littlebigplanet
Latest
LittleBigPlanet creators to deliver opening keynote at Paris GDC
We can't wait to get our hands on Media Molecule's LittleBigPlanet. The release is still a while away, so we're anxious to hear more information about this upcoming PS3 creation game. Mark Healey and Alex Evans, co-founders of Media Molecule, will deliver the opening keynote at the upcoming Paris GDC. According to the press release, "their talk will touch upon the ways in which game developers can incorporate creativity into their designs, and the future of user-generated content as illustrated by their upcoming title, LittleBigPlanet for the PlayStation 3."While PS3 Fanboy won't be attending the conference, we do hope that some intriguing newsbits will make their way out of the conference. Who knows? Maybe they'll surprise us with an early release date (we hope!).Update: Paris GDC is the second French edition of the Game Developers Conference, and is scheduled for June 23-24 at the Coeur Défense Convention Centre in Paris .
Rumor: LittleBigPlanet in development for PSP
It seems that CVG has been informed by an insider that the upcoming PS3 cute-em-up LittleBigPlanet is also in development for the PSP. Apparently Studio Liverpool, of WipEout fame, are managing the creation of the PSP version. That's all the information that's available, unfortunately -- and we don't have any idea how true it is, at that.A PSP version of LittleBigPlanet could only be a good thing, in our opinion. Whether it's a shrunken down version of its PS3 cousin or simply a portable version of some of the content creation features, being able to interact with the LBP universe away from your PS3 would be awesome. If it's true. Hopefully we'll hear more about both the PS3 and PSP versions at some point soon. Nothing's been said about the game for a little while and the suspense is killing us.
Rumor: LittleBigPlanet coming to the PSP
As if it weren't bad enough having to pine for the PS3 version of LittleBigPlanet, CVG is now reporting that we're going to have to look forward to a PSP version of the game too. It says an inside source has revealed that LBP is in development for the PSP at Sony's Studio Liverpool, probably best known for Wipeout games on the portable platform.Though no other details are available at this time, we're thoroughly excited. But please, Sony, if you have any mercy, release some version of LittleBigPlanet before you start announcing other ones, we only have so much room in our hearts. Heck, we'd be happy with LittleBigPlanet fast food toys at this point. And no, we don't count the plushies.
Killzone 2, LittleBigPlanet, Resistance 2, gets UK release window
According to VideoGamer.com, who've apparently gotten hold of a Sony UK release schedule, three big PS3 exclusives will be releasing this coming Fall in the British Isles. Killzone 2 and LittleBigPlanet should show up on our beloved console sometime in September, while Resistance 2 caps the trifecta for an expected November release. Sony confirmed that these dates are correct.Great. Now, we just need to wait for SCEA to give us the heads up on these games and their release dates over here across the Atlantic. Hopefully, North American dates won't be any different. If these games do continue on schedule and actually get released by Fall, then it's safe to say that PS3 owners will be very happy gamers indeed.[Via Joystiq]
Killzone 2, LittleBigPlanet, Resistance 2 get release window in UK
VideoGamer.com appears to have gotten hold of a Sony UK release schedule for upcoming Sony games, giving us a better idea of when we'll see some of the PS3's biggest titles. According to the release, Killzone 2 and LittleBigPlanet will arrive at some point in September, with Resistance 2 following close behind in November. Sony has confirmed the dates, saying that the info has been "in the public domain for a while now."The last time we heard that September date being batted around for LBP, it was an unofficial source, so it's nice to get it confirmed. Now, what we don't know is specific dates or how the dates of Killzone 2 and Resistance 2 will stack up with their North American counterparts, but we wouldn't count on them being released much later stateside, promising a very happy autumn for PS3 owners.
