Lego goes digital with Microsoft partnership

Danish toy maker Lego is to move into the cyber realm with an alliance with Microsoft.

The deal will combine digital technology with toy building bricks. Lego will become a games developer for Microsoft's Xbox video game console, which is set to challenge Sony's Playstation, Nintendo and Sega. Microsoft chairman Bill Gates unveiled its prototype at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Last Vegas last week. Eager gamers will have to hold onto their joysticks, however, as the game console won't ship until 2002. In addition to the Xbox collaboration, the deal includes integrating Lego's studio line of moviemaking products into Windows Media technologies. Lego will also integrate Microsoft's .NET services through its enterprise network. By Lesley Cowper