Joystiq

Sony accepting claims on 2011 PSN data breach settlement

Earnest Cavalli — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST

If you were a PSN, Qriocity or Sony Online Entertainment user at the time of the April 2011 Sony hack that disrupted the PlayStation Network for nearly a month and compromised 70 million user accounts, now's your chance to get a piece of the class action settlement levied against Sony last year.

To qualify, you must have held a PSN, Qriocity or Sony Online Entertainment account on or before May 14, 2011. Each service is eligible to receive different claims, but PSN users are able to receive either one or two games - if you already received a free game in Sony's 2011 "Welcome Back" promotion, you're only eligible for one; if not, you're eligible to choose two - from a list that includes standouts like LittleBigPlanet and God of War HD. Notably, none of the games on offer are for the PlayStation 4. If none of the games tickle your fancy, you can instead choose free dynamic themes for your PlayStation 3 or free PlayStation Plus subscription time.

After wading through multiple pages of bureaucratic legalese, you'll find everything you need to make your claim at the PSN-SOE settlement website.

[Image: Sony]

Sony accepting claims on 2011 PSN data breach settlement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet celebrates July 4 with free DLC costume

Earnest Cavalli — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 22:30:00 EST

America celebrates its independence on July 4, and to properly ring in the holiday, LittleBigPlanet will offer a free DLC costume dubbed the "Sacktue of Liberty."

In what has become sporadic tradition, come July 3, players of LittleBigPlanet, LittleBigPlanet 2 and LittleBigPlanet Vita will be able to download the burlap Lady Liberty from the PlayStation Network at no charge. This offer is only available for a week, however, so those hoping to flesh out their collection of Sackboy duds should grab the Sacktue of Liberty as soon as possible.

Alongside the announcement of the gratis costume, Media Molecule notes that new levels have been added to the LittleBigNetwork's Team Picks section, including a pair of levels created for the recent SackQuest design competition. As with all community-crafted content, you can download these additional stages at no charge by visiting the LittleBigNetwork.

[Image: Sony]

LittleBigPlanet celebrates July 4 with free DLC costume originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2014 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ellen Page, Willem Dafoe join LittleBigPlanet in Beyond: Two Souls DLC

Earnest Cavalli — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 20:00:00 EST

Those hoping to one day dress an inexplicably adorable lump of burlap as Willem Dafoe will see their bizarrely specific fantasies come to life later this week, when LittleBigPlanet adds costumes based on Quantic Dream's Beyond: Two Souls.

Included in the pack are costumes based on protagonist Jodie Holmes, Nathan Dawkins, Cole Freeman and Ryan Clayton. Those first two are the most notable inclusions, as they're characters portrayed by and modeled after Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe, respectively. While our review of Beyond: Two Souls was middling, the PlayStation.blog claims that "[t]hese costumes will allow any Sackboy or Sackgirl to portray these wonderful characters in their very own adventures."

No price point is mentioned for this DLC, but these new costumes will join the LittleBigPlanet DLC roster once the PlayStation Network Store undergoes its weekly update. That should occur at some point on Tuesday, March 25, though the past few weeks have seen Sony miss its usual mark by as much as 24 hours.

[Image: Sony]

Ellen Page, Willem Dafoe join LittleBigPlanet in Beyond: Two Souls DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Mar 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sackboy meets Batman in latest LittleBigPlanet DLC

Earnest Cavalli — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 22:00:00 EST

Following a LittleBigPlanet appearance by Marvel Comics' most famous characters, DC is getting into the act with the DC Comics Premium Level Pack, a DLC addition that grants Sackboy new abilities, offers new missions, and finally answers the age-old question, "Who would win in a fight: Superman or an ambulatory burlap creature?"

Sackboy meets Batman in latest LittleBigPlanet DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jan 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet Karting gets player tested

Mike Schramm — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST

Sony's San Diego Studio recently held a game jam to do some hardcore testing on the Create tools for the upcoming LittleBigPlanet Karting, and apparently it went pretty well because the studio has announced the game's going into beta soon. The beta test for the title will start next Tuesday, July 10, and then go through the end of the month.

You can read some impressions from the game jam over on the forums, including some breathless (we imagine) excitement from the game's fans and players on how the title worked and what they made. Codes will go out soon to selected players, and the game itself is due out later on this year.