LittleBigPlanet approaching Alpha, last stop before Beta
It seems so long ago now. We can still remember the feeling of gasping for air; like a heavy weight (one made of equal parts whimsy and cardboard) was planted directly on our collective ribcage. The adorable object of our user-generated desires, LittleBigPlanet was being delayed from early '08 to the much further away and unfathomable "September" ... ... and though news that the game is being pushed "toward the Alpha stage" isn't far removed from an update confirming the game is being pushed towards being released someday, we're pleased as punch to read the update on Media Molecule's blog nonetheless. Why? Because everyone knows that the Alpha stage comes just before the Beta stage and, if you'll recall, Sony has said the demo for LittleBigPlanet will take the form of a "public beta." That means public beta playtime sometime between right now and this September (which is 164 days away, in case you weren't counting). Not much of an update, we know ...%Gallery-1943%
Counting Rupees: The year of the PS3
Each week Jeff Engel and Geoff Brooks contribute Counting Rupees, a column on the business behind gaming: Apparently, 2008 is the year of the PS3. After what most consider a very shaky first year, the media is abuzz with a comeback for the company that was once king of consoles. EGM's March issue proudly proclaims on its cover that it's "The Revenge of the PS3". EDGE's December issue was entitled "The Empire Strikes Back" and even Joystiq's PS3 Fanboy has given us 10 reasons why the PS3 is back in the swing of things. Some analysts have proclaimed that the PS3 will do at least as well as the 360 in 2008, and others have the PS3 edging out the 360 by 2010 or even the Wii by 2011. Clearly, everyone is pointing to 2008 being a turning point of sorts for the Cell-powered beast. But is it actually true? Let's focus on, at least initially, Sony's battle against the 360. Certainly, the PS3 has a lot of things going for it. Blu-ray has officially won the next-gen DVD war; upcoming games, such as Metal Gear Solid 4, Killzone 2, and LittleBigPlanet show tremendous potential; and it has seemingly found a price point that people are willing to pay (as they did originally for the 360). In the US, at least so far this year, Sony has managed to outsell the 360 according to January and February NPD figures. But will it be enough?
LittleBigPlanet hitting Alpha stage soon
Media Molecule came out of their hiding place to assure anxious gamers that LittleBigPlanet is, in fact, coming along quite nicely and is about to enter the Alpha stage of development. What does this mean? They say that "basically this means all the cool stuff we said will be in there should be playable, even if it isn't pretty enough to release." Well, the last known release date for the game is September. Making the game look pretty shouldn't take all that long, right? Perhaps this is one release date that will stick. We'll find out![via Eurogamer]
10 reasons the PlayStation 3 is relevant again
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/10_reasons_PlayStation_3_is_still_relevant'; Sony is expecting a big year for PlayStation 3 -- it might even turn a profit in the next fiscal year, according to SCEI President and CEO Kaz Hirai. The folks at PS3 Fanboy think it's got a fighting chance, and here are ten reasons we expect a better year for the console.
LittleBigPlanet planning lip-synching voice chat, filters
Just when you thought you knew everything you could about Media Molecule's upcoming world-creator game LittleBigPlanet, we find something else that blows our minds and makes us anticipate the title even more. In the latest Edge magazine, it's been revealed that in addition to the emotions and such your sackboy (and sackgirl) can perform, there are plans to lip-synch voice chat. That is to say, the characters will move their mouths in roughly the same way you do (even if not, it's still cool). Down the line, expect stuff like voice filters, too. We think that's a pretty stellar move.[Thanks, Kane!]
The best thing you'll see today: LittleBigPlanet plushie
What's there to say? Our ability to assemble letters into words and words into sentences is trivial – a trifle! – compared to one family's ability to make adorable things we want. The mother of an artist working on LittleBigPlanet knitted what could only be described as the most amazing plushie ever: a Real Life Sackboy. Advice to Media Molecule: make more. Lots more.[Thanks, John]
We <3 this LittleBigPlanet plush
SACKBOY LIVES!This adorable real world recreation of LittleBigPlanet has us swooning with incredible joy. Our hearts are fluttering at the thought of being able to grab one of these for ourselves.Unfortunately, these aren't commercially available. Why? Because it was made by the mother of a Media Molecule staffer. Completely unfair.[Thanks, John!]
LittleBigPlanet will not intimidate users, says Sony
There's a fairly lengthy interview over at GameTap where Sony's senior producer, Pete Smith, speaks up about the hugely ambitious LittleBigPlanet. While we'd love to cover the whole Q&A session, we're just going to give you a glimpse of what's discussed. For example, the concept of the game was brought to Sony when Media Molecule had a total of three members on the development team. Of course, the game has changed drastically since then, but tapping into user-generated content has always been their vision.The game keeps it's 2D structure primarily to deter users from feeling intimidated. It's much easier to work with a 2D world, anyway. The intense physics engine helps keep things fresh and prevents the game from becoming just a 2D platformer. Keeping things approachable and keeping the single-player experience fun and satisfying are also keys to success. While some levels can be designed with teamwork in mind, if it's not fun alone, it probably won't work online. There's plenty more to read up on, so check out the whole interview. We're just excited to hear anything about this glorious sounding game.
