The LEGO DUPLO theme was introduced as far back as 1969 and is designed for children ages 1 to 5. It features DUPLO figures which are much larger than minifigures and DUPLO blocks which are about twice the length, width, and height of a standard System brick. Like LEGO System, DUPLO also has subthemes that are often junior versions of System themes, like Pirates and Castle and licensed themes like Disney and Super Heros.
2012 LEGO Sets
2012 was a very important year for LEGO license themes, namely, the contract with Lucasfilm was renewed to extend Star Wars sets until at least 2022. The LEGO Group also celebrated its 80th anniversary in August of that year. 2012 also marked the year for one of the largest number of new and important themes being released which included The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Marvel Super Heroes, DC Super Heroes, Monster Fighters, Friends and LEGO Friends. With the introduction of all these new themes LEGO did discontinue a number of beloved themes in 2012 which included Alien Conquest, Atlantis, Pharaoh's Quest, Kingdoms and Harry Potter which did make a return six-years later, thankfully.