LittleBigPlanet public beta still coming

by Justin McElroy { Jan 16th 2008 at 10:15AM }

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]

Tags: littlebigplanet, sony, ucg

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

KushielsScion007 @ Jan 16th 2008 10:23AM

I can't wait till it comes out....just to see how its recievrd. Cuz in all honesty aside from the pretty graphics and the interesting levels I don't really see much substance behind this game.

KushielsScion007 @ Jan 16th 2008 10:31AM

*recieved*

One thing though he said the "entire gaming community is rabid about this game". Maybe the people who visit sites like Joystiq, Kotaku, etc (who are sony fanboys or ps3 owners) but I haven't seen ANY mention of this game in the mainstream media whether it be tv or print. Thats just MY experience though.

And lol I love the bluray plugin...

FOXHOUND @ Jan 16th 2008 10:34AM

*received. Yeah, I wish there was a posting edit/delete option too. x_x"

As for LITTLE BIG PLANET, I eagerly await the demo simply because the trailer alone doesn't sell me on the game just yet. Or rather, the notion of paying $60 for what I saw doesn't hook me into it.

FidliousWong @ Jan 16th 2008 11:22AM

kuschiell, why do you have to do that? Seriously. Only the people on here, all supposedly rabid Sony fanboys, would be interested in this? You realize it's reasons like this that you get voted down (it should be noted, I rarely vote unless the comment is witty or funny), don't you? That and your stance that you'd rather steal media than buy anything that may benefit Sony in any way. Which makes me wonder if you missed out on SNES... well, doubtful you were even alive back then.

Anywho, Little Big Planet has mass appeal even to people who hate PS3. Take, for example, Cheapy D. He takes every opportunity to bash PS3 or Sony in general in his podcast. And yet he's completely psyched about LBP. Also, certain people of the 1up podcast network who are famous for hating on PS3 is loving on this game. And Sarcastic Gamer, famous for their Sony bashes, have mentioned multiple times how cool this game, and the idea behind it is.

Now, is anyone from the community expected Mass Effect level of depth? No, not actually. But they are looking at it as a huge community driven game and even the ease of having a blast with friends. Personally, I see Little Big Planet easily finding it's way into the rotation of Timesplitters, Resistance, Warhawk, Amplitude, and Rock Band at my gaming rotations.

KushielsScion007 @ Jan 16th 2008 11:57AM

I'll respond more throughly when I'm done with classes for the day but I wasn't implying that all the people who read Joystiq or Kotaku are sony fanboys.

Clearly thats not the case.

I was just saying that of the readership it seems like its mostly the sony fanboy contingent of the readers that is excited for the game.

And I haven't seen a lot of mainstream coverage for the game. Thats all I was talking about. The way the guy was talking about you'd think every single gamer whether causal or hardcore knew about this game.

Like I said I will wait and see what exactly this game has to offer. Cuz right now it looks pretty but doesn't seem to have much depth.

As for the voting down I think you'd have to be pretty pathetic to let the heart system determine how happy you are or whether or not your opinion holds merit. Like you I rarely vote except when I read a hilarious post.

And frankly I don't exactly what the less hearts do your post. Cuz I can still see everyones post regardless of how many hearts are beside it. So the effect if any is lost on me.

upz @ Jan 16th 2008 1:56PM

Is this the same guy that's never used a CD before in his entire life?

FidliousWong @ Jan 16th 2008 2:28PM

Kushiell, you know why you haven't seen mainstream press about this? Seriously? Because mainstream press could give neither two shits nor a giggle about prerelease game buzz. Seriously, only game I can recall mainstream press oozing themselves with coverage was Halo 3 (which, incidently, was still beaten by Harry Potter).

So until that point, you'll have gamers covering this title and drooling. We have our pulse on this community and could honestly give a damn about Britney Spears. Is that REALLY the news outlet you want coverage from?