LittleBigPlanet Karting gets player tested originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alice in Wonderland DLC makes a very important date with LittleBigPlanet

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:15:00 EST

LittleBigPlanet's sackboys lead very busy lives in an extremely large world, meaning they don't always have time to watch the latest movies as they're released in theaters. This is one explanation for the Alice in Wonderland costume pack coming to LittleBigPlanet this week, featuring accessories based on the 2010 Tim Burton film.

The pack will include costumes for Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and the Red Queen, all in their full Burtonized glory. Each costume is available individually, but buying the entire pack gives players Alice in Wonderland stickers as well.

Alice in Wonderland DLC makes a very important date with LittleBigPlanet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pizza Planet invades LittleBigPlanet 2 with Toy Story costumes and level kit DLC

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST

As if the Toy Story universe wasn't endearing and heartwarming enough, Pixar's plastic pals will be upping the adorable ante by donning sackboy skins and setting foot on LittleBigPlanet 2. Come August 8, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Rex, and Hamm costumes will be available individually for $1.99, or as a toy-chest of memories for $5.99.

Costumes aren't the only thing The Claw managed to grab however, as a Toy Story Level Kit will also be available for $5.99, featuring 9 new levels and 2 new music tracks, as well as materials, decorations, stickers, and an Alien costume exclusive to the pack. To quote a great philosopher: "OOOOOOOooooooo."

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet 2 (Toy Story DLC)

Pizza Planet invades LittleBigPlanet 2 with Toy Story costumes and level kit DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EEDAR: PSN Welcome Back program spurred download sales

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST

According to a new report from analytics firm EEDAR, Sony's PlayStation Network Welcome Back program did more than boost user morale: it actually boosted purchases of downloadable titles. Using data gathered from IGN GamerMetrics, ownership of downloadable titles jumped from 13 percent in March, before the PSN first went down, up to 17 percent in June. The jump isn't surprising, given the free titles Sony made available. Even taking those out of the equation, though, downloadable ownership was still up to 15 percent in June.

The firm also noted that interest in sequels to the free games, notably LittleBigPlanet and Dead Nation, rose significantly. Specifically, LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer views were up 69 percent on GameTrailers, while Google Insights data indicated a greatly increased number of searches for the term "Dead Nation 2."

Based on the increased interest in sequels to the free titles in the Welcome Back program, EEDAR suggests a possible new model for sequel releases. Essentially, in order to drum up interest for upcoming sequels, publishers could release their respective predecessors for free for a limited time. The report acknowledges that this is a risky maneuver, though it notes that the free titles would only have to boost sales of their sequels by a small margin for the practice to be profitable.

Continue reading EEDAR: PSN Welcome Back program spurred download sales

EEDAR: PSN Welcome Back program spurred download sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet (PS Vita) preview: Touched by a Sackboy

Mike Schramm — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:45:00 EST

First, the bad news: Unlike ModNation Racers, the PS Vita version of LittleBigPlanet won't be able to make use of all the user content already created for its two big brother sequels on the PS3. There are two Blu-Ray discs of content to use in the LittleBigPlanet games on the PS3, and there was no way for Sony to carry all of that content over to the PS Vita.

The good news, however, is that allowed the developers to really take advantage of all the Vita has to offer. "We wanted to make the game very original," the Sony representative told us while showing off the title after the E3 press event. And it certainly is -- while Sackboy moves and plays exactly like his PS3 counterpart (and in fact, all of the costumes did make the jump), the Vita's touchscreen is a literal game-changer here. In most of the other Vita games, the touchscreens are just a substitute for the traditional button controls. But in LittleBigPlanet, they give the game even more depth, tactility, and immersion.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet Vita (E3 2011)

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet (PS Vita) preview: Touched by a Sackboy

LittleBigPlanet (PS Vita) preview: Touched by a Sackboy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let your eyeballs touch this LittleBigPlanet PlayStation Vita E3 trailer

David Hinkle — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:30:00 EST

On stage at Sony's E3 2011 press conference, LittleBigPlanet for PlayStation Vita was revealed. Sony Worldwide Studios VP Scott Rohde unveiled the newest handheld installment in the franchise, which will support touchscreen controls, tilt controls and rear touchscreen controls. He also promised an expanded toolbox for budding creators and mentioned the PlayStation Vita's duel cameras, though he didn't confirm to what extent the latter would be used.

Hit the jump for the announcement trailer.

