media molecule
Latest
Design a Sackboy or Sackgirl for LittleBigPlanet DLC
Have you fired many a condescending moan at the lead characters of most chart-topping blockbusters over the past few years, commenting on how the protagonist of your homebrew first-person shooter, Hellkiller, is so much more original and marketable? Perhaps it's time you put your unsung character design skills to work -- we suggest entering a contest recently posted by LittleBigPlanet creator Media Molecule to create a clever outfit for the game's texturized heroes, Sackboy and Sackgirl.One winner from America, Japan and Europe will be chosen from the entries, and the winning designs will be posted as free DLC for the title "in the near future". Applicants, who must be 13 years or older to enter, simply need to draw a costume over a Sackboy template on the LittleBigPlanet site, and email it to Media Molecule. They don't mention this in the rules, but we imagine equipping the mascot-worthy protagonist with intricately drawn reproductive organs is grounds for immediate disqualification.[Via Kotaku]
Is this one of those LittleBigPlanet billboards?
Last month, we posted about a marketing campaign for LittleBigPlanet which involved spreading hidden yard sign-sized LittleBigBillboards around major cities such as L.A., San Fran, and NYC. The hidden signs are small enough for someone to pilfer and, in fact, Sony encourages you to do so. However, how will you be able to go about your thieving, Fagin-like ways if you have not a clue as to what these miniature billboards look like? Perhaps the above image is legit enough to point us in the right direction.It sure does look legit; it's got the ladder and lights which match the description. But that's not good enough for us; we need a bit more than that. Let's say ... send us a pic if you yourself find such tiny billboards in your city. We'll also be keeping an eye out over here in NYC. If the billboard is the real deal, then that "October 21" release date plastered on the sign has got us quite excited for next month. See more images here. [Thanks tinyEvel!]
LBP (LittleBigPlanet) gets LPB (limited public beta) this month
Those of you who just can't wait for that somewhat amorphous Little Big Planet release date should keep your ears to the ground this month. A developer on the PlayStation message boards let slip that the game will be put through a "limited public beta" sometime this month -- a sort of stress test of the game's architecture before the full release.How do you get in on that hot, hot customizable platformer action? Well, that's also a little amorphous. "If it will be possible to 'sign up' for this test, full information on how to do so will be made public in advance of the test," the developer writes. "Similarly if the test is going to be conducted in an invitation-only we will let you know ahead of time." Of course, once that information is out there, you'll read about it here.[Via PS3Fanboy]
Official LittleBigPlanet Sackboy plushies shown in Japanese ad
Some of you are happy with your Kratos and Nariko virtual sackpersons, but those of you who are looking to a physical Sackboy companion can rejoice. Taito has announced preorders for Japanese consumers who want to get their hands on a plush version of LittleBigPlanet's main character. You have two sizes to choose from: a mini Sackboy that is about 4 inches in height for about $12 USD or a larger 10 inch one for $23. The mini version will be released in November in Japan and come in the 4 varieties: normal, solider, pirate and smile. The larger version only comes in the normal or pirate versions and will be released in December. Each Sackboy is made of a soft material, so Sackboy doesn't actually feel like a sack when you try to cuddle with him.Fortunately, we know Sackboy plushes are headed to the US as well. Hopefully we'll hear something soon.[Via Kotaku]
LittleBigPlanet's Nariko Sackgirl is Best Buy exclusive
Sony previously announced several planned pre-order bonuses for LittleBigPlanet, including custom downloadable "Sackboy" versions of God of War's Kratos and Heavenly Sword's Nariko. While the Ghost of Sparta went to GameStop, the official LBP blog has revealed that pre-ordering the game at Best Buy will land you a download voucher code for Nariko. Both characters are über-spiffy, but, if you want both, you'll have to pre-order the game twice. No one's preventing you from avoiding it at one of the two stores when it's released, though. Oh no, certainly not us. Of course, you could always wait a bit for the characters to be made available for paid download via the PlayStation Store, something we're sure Sony would never think of doing, not in a million billion years.
Nariko Sackgirl pre-order bonus goes to Best Buy
It's complete! Finally, we now know where all five American LittleBigPlanet pre-order bonuses can be located. The fifth piece, Narito Sackgirl, has now been revealed for Best Buy. With Kratos Sackboy available at Gamestop, a LBP sticker book at Circuit City, the canvas pouch at GameCrazy, and a digital game guide at Amazon, it'll definitely be difficult to decide which retailer to order from. We'll leave you to decide the right choice.Now, how about those not blessed enough to live in the USA? Don't fear -- you haven't been forgotten. Plans for pre-order bonuses are still being ironed out. Canadians will only be getting two pre-order items: Kratos and Nariko in-game models. Kratos can be found at EB Games/Gamestop, while Nariko's retailer has yet to be revealed. Europeans can get Nariko from Play.[Thanks Brendan!]
