sets, and will soon feature a quick start guide. The simplistic rules and quick-style of play does ensure that this is incredibly accessible to all players and will therefore likely be a hit for the new studio. 

Ultimately, the strategy title Monkey Palace, the first of a debuting line from Dotted Games, is a perfect preview of what fans can come to expect from the brand. With a heavy focus on LEGO’s iconic building system, and a desire to produce original ideas, this partnership between Asmodee and the brick company is one to watch.