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There's times when LittleBigPlanet's controls annoy Mark Healey
Last week during an interview with Eurogamer TV, Media Molecule co-founder Mark Healey confessed that he was a little annoyed with the controls of LittleBigPlanet, namely the way Sackboy moves between the different planes of perspective. "The Z [axis] movement is an incredibly hard thing for us to get right. There's times when it annoys me actually, but we can work on that if we want, and refine it." Healey assures fans that the problem can be corrected. "There's definitely room for improvement and we've got the channel to be able to do that as well ... I'd really love to be able to do backflips and all kinds of things with my Sackboy, and there's no reason why we can't add that and refine that." Thought we haven't had any major problems with the controls of LBP, we are more than glad to see the guys at Media Molecule are such perfectionists. How about those of you out there who are also in the beta? Are you experiencing the same problem Healey is describing?
SCEE: LittleBigPlanet user-generated content 'free at launch'
Those of you who are thinking of using LittleBigPlanet as your ticket to champagne wishes and caviar dreams after reading our last post might want to rethink your plans. "SCEE and Media Molecule can guarantee that all consumer-generated content will be free at launch. We know how important this is to the LBP community and what we want most is for people to enjoy playing, creating and sharing their content," SCEE told Eurogamer after being notified of David Reeves' statements. They emphasized that Reeves "was talking about how user-generated content could potentially evolve in the long term" and that any future direction of LBP "will include the community and focus purely on enhancing the user experience." Adding to the confusion, last month at GDC Paris during a keynote presentation, Media Molecule co-founder Mark Healey said "that's a fantastic idea" in response to a question of whether LBP user-generated content can be sold. We think having the option of selling user-generated content, if implemented correctly, can be positive for the community. So did Reeves reveal something he wasn't suppose to yet? Can we kiss charging for LBP content good-bye? [Thanks, raj!]
Media Molecule co-founders talk about LittleBigPlanet at GDC Paris
Alex Evans and Mark Healey, co-founders of Media Molecule, revealed some information on the development of LittleBigPlanet and how the idea came to fruition at a keynote at the Game Developers Conference in Paris. Healey remarks on how he doesn't believe one needs a team of 200 or more people to make a "great, fresh and successful" game, naming Brain Age for the DS as such an example. Profits from games, Healey believes, will be increased by adopting a model of "user-generated content and a willingness to release early and often, combined with people accepting change, accepting patches." Server access to LPB was also revealed to be free and it was even hinted that gamers can potentially sell self-generated content. Later, Evans sat down for an interview with Gamesindustry.biz and said influences on LBP were drawn from "this interesting timeline of user-generated content" such as the God game genre and games like Shoot-'em-up Construction Kit. Evans was "amazed" that people in the industry resonated with their idea of "creative gaming", commenting that Media Molecule had a "much more open and transparent process with the publisher (Sony)" and this was for them, "defining features of the development process." Currently, the LBP team at the stage of "improving the quality and the polish" and promoting LBP; the pressure on them is a double-edged sword -- driving them forward at the same time while putting a large weight on their shoulders, especially with their relatively small team of about 30 people. Finally, the co-founder sounded rather modest about LBP being seen as a lead title on the PS3, claiming he had "no expectation(s)" in the beginning and it was "just ... ambition ... we didn't know we'd succeed", and that the "ultimate test" is "when the game is shipped, that's the best time to judge it."
LittleBigPlanet dev chats about story mode, adult content, and Sackboy plushies
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/LittleBigPlanet_on_story_mode_adult_content_sackboy_dolls'; For the latest episode of the PS Nation podcast, we chatted with Media Molecule founder, Mark Healey. He previously worked on Rag Doll Kung Fu, before moving onto the hotly anticipated PS3 exclusive, LittleBigPlanet. In our 40 minute chat, we covered a number of topics. For example, did you know LittleBigPlanet will have a story mode? Did you know that you'll be able to share "risque" levels privately amongst your friends? Finally, we have confirmation that Sackboy plushies are being made. Yes! Read on.LittleBigPlanet has been evolving at every show. For example, enemies were introduced in the most recent build. How is Media Molecule staggering these features? What's the schedule and why are certain things only being shown at certain times?To be honest, because we showed the game at GDC originally, so early on in the development process. Really, we've been showing things as they go into the game. People have been seeing the game evolve. Quite often, people show the game much nearer the end and are very careful about what they show and what they don't show. It's literally as we're designing the game that we're showing things. There wasn't one big master plan. At some point, we decided "we need enemies," so we put enemies. And then it was shown to people.YouTube video uploading has been discussed for games like PixelJunk Eden and an educational title in Japan. Is it something that's being considered for the game?We haven't made any plans to do that yet. But, like we've always said. We really want to listen to the community. Really, whatever they're most hungry for, we'll make every effort to feed them with what they're hungry for. Like the fluid, with YouTube -- I'm taking a guess, but those are going to be high up on that list. I don't really know what the logistics are, who you have to talk to at YouTube. If there's a huge desire for it, and it's possible, then I'm sure we'll have a go at doing it.
