LittleBigPlanet sequel underway as first game is powered on

by James Ransom-Wiley { Oct 27th 2008 at 1:26PM }

Media Molecule switched on the LittleBigPlanet servers today and just like that ... went right back to work on the sequel. The team has already begun development of a follow-up title, according to BBC, and is looking into broadening the franchise -- we're talking cartoons, comics, action figures, the works. As Mr. Carter foretold: Can't stop the blows -- *KABOOM* -- the SackBoy in the room!

Source - Game on for British developers [BBC]
Source - Powering up! [Media Molecule]

Tags: js-twitter, lbp, littlebigplanet, littlebigplanet-2, media-molecule, sackboy

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

MatthewRex @ Oct 27th 2008 1:31PM

I say BRING ON THE MERCH. I'd love a Sackboy plush. But I do hope they bring some premium DLC to the table before another $60 disc.

343 Guilty Fart @ Oct 27th 2008 1:32PM

I AM MALCOLM X!

Marty @ Oct 27th 2008 1:36PM

Seems silly to work on a sequel already, especially when there is so much potential for DLC / added functionality being patched into the original game.

kizzeo @ Oct 27th 2008 1:38PM

Do you play TF2 on PC or Xbox360? (Dohoho)

Jakka @ Oct 27th 2008 1:58PM

I don't think MM would honestly give a shit about LBP on consoles if it was to released on PC, either.

Jakka @ Oct 27th 2008 1:59PM

Dohohoho....

Marty @ Oct 27th 2008 2:36PM

I play TF2 on both, but on PC more.

Superstar90 @ Oct 27th 2008 1:37PM

I would rather see them work on bigger, free DLC. Like make deals with Book, Movie, Game and TV companies to bring those characters/settings to the game.

But if they are making a sequel, add in customizable combat and RPG levelling elements and I am sooooo in.

T @ Oct 27th 2008 1:42PM

If they made deals to get licensed content into the game...I can guarantee you the word "free" wouldn't appear anywhere in the agreement.

lochack @ Oct 27th 2008 1:41PM

I got my early copy from gamestop on the 25th, and as anyone had problems connecting to LBP'S server? I can't maybe have to wait till the 28th.

SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread - XBL: SoCoolCurt) @ Oct 27th 2008 6:31PM

didnt read the article huh? have you tried the game today? cause it says they started up the servers today.

and i was supposed to get mine on the 25th as well, GameStop called on the 24th and told me to get it the next day, but then when i got there they said they didnt have it. the guy was deep in conversation with his co-worker too so im assuming he unboxed it later that night just before the end of his shift. god i hate GameStop.

McWeen @ Oct 27th 2008 1:42PM

Shouldn't the user created levels negate the need for a sequel?

Anam @ Oct 27th 2008 1:51PM

Yeah. And fan fiction should have negated the need for three Star Wars prequels, but you know how that turned out.

McWeen @ Oct 27th 2008 1:55PM

What you said just agreed with me. Fan-fiction is hardly comparable to user created content.

Anam @ Oct 27th 2008 2:10PM

I wasn't meaning to disagree with you. I was merely pointing out that when there's money to be made, the question of "should" doesn't usually come up in meetings.

As far as whether fan fiction is comparable, I'll agree that it's a slight stretch, but still similar. Fan fiction provides generally low quality stories for free while official Star Wars movies provide provide high...er quality stories for a price.

ExMcCloud @ Oct 27th 2008 2:11PM

McWeen you are correct....They should treat LBP like a Platform not a game.....Add more tools, and add more levels...The game is pretty much perfect....Just fix some minor problems

Anam @ Oct 27th 2008 2:12PM

Star Wars movies provide twice.

McWeen @ Oct 27th 2008 2:18PM

@ExMcCloud Good point. It would be interesting if they treated it similar to Rockband with tons of DLC to flesh the game out even more. If they really wanted to expand they should add more options for tweeking the engine in new ways.