Now, as for why so many people are excited about this aspect, let's put it this way. Timesplitters had a fully featured level editor. Glorious thing. And since I have two memeory cards filled with TS 1&2 custom maps (got the third on Xbox, jokes on me since it's not BC... but I don't have a 360 anymore anyway so... yeah), I can tell you I had a blast with the feature. However, it was hard to understand and work out. Many people would not be willing to take the time to learn a full on editor. Not even one as remarkably easy as Unreal Engine 3.

So where does that leave us? Well, to the next point, Forge. Comparing Timesplitters map editor with Forge is like asking "Would you rather draw your own picture or place stickers on a blank page?" Everything Forge cannot do, Timesplitters Editor can. Hell, you can even adjust the lighting sequences and spawn points. But Forge is easy to do. And so Forge had more of the usergroup willing to try it out. Forge became a whole "I made this" aspect within the Halo community. A shooter community is not prone to creation outside of mods. Now, imagine a game that has roughly 100 times the versitility of Forge and it's just as easy to the levels. Imagine minipuzzles which require cooperative play or encourages backstabbing. Imagine this entire process is handled by a physics engine you never have to code or touch. And then you'll see why LBP is gathering buzz.

Upz, yes it is. Among his gems (when he was ranting about the injustice of the hearts system and how the fanboys unfairly persecute him... kinda like good old John Bruce) is the one I personally love.

If BluRay becomes the standard, he will download and steal movies rather than buying a BluRay. With that one comment, he's essentially insured the MPAA will get their own little version of the RIAA. Good times.

Calviin @ Jan 16th 2008 11:01PM

Mainstream media generally only talks about games that are easily related to non-game pop culture like Rock Band or the sports titles, or they talk about the violent games that are "poisoning the youth".

Truth is, this game is going to appeal to a very select group of gamers, the genuine gamers. This faction of gaming culture are into gaming for the creativity of it, and the imagination and strategy. What most of us call "thinking". Your average "poser" gamer is not going to be into this. For them, if it doesn't have a gun or a ball, it's not a real game. It's ok though, they don't know any better. They're not real gamers. If they ever had to sit in front of Carcassonne or Settlers of Catan, they'd start cursing sooner then figure out how to play, let alone play well. Sure, they may try to defend themselves with all the other games they've played or owned, but you know which group they really fall into when you hear them talk. So don't worry about it when they insult LBP or suggest that it is not GOTY material. They don't know any better, and there's just no way to teach them.

-Calviin

copa @ Jan 16th 2008 10:25AM

Game.

Of.

The.

Year.

Steve @ Jan 16th 2008 11:20AM

NOT

A

CHANCE.

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Jan 16th 2008 11:23AM

Ha

Ha

No.

Fernando Rocker @ Jan 16th 2008 12:05PM

Game of the Year?

This is not the thread about the 40/40 Famitsu score about Super Smah Bros Brawl.

Vidikron (FU) @ Jan 16th 2008 12:43PM

Meh... Famitsu is worthless these days.

John McPoop @ Jan 16th 2008 2:08PM

I think everyone is losing sight of what this game really. Sure, the gameplay mechanics appear to be some sort of a 2-D side scrolling racing game. But, like spore part of the gameplay is also being in the menu system and creating content. That is where this game attracts people. If your not a creative person and you have no desire to create in game content then this game will not appeal to you.

I think community based Mods are great but even they are not the same as what this game aims to deliver. Its really something that lets you express yourself and project your ideas about what the game should be.

I have a degree in Computer Animation and i think its amazing that there is actually a game that will let users who could never create content like this for a game have the oppourtunity to create and share content with players all around the world.

@ Fernando Rocker

I do think this game has a good shot at game of the year. The controls for the nintendo wii have changed peoples conceptions about what video game interactivity is, this game will do the same but in a different way.

Smash Brothers Brawl could be the greatest fighting game ever but it is still nothing new and will not connect people to the game emotionally IMO.

If LBP is not implemented correctly or if it is to hard to actually create certain content it could turn users away. From the looks of 2008 I think Spore and LBP are going to be the best games of the year.

