After 8 Years of Development, LEGO Terminates a Much-Awaited Bionicle Open-World Game — Yet the Team Perseveres
In a bittersweet twist for enthusiasts of LEGO’s cult-favorite Bionicle series, a long-awaited fan-made video game has been officially dismantled by the rights holder. The ambitious endeavor, named Bionicle: Masks of Power, had been in the making for almost eight years and was set to provide a contemporary, open-world RPG experience inspired by the cherished early-2000s toy line. Despite this setback, the passionate development team behind the game remains committed — and their journey is far from finished.
What Was Bionicle: Masks of Power?
Bionicle: Masks of Power was a fan-driven, non-commercial video game crafted by a collective of enthusiasts known as Team Kanohi, now rebranded as Unmasked Games. Developed with Unreal Engine 5, the game sought to reimagine the Bionicle world in an expansive, immersive open environment. Players could assume control of the six iconic Toa heroes as they embarked on a quest for the elemental Masks of Power to thwart the dark forces of Makuta and liberate the island of Mata Nui.
The game was intended to be a free download, with no monetization elements involved. Its developers strictly followed LEGO’s fan content guidelines, clearly designating the project as unofficial and ensuring that it was a labor of love rather than a commercial endeavor.
LEGO Steps In
Despite the team’s attempts to adhere to LEGO’s fair play policies, the Danish toy behemoth ultimately sought the discontinuation of the project. While no explicit reason was provided, Unmasked Games speculates that the game’s increasing visibility and professional finish might have caused confusion among casual viewers, who could have misidentified it as an official LEGO title.
“At the time of writing, the Steam page for Bionicle: Masks of Power appears among the top results when searching for ‘Bionicle game’ on Google,” the team remarked in a public statement. “An average person encountering our game for the first time might easily believe it was an official release — and no amount of clear disclaimers on our part could alter that perception.”
A Demo That Will Remain Unplayed — But Is Available to Watch
The team had been gearing up to unveil a playable demo of the game as a surprise “shadow drop” on August 10, 2025. According to Unmasked Games, the demo was nearly finished, with only a few minor bug fixes and polishing left. To commemorate the years of effort invested in the project, the developers released a comprehensive two-hour walkthrough of the demo on YouTube, allowing fans to enjoy what might have been.
A New Beginning: Project Rustbound
While the cancellation of Masks of Power is certainly a blow to the Bionicle fanbase, it also signifies the start of a new chapter for the developers. Now operating under the name Unmasked Games, the team is redirecting its creative vigor and experience into a new original intellectual property: Project Rustbound.
The Steam page that once featured Bionicle: Masks of Power has been adapted for Project Rustbound, and early marketing images still showcase elements from the Bionicle project. This indicates that the new game may retain some gameplay mechanics, design philosophies, and perhaps even the essence of Bionicle — albeit in a legally distinct setting.
LEGO’s Changing Perspective on Fan Projects
The choice to shut down Masks of Power has ignited conversations regarding LEGO’s shifting attitude toward fan-created media. In recent years, LEGO has typically fostered fan creativity through platforms like LEGO Ideas and its fair play guidelines. However, the company’s increasing focus on the video game sector — highlighted by record profits in 2024 — may be encouraging a more cautious approach toward unofficial digital endeavors that could be misinterpreted as official releases.
What’s Next for Bionicle Enthusiasts?
Even though Bionicle: Masks of Power will never be officially released, the fervor and commitment of its creators have not gone unrecognized. The project acted as a beacon for a community that has long desired a revival of the Bionicle universe. And while LEGO has yet to disclose any new Bionicle products or games, the franchise’s lasting appeal implies that its narrative is far from completed.
In the interim, fans can anticipate Project Rustbound and other grassroots initiatives that strive to keep the essence of Bionicle alive. As Unmasked Games advances, they carry with them the insights, lore, and passion that made Masks of Power such an intriguing vision — one that may still find new life in an alternative guise.
Conclusion
The cancellation of Bionicle: Masks of Power serves as a poignant reminder of the hurdles fan creators encounter when engaging with cherished but copyrighted properties. Yet, it also underscores the resilience and ingenuity of the fan community. While LEGO may have halted this specific project, the legacy of Bionicle