ExMcCloud @ Oct 27th 2008 3:14PM

But hey McWeen that would be to good for the consumer...Expect another 60 Dollar disc...SIGH

Cellien @ Oct 27th 2008 1:43PM

I got this game over the weekend and so far, at least without the online aspect, it has been a little disappointing. :( Going through the game coop is fun, but the level building is time consuming and frankly boring. It's very extensive, but just maybe too extensive.

Nevers @ Oct 27th 2008 2:08PM

That's exactly why I was not on the excitement bandwagon... I'm just not into designing levels over playing the actual game. I found this out with Halo3's Forge. Just not my thing.

sk8monroe81 @ Oct 27th 2008 1:50PM

one of the first to realize that you will spend a lot of time making these levels for no reason, no money, and no career.... playing games is fun and enjoyable, but making games for free?
then if you actually create something great it is owned by sony corporation anyway.
and you aren't using a game engine, code, or development so you aren't really getting any hands on training for the game development field.
the act of playing.. is where it is fun for me...

personally i already have a job and get paid to do that..
maybe i will play through the levels of the game, but that is only worthwhile to collect things to make games later on..
its not like there is any backdrop or story involved with this game.
very creative game though...

RanWitScissorz @ Oct 27th 2008 1:52PM

I would have to agree, I've had one or two levels that were pretty fun, but for overall it is generally very easy and not very puzzling. My review is still out at the moment as I'm only getting to South America on the map.

Kodros @ Oct 27th 2008 3:24PM

Who is forcing you guys to make levels? If you only enjoy playing the game, play other peoples levels...problem solved.

nevers @ Oct 27th 2008 4:03PM

Yeah, you're right... nobody's forcing us to buy the game and create content.

But why would I pay $60 for a cutesy tootsie side-scroller whose main selling point and highlighted innovation doesn't interest me in the slightest ?

For the uparallelled storytelling that I've heard so much about?..../sarcasm

Whoop-dee-dooo !!! A cutesy side-scroller with level editing.. Thanks but no thanks. Maybe a I'll rent it.

Cellien @ Oct 27th 2008 4:17PM

@krodos:

No one is forcing us, but that's one of the game's biggest features, for a full $60.

sk8monroe81 @ Oct 27th 2008 4:46PM

the game element of LBP has issues..
the game of LBP is not a full game or really any story or anything...
1) not hard
2) childish, not very puzzling, more what was the developer thinking to answer the puzzle
3) the main point of this game is " work " and " creation" 2 words that really dont tie into "GAMING"
4) your going to spend all that time making a level only for sony corp to own that level....
5) $ 60 for a game WE HAVE TO CREATE.... lol.

kbomb1upc @ Oct 27th 2008 4:58PM

@nerves
"But why would I pay $60 for a cutesy tootsie side-scroller whose main selling point and highlighted innovation doesn't interest me in the slightest ?"

Ok are you guys just hating on LBP or you really have something good to say. Yes creating levels is apart of the game but if you don't want to do then don't. So I guess you wouldn't waist $60 dollars on GH:WT because you don't want to create your own song or you think the people oh create mods for UT3 or Counter Strike are wasting their time... Please... I played through beta and didn't create one level but I had fun playing everyone else’s. If you don't like LBP that's cool but at least use some sense when hating on it.

Cellien @ Oct 27th 2008 5:06PM

I'm not hating on the game at all. Sense when does 'slightly disappointed" or "a little letdown" mean I HATE the game? It's just not as good as I had hoped. I had really expected something revolutionary, that's why I was slightly letdown because it's really just the same ole stuff we've seen in other games, just now a big hyped console title in the platformer genre. Don't get me wrong, it's still fun! :)

Arnon @ Oct 27th 2008 6:31PM

kbomb.. i'm sorry but that was a horrible comparison.. GH: WT can support itself without the music creator.. LBP REVOLVES around it lol. Imagine if this game didn't have this feature.

Point being.. LBP is.. without a doubt, a game you have to create.. and that most people aren't attracted to this sort of thing.

sk8monroe81 @ Oct 27th 2008 6:36PM

kbomb- how many guitar hero games had music creators???

guitar hero is a game where you play the game..
creating songs is only an added feature to the new title to compete with the other "fake band" games.