HighFiveJesus @ Jan 16th 2008 4:48PM

Frocker, then go gush about it in the 40/40 article, why are you talking about it here? At this time, you haven't barely made a noise over there, get out.

kbomb1upc @ Jan 16th 2008 10:28AM

I hope it comes soon because I really want to test this game out. All the videos are great but at the end its all about how it plays.

Rubix42 @ Jan 16th 2008 10:37AM

Seems to have a very basic point to me. Make it from point a to point b and collect stuff. Sounds like any of about 30 games to me. Go from here to there and do stuff in between.

I do wonder if it will have any story at all, or if it's just wacky custom made platforming everywhere. I honestly don't care either way though.

Vidikron (FU) @ Jan 16th 2008 12:44PM

"Go from here to there and do stuff in between."

Ummm... can't you boil down most games to that???

Lekko @ Jan 16th 2008 4:37PM

I'm fairly certain moving and doing things are key features in most games today.

Rubix42 @ Jan 16th 2008 4:40PM

Wow, my comment was totally just a shot at poking fun of people who dis on this game.

Next time I'll put in a little notice of that

GRANTED @ Jan 16th 2008 10:42AM

so... public beta means anyone can sign up? or only the rabid psforum posters get a key?

FidliousWong @ Jan 16th 2008 11:23AM

All I can say is there is a reason I've recently become very active in the GAP community. It helped me out on Warhawk.... not Home though.

Kalus @ Jan 16th 2008 10:42AM

This is one of the big reasons I want a PS3, isn't that weird? I feel like this game would be more at home on my Wii. Actually... It would be perfect for the Wii. You could point out directions, and the D-Pad controls are right there. Oh well.

Nate @ Jan 16th 2008 11:35AM

The visuals would look so much better on the PS3, not to mention needing storage space for all the custom designs, levels, etc. I'm sure it *could* be done on the Wii, but I don't think it would be as good a game.

Plus, I'm hoping these custom levels can be passed around like UT3 mods - post the files to the internet and let anyone grab them and put them on their PS3. Hopefully there's a way to put them up on an in-game-accessible place online as well.

def PD @ Jan 16th 2008 12:51PM

I remember Reggie Fils-Aime (sp?) mentioning something along the lines how LBP looks like an interesting game and it wouldn't fit the demographic of the PS3 userbase, but the Wii's and was disappointed it wasn't going to be on it.

I for one am excited for this game and curious to see the other developer's pre-made level designs.

Ihya @ Jan 16th 2008 4:57PM

I remember games journalists commenting after last years GDC that Reggie looked thoroughly pissed off during the demonstration. I think it broke his heart. :/

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Jan 16th 2008 5:49PM

Unfortunately, for the devs of this game at least, reggie is right.

For the same reason Viva Piniata didn't sell on 360, LBP won't sell on PS3

Bluebrake @ Jan 16th 2008 8:42PM

For the same reason as Viva Pinata? VP was a completely unremarkable genre game before release, which ended up getting great reviews. LBP is one of the most hyped games in development for any platform right now. They're not even the slightest bit comparable. If it's any good at all, it'll sell just fine.

The Viva Pinata franchise (game + cartoon) was also developed explicitly for children (enjoyable by adults or not, a lot of people will hesitate to buy a game based on a preschooler's TV show), whereas LBP appeals to a much wider audience. If it had used cartoony graphics some people might have been scared off, but as it is, the hyper-realistic art style catches everyone's attention.

Dahk @ Jan 16th 2008 10:54AM

Lol I think you guys are viewing this from a hardcore gamer standpoint though. The fact that this is targetted towards the most casual of casual gamers, yet even the hardcores absolutely love it, is just a testament to how huge this game might be to the entire gaming community.

I'm the only ones with a PS3 out of my friends, yet they're more excited (or saddened cuz of delays) for its release date than I am lol.

