Warner unveils physical-to-virtual Lego Dimensions game at E3

Warner Bros this week showed off Lego Dimensions, its latest videogame that mixes real-life toy play with digital gaming.

Unveiled at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) trade gathering in Los Angeles, the new game comprises Lego figurines from a range of film franchises including "Batman" and "Back to the Future."

Once a gamer places a toy on a special Lego plastic pedestal, it immediately comes to life as a digital character in a videogame.

The gaming system, which will be available later this year, is the latest in a growing category of physical-to-virtual games known as "toys to life."

Such games have proved popular in recent years with offerings such as "Skylanders" and "Disney Infinity."

In the fall, Disney will launch a toys-to-life videogame based on the "Star Wars" franchise.