Continue reading Let your eyeballs touch this LittleBigPlanet PlayStation Vita E3 trailer

Let your eyeballs touch this LittleBigPlanet PlayStation Vita E3 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go '3-Game Digital Pack' going for $150 'while supplies last'

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Taking to the US PlayStation blog, Sony director of hardware marketing John Koller revealed the PSP Go "3-Game Digital Pack" -- a $150 PSP Go bundle that includes three full (downloadable) games being sold at "retailers nationwide." In addition to a $50 savings from the recently lowered PSP Go asking price, it packs in LittleBigPlanet, SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3, and Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters. Interested parties should head to their nearest brick-and-mortar ASAP, as the bundle is only available in "limited quantities," and "at most retailers" the deals are "one day events and are while supplies last."

If digital games aren't your style, the PS blog also revealed Sam's Club's 160GB PS3 Slim bundle -- the console itself, a copy of ModNation Racers, an extra black Dualshock 3, a Blu-ray remote control, and a copy of (the adorable) How to Train Your Dragon for $399.

PSP Go '3-Game Digital Pack' going for $150 'while supplies last' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet's original concept sketches and showreel are disturbing

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST

Prepare yourselves to be genuinely unsettled, dear readers. Media Molecule released a batch of truly revealing concept art and an animation test, revealing the true reason for LittleBigPlanet's protagonist's plushy composition. Now, we're just guessing, but by the media seen below, we think Sackboy is made of ... well, sack, because it makes him all the more entertaining to squish, crush, immolate and eviscerate. We may never look at him (or his creators) the same way again.

Check out the disturbing concept art in the gallery below, and the even disturbing-er animation reel after the jump.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet (concept art)

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet's original concept sketches and showreel are disturbing

LittleBigPlanet's original concept sketches and showreel are disturbing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Media Molecule toyed with full 3D level design in first LittleBigPlanet

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The original LittleBigPlanet was billed as a platform for platformers -- but what about those gamers whose favorite entries into that particular genre include Kazooies, Ratchets and Bandicoots? Media Molecule co-founder Alex Evans recently revealed to Joystiq at Gamescom that an early build of the original LittleBigPlanet allowed for that kind of 3D gameplay, explaining, "LBP 1 had free depth and completely moving cameras, and the gameplay engine wasn't layered fundamentally."

Evans added that while the developer "used to make levels that could travel into the screen," this feature was ultimately removed from the game. "It's really unconstrained in 3D. It's really hard -- I mean creatively unconstrained, it's really difficult to have something to push off," Evans explained. "We found our level designers wasted tons of time in 3D land, so we iteratively reduced it, first of all we reduced the scope, then we added the layers, and with each restriction we did, it improved the quality."

According to Evans, the lack of 3D platforming wasn't due to a technical snafu, but rather, "entirely a game design decision." He added, "so when we go 3D, and I'm assuming at some point we will go 3D, the challenge we will have, and any other user-generated content company -- you know, I want to be one-upped, I'd love to see a fully-3D creation game. I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm saying we haven't cracked it yet." Keep an eye out for our full interview with Evans in the coming days.

Media Molecule toyed with full 3D level design in first LittleBigPlanet originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get an early glimpse at LittleBigPlanet's Marvel Costume Pack 4

David Hinkle — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

On August 17, Marvel Costume Pack 4 -- the final Marvel costume pack for LittleBigPlanet -- will be available for download. Included in this pack are an eclectic mixture of Marvel's best and worst, including The Hulk, Storm, The Punisher, Green Goblin and, as you can see above this text, the master of magnetism himself, Magneto.

Feel free to smash into our gallery below and check out each new Super Sackboy.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet - Marvel Costume Pack 4

Get an early glimpse at LittleBigPlanet's Marvel Costume Pack 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet's Sackboy gets stuck in Limbo

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Can't be bothered to pony up the $15 entry fee for Limbo? Don't fret, miser -- just check out PSN user bra2008's take on the Summer of Arcade title in the PS3 platformer platform, LittleBigPlanet. As seen in the video below, the level does a nice job of capturing the aesthetic of its inspiration.

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet's Sackboy gets stuck in Limbo

LittleBigPlanet's Sackboy gets stuck in Limbo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet gets more Marvel heroes, bananas

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Both iterations of LittleBigPlanet recently had their future DLC plans outlined, and ... well, we're sensing a bit of inequality. Next Tuesday, PS3 players get Marvel Character Pack #2, which includes Elektra, Human Torch, Ghost Rider, Spider-Man and Thor. Meanwhile, PSP players get ... a banana.