I don't think the general media really talks about actual games too much, especially if they're SO far from its release date. The huge thing in the media these days seems to be the whole monitoring your kids thing, and the ESRB ratings. There are exceptions off the top of my head like... Halo 3 and its massive campaigning and like Manhunt 2. And plsu, LBP is something you need to see for a while - hard to demonstrate its awesomeness in a commercial =).

Marty @ Jan 16th 2008 11:07AM

Personally, I don't see really 'hardcore' gamers getting into this. People who like playing games like Madden or Crysis aren't going to spend hours playing with dolls on their PS3.

sicsided @ Jan 16th 2008 11:21AM

Madden players are hardcore???

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Jan 16th 2008 11:25AM

@marty

The correct term is mainstream.

baby sea tuna @ Jan 16th 2008 11:55AM

For the last time, yes, Madden players *are* hardcore. I can't imagine how hard it must be to learn all of the rules/controls to that game. Why do you think it's one of those games that certain people spend all their time with? Sort of like WoW...

FOXHOUND @ Jan 16th 2008 12:26PM

There's few-to-nill games out there that get as much mainstream media coverage as Madden. There's "Madden Challenge" ESPN contest show updates, online betting using the game as a reference, and even outcome predictions based on it for gameday readiness. Hell, it's almost a slang-term socially outside of videogaming. Personally, the series feels stagnant to me; mostly the cliche'd excuse about the series being simply minor cosmetic changes and roster updates holding true. I usually play them for most of preseason NFL and then trade it in while there's still value.

I'm no diehard fan of the series, but I respect that it's popularity at least is getting people to realize how mainstream videogaming has become.

Mr Khan @ Jan 16th 2008 5:39PM

It all comes down to the marketing, though. And even that may not save it (it sure as hell didn't help Viva Pinata)

xFenixKnightx @ Jan 16th 2008 11:19AM

It does look pretty neat...but thats about it. Ill probably rent it.

GI-Joe @ Jan 16th 2008 11:22AM

This game doesn't look that bad. I've kept an eye on it to see whats up. My roommates and I were planning on getting a living room PS3 for this game. We have alot of friends who come over and we jam it up with Halo3, Cod4 and SmashBros Melee so this game might be fun.

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Jan 16th 2008 11:27AM

I'm preparing for a LittleBig Disappointment.

JodyAnthony (death by snoo-snoo) @ Jan 16th 2008 11:43AM

i want it NOW. this is the game that pushed me over the edge to get a PS3. Come on, Sony!

Martez @ Jan 16th 2008 11:53AM

Isn't the entire game itself a kind of public beta? Wasn't that the point? It seems weird to talk about a public beta so we can experiment with the experimentation game. :\

baby sea tuna @ Jan 16th 2008 11:56AM

So, how do we get into this beta again?

ThornedVenom @ Jan 16th 2008 12:25PM

If the PS3 keeps this up, there'd be no more console nor platform to bash constantly.

Everyone knows that PSP and Mac jokes have all been dried up. =(

umm....hello??? @ Jan 16th 2008 1:45PM

I am hoping to add this to my small PS3 collection...not really one to fiddle around with making levels, but would be happy to play other people's creations. I rarely use Forge in Halo3, but enjoy the custom games frequently. I think this would be a good "party" game for when my friends come over.

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Jan 16th 2008 2:19PM

Anybody ever heard of the MMO "Tales from the Desert".

Whole damn thing was based on creating user generated content that may or may not have been useful. It died a horrible death on the internet, killed by a hit-and-run MMORPG that is now famous.

LBP kinda reminds me of that.

Zeus.:God @ Jan 16th 2008 4:02PM

Sorry, maybe I'm out of the loop, but what the hell is the point of this game?

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Jan 16th 2008 5:50PM

We don't know yet, but you can build stuff in it.

Dan CiTi @ Jan 16th 2008 10:48PM

It's a platforming game with up to 4 player online co-op. There is also a rich but easy-to-use level creator with a strong online community aspect. Overall, it looks like one of the best platforming games in a while. Yeah someone made the comparison to Spore. It's pretty much the Spore of platformers. I can't wait.