LBP gameplay revolves around collecting stuff during gameplay to create your own levels.
creation is the biggest part of LBP>

Nevers @ Oct 27th 2008 6:51PM

Kbomb -

I'm sorry you see Hate everywhere.

I'm merely stating my opinion on why this game doesn't interest me and thus, isn't recieving my money.

And this is just me (and maybe a few others it looks like from the posts) but; I don't understand why creating levels sounds fun. After a few attempts at level editing I just found it all tedious and boring and I never seemed to finish what I was doing before I found something more entertaining to do. So yeah... IF I buy GH:WT I won't be interested at all in the song editor.

Have fun tho with LBP... cuz that's what games are there for. Just not my cup o' tea, dude.

And if you think LBP is NOT "cutesy-tootsie" then yeah... I don't know what game you're talking about.

kbomb1upc @ Oct 27th 2008 10:32PM

@Aaron, Nevers and sk8monroe81
Ok lets straighten this out... My reply was to the person who said he wouldn't play the game because he didn't want to create stuff. And this is why I used GH:WT as an example. Because you can play GT:WT without creating your own songs and you can also play LBP without creating your own levels. I am also not creative enough to make my own level but that's not going to stop me from enjoying this game. You do know that the game has its own story mode with dev created levels. And if you are done with those, you still don't have to create your own levels because some people love the do the thing you hate. Just in beta there were hundreds of levels waiting to be played. So the argument that you have to create your own levels in LBP is null and void. If you don't someone else will.

jimmyink @ Oct 29th 2008 5:11AM

If it makes you feel better jack, I checked out Cellien, sk8monroe81 and Vegeta's comment history and all 3 of they are clearly anti-sony. I'm starting to wonder if they even own a PS3...

Now I know they will probably look at mine and notice I have nothing nice to say about Xbox, that is because I really disagree with microsoft's ethics, and the way they cut so many corners to feed the hungry consumer.

Personally I have worked for a Hifi/computer store and know for a FACT that sony products are one of the most robust, well made products with hardly any returns (only 1 camera returned in 2 years, and the person dropped it!) and brilliant customer service.

It's just annoying to see so many people blindly have a chip at sony because they prefer (are brainwashed more or less by) a corporation such as microsoft. The comments on Joystiq are largely skewed towards microsoft.

LPB is a brilliant game, don't let the sheep bring you down to their level.

Cellien @ Oct 29th 2008 10:39AM

@jimmy:

I don't know what to tell you, but I have a PS3. I also really love the hardware. I bought it for Blu-Ray, but so far only 2 games have appealed to me that have released: LPB, Wipeout HD, and Pixel Junk Eden all of which I own. I can't speak for the others, but I do infact own a PS3 and enjoy it, but admittedly mostly for Blu-Ray right now. I'm sorry you can't take (light) criticism for a game you had no hand in making, but if you think that is anti-Sony then I think you have some fanboy issues you need to work out.

Cellien @ Oct 29th 2008 10:43AM

Oops, I mean 3 games have appealed to me. :P Damn no edit button!

badbrain @ Oct 27th 2008 1:46PM

I thought this seemed a little weird so i read the article to make sure. It isn't actually quoted from M.M that they are working on a sequel instead it is the BBC that say it. So my guess is it is a mix up between the two.

I also found funny that they say fable 2 is the flagship title for the 360, i think most people would disagree with this!

Courtney @ Oct 27th 2008 1:47PM

I would hope that in creating a sequel, they aren't just adding content, but refining the tools and engine of the game to give users even more power to bring their creative genius to bear.

I can easily see how some rather significant changes to the level creation utility would result in the need to release a new version rather than patch or offer DLC for the existing one.

sk8monroe81 @ Oct 27th 2008 1:52PM

LBP 2 coming soon in 2009...
instead of needed patches and cheaper DLC we will release a new game...like madden.. lol.. j/k
wouldnt that suck though...