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet gets more Marvel heroes, bananas

LittleBigPlanet gets more Marvel heroes, bananas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marvel costumes (finally) coming to LittleBigPlanet July 7

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Media Molecule knows you've been waiting in agony for those Marvel-themed LittleBigPlanet costumes revealed at Comic-Con last year, but the studio has come up with a solid way of making amends: Starting the week of July 7 and then on every other following week, the game will receive four Marvel costume packs, each of which include the outfits of five different characters from the Marvel universe. Click past the jump for all of the heroes and villains you can expect.

In addition, Media Molecule announced the Marvel Level Kit, which includes a pre-made adventure that has you battling against Magneto, who has virtually zero power over sackcloth. While toppling Magneto's reign, players will be able to collect "Marvel-themed music, objects, materials, stickers, and a special 'Rooftop' background." This is all great news -- now, about those Final Fantasy VII costumes ...

Continue reading Marvel costumes (finally) coming to LittleBigPlanet July 7

Marvel costumes (finally) coming to LittleBigPlanet July 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European PlayStation Plus subscribers get free LittleBigPlanet [update]

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If you live in Europe and were intrigued by the deals, trial games and complimentary downloads offered by the recently announced PlayStation Plus subscription plan, you might want to sign up with a quickness.

Continue reading European PlayStation Plus subscribers get free LittleBigPlanet [update]

European PlayStation Plus subscribers get free LittleBigPlanet [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Incredibles powering their way into LittleBigPlanet

Kevin Kelly — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:30:00 EST

How adorable is this? Just when you thought you might be done Sackboying around, they find a way to suck you right back in. This time it's a Disney/Pixar inspired Incredibles costume and level packs coming on April 8th. According to the PlayStation blog, "This huge pack features NINE costumes: all of The Incredibles family (including a "Retro" Mr. Incredible sporting his classic blue costume), their allies Frozone and Edna Mode, and their arch nemesis, Syndrome."

You'll be able to purchase individual costumes as well, and download the Incredibles Level Kit that includes locations from the movie, and all the materials used to make it. Pixar may not have given us a sequel to The Incredibles yet, but now you can make your own. We can't wait to see what Syndrome looks like. Is Disney going to move their entire universe into LBP some day? Pirates of the Caribbean vs. The Incredibles, here we come. Dibs on Dash.

[Thanks, Conor]

The Incredibles powering their way into LittleBigPlanet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Benelux brand manager casually mentions 'LittleBigPlanet 2'

JC Fletcher — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:07:00 EST

In a video interview posted by Game-Vid and reported by Dutch tech site Tweakers, a kind of nervous-sounding Folkert Langeveld, PlayStation marketing manager for Sony Benelux, appears to have outed LittleBigPlanet 2. His Dutch-language speech about the PlayStation Move hits all the familiar bullet points: support for downloadable games like Hustle Kings, new games like The Shoot, and major releases like SOCOM 4. The thing is, he also name-drops a "LittleBigPlanet Twee" -- or, in English, "LittleBigPlanet Two." (See the video interview after the break.)

While it makes sense on a base level for Sony to release a sequel to one of its flagship games, we're leaving the possibility open that Langeveld simply misspoke, for a couple of reasons: First, Sony has made repeated reference to Move support for the original LittleBigPlanet, something that Langeveld didn't mention; and second, Media Molecule level designer Danny Leaver once said that a sequel would be "the most counterproductive thing you could do I think." Of course, Leaver may have been overruled by Media Molecule's Alex Evans, who said last year that he would "love there to be a sequel" -- and overruled by Sony, which owns the studio now.

Continue reading Sony Benelux brand manager casually mentions 'LittleBigPlanet 2'

Sony Benelux brand manager casually mentions 'LittleBigPlanet 2' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet 'Amphibious' Contraption Challenge winner revealed

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:14:00 EST

Media Molecule's latest exercise in LittleBigPlanet creativity -- a Contraption Challenge in which players had to build clever water-traversing vehicles -- has borne some pretty delicious fruits. The six finalists' creations can be seen in the video above, but first place (a title that comes with a copy of LittleBigPlanet PSP and a PSP Go) went to Asbestos101's "Crouching Boat, Hidden Car."

We can't wait to see what the next LBP challenge will require from its players -- perhaps an AI construct built from simple switches and levers that's capable of love?