LittleBigPlanet 'limited public beta' coming this month
Sam, a community developer over the PlayStation.com forums, states that there will be a "limited public beta" for LittleBigPlanet in September. No other details were given at this time. "If it will be possible to 'sign up' for this test, full information on how to do so will be made public in advance of the test. Similarly if the test is going to be conducted in an invitation-only we will let you know ahead of time."In an earlier post, Sam also hinted at how many people will get in to this beta. Accommodating everyone will be impossible, but "it will be large enough that many people from around the world will get in." There also won't be a demo for LBP, at least not before the release date, "due to the complexity and scale of the game."We'll keep you updated in regards to the beta as more information is made available.[Via MaxConsole]
Make outstanding LBP levels, land a job at Media Molecule
It's slightly ironic to be writing an article about 'getting a job' on Labor Day; however, the work we speak of is probably one you won't want to take a holiday from. In an interview with CVG, Media Molecule's Pete Smith spoke about the possibility of recruiting top LittleBigPlanet community designers to join the Britain-based team."We will be aware of who those awesome designers are and certainly there's the potential to get them building levels as part of the dev team," said Smith. With LittleBigPlanet coming out on October 29 in Europe (open October date for other regions), that gives starry-eyed, yet Hotpocket-breathed gamers just about two months to start planning out those designs a curriculum vitae.
LittleBigPlanet bundle at French retailer, Sackboy trailer, Chinese version
According to French electronics retailer fnac, the above is the 80GB LittleBigPlanet bundle. If they are to be believed, the bundle will include the new 80GB PS3, one Dual Shock 3 controller and a copy of LittleBigPlanet. All of this can be yours for 399.99 €. The box art looks awesome -- we are sure this bundle is going to move systems in the regions where it will be released.In other news, PS3Hyper tells us the Asia Version of LBP will allow you to select between English or Traditional Chinese text. This version, which can be preordered here, will be released on October 30th for Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.Finally, there is a new trailer focusing on Sackboy and his lady friend Sackgirl. Is love in the air? Check out the trailer after the jump.Source -- fnacSource -- PS3Hyper[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Postcards pitch LittleBigPlanet to the masses
Weren't sure how serious Sony is about getting everyone hyped about LittleBigPlanet? On the heels of news that LBP's Sackboy is being positioned as the new (fabric) face of PS3 comes a Best Buy blitz of lovely postcards extolling the game's many virtues to customers who'd otherwise look at it and say, "Huh?"The crew at PS3 Fanboy has the whole lot of them scanned in all their cute-yet-informative glory. Give them a look!
Fun postcards with everything you need to know about LittleBigPlanet
Retailers are betting on LittleBigPlanet this holiday season. They're looking at it as a real system-seller, and Sony is more than glad to educate them on what makes the upcoming "Only On PlayStation" title so appealing. This set of postcards is currently being distributed to Best Buy stores, where they will educate employers and shoppers about the wonders of Media Molecule's game. If for some crazy reason, you've managed to miss out on the LittleBig Hype, check out our scans -- everything you need to know about the game is right here, detailed with adorable pictures of the lovable SackBoys and Girls. Play. Create. Share. Learn! > [Thanks, ZENegade!]
It's a wrap: LittleBigBox
click to make little ... BIG! Life at Joystiq HQ used to feel a lot like Mount Crumpit. It was cold and lonely and it just seemed like our hearts were, in the words of Dr. Seuss, "two sizes too small." (That, and Ludwig refused to take his damned antler ears off.) But then LittleBigPlanet rolled along and slapped the cynical smirk clean off our faces. And -- wouldn't you know it? -- our hearts grew three sizes that day.%Gallery-1943%
Circuit City LittleBigPlanet preorder details
Maybe it's just us, but Sackboy here seems to get cuter by the minute. Anyway, if you've visited the LittleBigPlanet News Site before, you'll find that playing with the virtual stickers can be rather entertaining. Those of you who crave a more hands-on experience should order their copy of LittleBigPlanet from Circuit City, where the preorder bonus will be an exclusive sticker book, with real physical stickers. It doesn't appear the preordering online will yield this bonus, so use this store locator to find a Circuit City location near you to preorder.