Jack of No Trades 85 @ Oct 27th 2008 1:58PM

This game is wonderful. I picked the game up on Saturday and me and my woman have been playing co-op through the story mode. Those levels are genuis and challenging. Anybody that talks down on this game need a swift kick in the ass, because its games like these that spark the imagination of people. We need more games that can serve as art and provide gamers with the tools to create thier own art through a controller. I hope this game becomes a great success.

Cellien @ Oct 27th 2008 2:48PM

I have been playing through it coop with my wife too, but I hold a different opinion than you. While fun, I feel slightly bored when I play. I do enjoy it though, but I am a little disappointed. The level creation part is very extensive, yet so boring to actually take part in. I don't know what to say. I was really hyped about this game and so far, I'm slightly let down. :(

Jack of No Trades 85 @ Oct 27th 2008 3:02PM

In this world there are two different kinds of people. There are the people that create and there are the people that criticize. That is a fundamental difference between the two of us. I love to create. I love art.

You find it boring because its too hard for you because you lack a creative imagination. Don't knock this game because its too hard for you to use your imagination.

Paulmichael @ Oct 27th 2008 3:03PM

I'm hoping to be able to pick up the game today. I played the beta, and built myself quite the level (Called "GP - Skate Park", though it'll be back to "Skate Park" once I re-download it). I gotta ask, when are level creators ever NOT boring? They all take time to learn and get decent at, and even a game as charming as LBP is no exception. I've never really been one to complete a whole level, but with the concept of people playing my level and then using items I created in their own levels, it's very rewarding.
As for not being paid or compensated for your time, the same can be said about watching television, reading a book, etc. If I'm not playing LBP in my spare time, then I'm doing something equally non-compensatory.

Cellien @ Oct 27th 2008 4:21PM

@jack: Hah. You might be interesting in knowing my day job is a graphic/concept artist. In fact, I'm at work right now procrastinating on this blog. Don't give me "You're just not creative", because you couldn't be more wrong. :)

Cellien @ Oct 27th 2008 4:29PM

interested*

sk8monroe81 @ Oct 27th 2008 4:52PM

jack- you are only creating what the developers have given you... an easy to use system to make game levels. try creating something yourself..

i love how LBP fans are calling themselves creators now... whats next game creator...

and btw.. anything in life can be considered art... lol. just by how you look at it and how it affects you.

dont use art as your defense... haha.

celein- jack just feels that because he plays LBP that he is now a game creator...

penises and mario 1-1 are creative?? or just old...

jack if there were more games like this there wouldnt be much gaming going on....

"gaming" is different than "creating" or "working"

cellien- jack just feels that because he plays LBP that he is now a game creator..

Kodros @ Oct 27th 2008 5:16PM

sk8monroe81 - The level designers created the entire game using the same tools that we are given. Therefore, a player has the opportunity to design a level on par (or better) then paid professionals.

Jack of No Trades 85 @ Oct 27th 2008 5:19PM

You smartass motherfucker.

I use Solidworks & Catia V5 all day designing parts and assemblies in 3D for passenjer jets. I also use 3Dmax. If you don't believe me I have done PLENTY of work over at Destructoid.

http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/JACK%20of%20No%20Trades

Now show me what you do.

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Oct 27th 2008 6:16PM

And just like that, Jack of No Trades makes himself look like a complete fool. Is it really that difficult to cast aside your fanboyism for one second and accept the fact that some people might not like the creative aspect of the game(I myself don't see myself as a creator either. I just like playing the damn game) or do you always feel the need to make a comment that implies that people who don't like a sony product are idiots?

Arnon @ Oct 27th 2008 6:38PM

Jack.. not to be rude or anything, but when someone designs basic artistic concepts compared to a guy who is a graphic/concept artist(probably for gaming).. it doesn't really compare. Don't get me wrong, what you do is awesome.. as I cant even do it. But for you to think that you have more talent than game designers by showing the public that stuff, is just blasphemy. Gaming takes many many people to design.. not just a single person. LBP is not, by far, a game that you can brag about for being an artistic person.. when you go and develop a game, that is on PAR with the games of today.. THEN people will be impressed, but until then, try not to brag about something that is already pre-made for you, that is in the game and waiting for you to move around.

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