# Doubly Nerdy Games The LEGO 'Empire Strikes Back' Chess Set By Meghan Young | Published 2010-08-19 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/empire-strikes-back-chess References: [thedesignblog.org](http://www.thedesignblog.org/entry/lego-empire-strikes-back-chess-set-intros-star-wars-characters-to-the-classical-game/) & [blog.makezine](http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/08/lego_empire_strikes_back_chess_set.html) If you think about it, the [LEGO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brickbuilt-star-wars-logo) 'Empire Strikes Back' chess set is not just two times the geekiness, but three. It combines the building block pastime with a sci-fi obsession and a [strategy game](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gochess-wizard). Designed by Brandon Griffith of Los Angeles’ Lego User Group LUGOLA, the LEGO Empire Strikes Back chess set is impressively intricate. Featuring characters from Episode V, you can spot Imperial Walkers, the AT-ATs and Darth Vader among others. For more images, visit [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/monsterbrick/). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sci-fi Board Games:** Opportunity to create more board games themed around popular science fiction franchises. - **Building Block Games:** Exploring the possibility of creating more games that involve building with blocks. - **Fan Engagement Games:** Development of more fan-centric products that fulfill the desires of cult fanbases. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Tabletop Gaming:** Designing more board games with in-demand pop culture franchises can increase revenue in the tabletop gaming industry. - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy companies can create more building block-based game sets to attract consumers who enjoy hands-on play. - **Media Franchises:** Expanding fan engagement and creating merchandise opportunities with popular media franchises can drive growth across various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sci-Fi Franchise Logo Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brickbuilt-star-wars-logo.md) - [Building Block Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-tower-chess-set.md) - [Sci-Fi Large-Scale Block Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ucs-death-star.md) - [Sophisticated Sci-Fi Toy Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-ultimate-collectors-series-atat.md) - [Sci-Fi-Themed Cruiser Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venator-attack.md) - [Sci-Fi Spacecraft LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scifi-spacecraft-lego-set.md) - [Festive Sci-Fi Building Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gingerbread-atat-walker.md) - [Sci-Fi Movie Scene Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-death-star-trash-compactor-diorama.md) - [Sci Fi-Inspired Desk Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightsaber-lego.md)