Joystiq interview: LittleBigPlanet's Pete Smith and Jim Unwin
The LittleBigPlanet breakdown session was a little different than most. We've been seeing the game at every trade show since it was revealed at GDC 2007. As a result, the session took a more informal Q&A approach, rather than a showcase for the game's features.Those present – producer Pete Smith and interface designer Jim Unwin – did start off by volunteering some information: Firstly, the game is finished and pretty much ready to go. The European release date has been finalized as October 29th, with other regions to be confirmed later. Barring unforeseen circumstances there's no reason at all why this game shouldn't ship in time.We were also told that when LittleBigPlanet was first shown at GDC, Media Molecule had only about five members. As much as the presentation at GDC was a glimpse into the PS3's future, it was also a hiring pitch. Media Molecule was looking for new members in order to work on this incredibly ambitious project. The level shown at GDC was the entirety of LittleBigPlanet up until that point. In fact, they hadn't even finalized the name until a few days before.%Gallery-1943%
LittleBigPlanet contains copyright system
In a game like LittleBigPlanet, sharing user generated content is a big part of the experience. Ever more so, protecting one's personal creations is going to be an even bigger issue. With players expected to swap content daily, one has to wonder how will players control the distribution of unique content in the do-it-yourself platformer?The answer is that the game will utilize a simple system called "copyright" which is not the same as the legal sense. Players can "copyright" objects which are collectibles in their levels; copyright items can be used by the people who've collected them, but they won't be able to alter your content or give it away to others. Non-copyright items can be edited and shared freely by anyone. Additionally, you can control who is allowed to use your levels by setting a difficulty rating and/or giving away invite keys.[Via Joystiq]
LittleBigPlanet to feature personal 'copyright' system
We love it when games like Soul Calibur IV challenge us to add a personal touch to our favorite pastime, whether it be in creating our own fighters or stitching together a brand new level. But if there's anything this bounty of creative tools and user-generated content has shown us, it's that people aren't very original. When they're done recreating all of Nintendo's intellectual properties, they'll likely start copying, editing and spreading all of your creations too. They must be stopped!Thankfully, the PlayStation 3's impossibly cute platformer, LittleBigPlanet, will feature its own "copyright" system for user-generated items. "You can basically dictate the distribution rights on any object you create," Media Molecule's Alex Evans tells Eurogamer. "If you put something in your level as a collectable item, people can collect it. People can control who comes into the level, both by how hard it is and by giving away keys, but you can also choose whether to copyright that object."Items sans copyright can be modified and shared with wild abandon (perfect for the inevitable penises!), while those cherished by the creator must be collected and remain within the confines of the user's level. Which is probably just a recreation of Super Mario Bros. World 1-1 anyway.
LittleBigPlanet and Home will possibly shack up together
Home and LittleBigPlanet have a lot of common elements. Both focus on empowering the player with a wide range of customization options, both are PS3 exclusives, and both will be available this fall season. With so many parallels drawn, it's only natural that somebody would ask Media Molecule co-founder Alex Evans if the two would share cross functionality with one another. Eurogamer were not shy to inquire; however, Mr. Evans was a tad reluctant to spill the Sackboy beans. While Evans said that he couldn't "announce anything right now," he did open up the doors to possibility. Pointing back to GDC, Evans reminded of a presentation which was done in Home and had a Sony-built LittleBigPlanet space. Not only was there proof that such content can exist, but he also cited how close the LBP crew was with the Home team -- they're "just down the road from us ... I'm looking forward to getting the LittleBigPlanet space in there, working on it and making it cool." It seems like the possibilities are very real; however, it also looks like you'll be customizing levels in LittleBigPlanet first before ever tinkering with LBP in Home. [Via 1UP] There's no place like Home! Check out our Home page for all our coverage!
Watch the birth of a LittleBigPlanet player-made stage
In the beginning, Media Molecule made LittleBigPlanet. But the levels were barren and flat, and devoid of obstacles, so the player moved upon the face of the level creation system. And the player said, "Let there be swinging, spongy balls," and there were swinging, spongy balls. And the player saw the swinging, spongy balls, that they were good, and he divided the swinging, spongy balls from the electrified floor.If you needed any more proof that LittleBigPlanet's level creation system is going to be mind-blowingly robust, (though arguably less robust then the level creation system discussed in Genesis), we turn your attention to the video posted after the break -- a time-lapse sneak preview of a player crafting his own level. It's a pretty clever design, and looks like a blast -- best of all, it only took about ten minutes. That kind of thing apparently used to take seven days. Thanks, technology!
LittleBigPlanet Kratos sackboy costume can be shared
Thanks to a poster on NeoGAF, we have some details regarding the popular Kratos sackboy costume for LittleBigPlanet. First of all, the card is given to you immediately when you preorder in-store. According the GameStop website, if you preordered online or you arranged for in-store pickup, your code will be e-mailed to you one week before the game ships. The code must also be redeemed by January 8th, 2009. Lastly, like PSN games, each code will be associated with a PSN account -- which "allows download of the LittleBigPlanet in-game costume on 5 PS3 systems per account." Too bad you don't get five pouches to share with your friends, huh? Reverse side of the above LBP code card, after the jump:
LittleBigPlanet confirmed region free by SCEE rep
Chalk this one up as a LittleBigWin for LittleBigPlanet fans. A Sony representative has posted on the official European PlayStation forums to clarify the region locking issue, stating that "there will only be one region for the game.... a LittleBigRegion.""The confusion arose out of regional differences in how moderation will work as there are different legal rules each region have to play by, and at one point this looked like it may require the game to be independent in each region". Thankfully, this was unnecessary in the end. So you can stop fretting now; your level creations will be playable worldwide and, perhaps more importantly, we're going to have a huge selection of content from all different cultures to play with soon after launch. Is it October 29th yet?[Thanks, Benny Boy]
