PAX 2008: LittleBigPlanet Hands-On Preview
Sony had time for a brief Q&A after the demo. Their PR rep told us players will be able to build their own levels right from the start. Playing the 50 developer-built single player levels included on the retail disc will gradually unlock new content, including themed building materials, enemies, vehicle components, and sackboy gear. At launch LittleBigPlanet will also feature plenty of downloadable content built by participants of the current closed beta.
Players will be able to set publishing rights for their own levels, and can limit the distribution of their content to friends or individual users. They'll also be able to keep them solely on their hard disk, where they can invite online players to jump in and try them out. Sony described LittleBigPlanet's content sharing model as similar to YouTube's, and said that although they'll have built-in filters for mature or inappropriate content, they'll also be depending on the community to flag questionable material as it gets uploaded for sharing.
Not surprisingly, Sony PR says developer Media Molecule's plans for LittleBigPlanet include providing players with a steady stream of new content. They wouldn't talk specifics, but said they're partnering with other companies to bring third-party themed content into LittleBigPlanet. The Sony rep mentioned Disney, for example - being careful to note that it was just an example - as a company that LittleBigPlanet could conceivably partner up with to provide new content. He also mentioned that other Sony game-related IP would probably find its way into the game. Even so, Sony noted, they're determined to keep LittleBigPlanet's unique style and presentation intact, so they won't be replacing sackboy with other characters or introducing content that would weaken their own brand.
LittleBigPlanet appears no less appealing or intriguing than it did at the 2007 Game Developer's Conference, where its debut stole the show. Due out for the PlayStation 3 on October 21, 2008, it's looks like it's on track to be the console's next killer app.
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Players will be able to set publishing rights for their own levels, and can limit the distribution of their content to friends or individual users. They'll also be able to keep them solely on their hard disk, where they can invite online players to jump in and try them out. Sony described LittleBigPlanet's content sharing model as similar to YouTube's, and said that although they'll have built-in filters for mature or inappropriate content, they'll also be depending on the community to flag questionable material as it gets uploaded for sharing.
Not surprisingly, Sony PR says developer Media Molecule's plans for LittleBigPlanet include providing players with a steady stream of new content. They wouldn't talk specifics, but said they're partnering with other companies to bring third-party themed content into LittleBigPlanet. The Sony rep mentioned Disney, for example - being careful to note that it was just an example - as a company that LittleBigPlanet could conceivably partner up with to provide new content. He also mentioned that other Sony game-related IP would probably find its way into the game. Even so, Sony noted, they're determined to keep LittleBigPlanet's unique style and presentation intact, so they won't be replacing sackboy with other characters or introducing content that would weaken their own brand.
LittleBigPlanet appears no less appealing or intriguing than it did at the 2007 Game Developer's Conference, where its debut stole the show. Due out for the PlayStation 3 on October 21, 2008, it's looks like it's on track to be the console's next killer app.
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