LittleBigPlanet: Story mode, private level sharing, PS Eye use and Sackboy Plushies confirmed
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/LittleBigPlanet_on_story_mode_adult_content_sackboy_dolls'; Media Molecule's Mark Healey has given our friends at PS3 Fanboy quite the news-splosion. In the latest PS Nation podcast, Healey let loose on LittleBigPlanet details, including: There's "a whole heap" of levels that come with the game. "They are strung together in the form of a story," said Healey. "A very loose story, but incredibly funny at certain points." You can make private levels and give keys to friends. In terms of riskier, user-made content, Healey said there is a post-grievance system involving sending screenshots to the powers that be. He declined further on what that might mean for the sure-fire controversial level, LittleBigPenis. Sackboy plushies confirmed! Said SCEA PR Brandon, "It's on the way. Details will be emerging shortly." PlayStation Eye support confirmed. "For example," said Heley, "you can wear a cardboard box and put a sticker of yourself there. And presto, you have a little creepy version of yourself walking around in the game. So yes, you can absolutely do that." The full audio interview can be found in tomorrow's PS Nation podcast, but for now, you can check out a text transcript of the highlights.%Gallery-1943%
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 .
The Joystiq weekend: March 9 - 11, 2007
Normally relegated to a strict schedule, the Joystiq recap missed its Friday appointment due to flights and / or jet lag by our usually hard working and insomnia-suffering staff. Enjoy this screenshot of LittleBigPlanet, one of the most pleasant surprises from GDC this year, and check out the highlights for this very long weekend:GDC CoverageAlienware shows off developer PCsA numerical history, and future, of flOw dev That Game CompanyCliffy B reveals the secrets of the universe LittleBigPlanet developer on dealing with publishersMaking LocoRoco players smilePajitnov, with needle and thread, wins Game Design ChallengePoking around with Virtually Jenna JamesonThe difficulty of contact in game sexWhat's broken with MMOs and their combat?Writers and blocks in the industrySXSW CoverageSXSW: Joystiq is here!SXSW: ARG! The Attack of the Alternate Reality GamesSXSW: The Inside Scoop - how to get a job in the game industryJoystiqueryOff the Grid: The Metagame at GDCPoll results: Wii, PS3, 360 playing habitsToday's most therapeutic video: Simpsons 'GTA Parody'Today's queueiest game video: Miyamoto keynote lineWeekly Webcomic Wrapup: now in Cockney!NewsMicrosoft on the hunt for originality with Xbox Live ArcadeWant a free copy of TMNT for the Wii? Hecker: Sorry, the Wii isn't crap'Whirled' casual MMOG from Puzzle Pirates studioCastle Crashers likely due 2008, receiving more contentPenumbra indie horror adventure makes its 'Overture'Behold: CryENGINE2 GDC demosLocoRoco spotted in PS Home trophy casePandemic working on Wii game for wee onesFlOw almost was a Wii titleTHQ, EA, others recruiting at GDCid Software CEO: piracy pushed us multiplatformNo PSP redesign planned, but more colors proposedDJ Max Portable 2 spotted at GDCDisney's High School Musical for Wii, PS2 and DSShivering Isles on March 27, $30 (2400 Microsoft Points)Mario + Disney = Mushroom Kingdom HeartsNew Mii commercialsJack Thompson suing Take-Two -- 2007 EditionDrip, drip, drip Nintendo Q2 releasesMark Rein apologizes for Epic's lawyers attacking artistAutoFire 2007 shooter competition results announcedFancy Pants Adventures creator Brad Borne interviewedRumors & SpeculationRumor: The Wii-mic ... and Harry Potter will use itCommunity & CultureReuters and the misleading PS3 chip-drop headlineFor game addicts, bad games are more addictiveE3 invites, what's the logic?
Rag Doll team enlisted for PS3 exclusive
Mark Healey's Media Molecule has inked a deal with SCEE to develop an exclusive title for PlayStation 3. Having yet to release a game since cutting ties with Lionhead, the small, 20-plus-sized team is hungry to prove themselves.While neither Sony or Media Molecule is yet prepared to speak publicly about the concept behind this new title, Mark Healy was quick to tout his small team's abilities, boasting, "[we] can deliver a world class, triple A, next generation product." If successful, Media Molecule could blaze the trail for a new generation of small development teams that provide innovative "next-gen" content on a cost effective scale ... while multimillion-dollar uber-studios blow loads of dough on those spiffy sequels and genre clones.
Media Molecule: Rag Doll Kung Fu creator's new studio
Here's the newest installment in the ongoing adventures of Mark Healey, the ex-Lionhead programmer who created Rag Doll Kung Fu. After cutting loose from Lionhead -- which, let's not forget, has since been acquired by Microsoft -- Mark reportedly started to pursue "other projects".He's now founded a new studio, Media Molecule, which includes other ex-Lionhead staff. For the next part of this ongoing soap opera, stay tuned -- the team are "mega busy" at the moment, and we're looking forward to what comes out of this new indie developer.