LittleBigPlanet public beta still coming
When the fall 2007 target date for a LittleBigPlanet demo came and went we were sad, but when we heard the full game had been bumped from spring 2008 to September, we were downright despondent. Thankfully, the Sony staffer in this video is there to comfort us, promising that a public beta for the game is still in the works and that it will arrive early enough before the final product so that changes can be made. (What does that feel like to you? Late spring? Early summer? Yeah, we're thinking something along those lines.)Though the levels you create in the beta won't be on the disc, they will be populating the servers of the game as soon as you greedily tear it open later this year. Oh, before we forget, we should mention this video isn't just any dry nugget of information, it's been coated in a delicious gameplay video shell. Enjoy with our compliments.[Via PS3F]
LittleBigPlanet video details content and death
For those hungry for a new LittleBigPlanet video, we've got a nice sandwich this morning. It has some delicious meat and cheeses in it ... have we carried the metaphor too far? This video interview shows off some new features being implemented, such as evil Sackboys, more deaths outside of being smooshed or burned, a beta version coming as soon as they can -- but still prior to release, there is a storyline, and each level should take from 5-15 minutes to complete. That length may or may not apply to user-generated content. Anyway, enjoy the video.[via PS3Forums]
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 46
CES 2008 interview with John Koller (28.6MB) Also featured: Wipeout Pulse, SoulCalibur IV, LittleBigPlanet and Downstream Panic!
Sony confirms LittleBigPlanet's planned September release
Sony has confirmed to CVG today that LittleBigPlanet is planned for a September release. Don't feel too down, though. We were supposed to be seeing a beta occuring before the end of 2007 and while there's no news on when that's coming, it should be during the first half of the year. Hopefully. We're in two minds about this. Currently our philosophy is to assume any high profile game will get at least one delay before release. Just look at Metal Gear Solid 4. Does that mean we should expect LBP to land around Christmas (or, yikes, 2009?) or have the team now given themselves the time they need to get the game done by September? We're hoping for the latter. Bring on the beta!More videos of the game, after the cut.[Via Digg]
Get another glimpse of LittleBigPlanet's level creator
Or in this case, its foliage creator. Embedded after the break you'll find a brief CES video demonstration of the PS3's perpetually praised LittleBigPlanet, depicting the elegant interface used to give form to your platforming designs. Though we're already envisioning a deadly sequence of precarious, single-pixel steps suspended above a pit of eternal hellfire in our level, you're perfectly welcome to make a happy little tree and call it a day.In the interest of being informative, we'll remind you that LittleBigPlanet is only expected to arrive in September. We are not happy about it.
LittleBigPlanet updates with new tentative release date
From Crackle: LittleBigPlanet at CES We all know homebrew gaming is coming to the PS3, most notably through Media Molecule's own LittleBigPlanet. We've come to learn the game is slated for a September release for now, but what else is new with the game? We've got some cute information for you to digest. Unless, of course, you don't like fluff.The emotions for your characters, called Sackboys (Sackpeople if you want to be PC about it), are controlled with the D-pad and seem to have a wider array than previously noted. Facial contortions indicate the style of body gestures your character will do. Kind of neat. You can move into and out of the background now -- no more left-to-right only limitations. You can leave little items in the levels, too, like a leaf texture or something, to add to your personal inventory. The currency in the game was once Sponge, but now called Fluff -- it looks like marshmallows in a variety of colors.How about creating your own levels? It's pretty tough to imagine something when you're greeted by a giant white screen. No worries -- the game will come with several pre-rendered levels like a desert scene that will give you a better place to start. Parental controls and a user-created level rating system to control R-rated content is in the works. When we hear more, we'll let you know, but it's shaping up to be something special.
LittleBigPlanet coming in September
We were promised a LittleBigPlanet demo in late 2007, but a sample of the user-generated-content-fueled platformer never materialized. It should come as no surprise then that (as rumored) the game will be missing its originally announced launch window of early 2008. Eurogamer's reporting that inside sources indicate a September release for the game.Though we're saddened to have to wait, can we at least look forward to a LBP demo sometime in the spring? Or maybe Home? Anything? Hello? All we can say on behalf of all the PS3 owner out there is that Metal Gear Solid 4 had better be awesome.