LittleBigPlanet 'Amphibious' Contraption Challenge winner revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We leprechaun't believe this week's LittleBigPlanet DLC

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:14:00 EST

No globally-recognized holiday can escape attention from Media Molecule's DIY platformer, LittleBigPlanet, don't ya know? This week, the PS3 version of the game will receive a free St. Patrick's Day-themed costume, which turns your adorable sack-vatar into a reddish-orange-bearded leprechaun. That's really exciting news if you're a fan of Lucky Charms -- but really terrifying news if you're familiar with Warwick Davis' acclaimed psychological thriller series.

We hate to derail this post's train of thought, but we've been absorbed by the rich mythos of Leprechaun after reading that Wikipedia entry. Did you guys know there have been six installments in the Leprechaun franchise? It's true: Leprechaun, Leprechaun 2, Leprechaun 3, Leprechaun 4: In Space, Leprechaun: In the Hood and Leprechaun: Back to tha Hood. This is not a joke. Those are all real movies, which real people really made.

We leprechaun't believe this week's LittleBigPlanet DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Media Molecule wants to share PS3 memory tool with devs

Xav de Matos — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:14:00 EST

Media Molecule lead architect Paul Holden said he would like to make a proprietary memory monitoring tool his company developed for the PlayStation 3 available to other studios. Speaking at the Montreal Game Summit, as reported by Develop, Holden said the tool helps map and control memory usage in games, which became necessary during the development of LittleBigPlanet.

"It would be great if we could release it for people to use," Holden told the crowd during a Q&A session following his keynote address. "We could definitely get it released to PS3 developers with little difficulty." The tool, named HeapMon, allows software to make and manage numerous requests of the PS3's hardware memory.

However, before Media Molecule is able to hand the "very simple tool" off to other development teams, Holden clarified that Sony would first need to approve the decision. We suspect an online petition is in the works, because they work.

Media Molecule wants to share PS3 memory tool with devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: LittleBigPlanet (PSP)

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST

The PSP version of LittleBigPlanet is two shoulder buttons and an analog stick away from being one of the greatest games on Sony's portable platform.

There were plenty of things I loved in the original LBP -- frantic multiplayer, outstanding artistic and musical design, and an endless pool of community-generated content, to name a few -- but all of the game's delightful components relied heavily upon the strength of its creation engine, and the aforementioned community's willingness to master the tools they've been provided.

While the PSP version of the game does an adequate job of transplanting these tools onto a portable console, a surprisingly large amount of that power and ease of use was sacrificed in the process. The level creation engine is functional, but doesn't come close to the standard set by the original game. That's partially because of the marginal changes that were made to how these tools function -- though, more than anything, the PSP's inherent lack of buttons plays the biggest role in the game's diminished accessibility.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet (PSP)

Continue reading Review: LittleBigPlanet (PSP)

Review: LittleBigPlanet (PSP) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet PSP's littlebiglaunch set for Nov. 17

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST

The Sackboys and girls will go portable when LittleBigPlanet PSP popits into retail November 17. The new travel-size adventure will bring the intuitive level-creation of its PS3 cousin, but it's a strictly solo escapade.

For a fuller LBP experience this fall, there's always the "Game of the Year edition" on PS3.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet (PSP)

LittleBigPlanet PSP's littlebiglaunch set for Nov. 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Media Molecule taking beta applications for LittleBigWater

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST

We only have so much anticipation that we can distribute between this year's big titles -- however, we've had to move a considerable portion over to an unexpected release: The addition of water to LittleBigPlanet. We know, it's not even a game so much as a new game mechanic, but it should breathe new life into the title's million-level-strong homebrew community.

Fortunately, we might not have to wait much longer for this digital precipitation to accumulate -- Media Molecule is now taking applications for a beta version of the water-infused LBP kit. You better believe we'll be there with bells on -- only, you probably won't hear them, because bells have an awfully hard time ringing underwater.

Media Molecule taking beta applications for LittleBigWater originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet PSP loses multiplayer, and maybe its soul

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST

Like a child with all the world's toys at his disposal but no one to play with, Sackboy drifts lonesomely across the 2D plane. At first glance, the confines of LittleBigPlanet PSP appear to be punishment for the heaps of joy he carelessly reaped with his now missing friends -- even with complete strangers -- as they indulged in orgies of pure fun in the PS3 version. Had he taken these spontaneous acts of foolishness and delight for granted, Sackboy wondered.

"The one thing we've lost is multiplayer," senior producer Mark Green explained of LBP PSP to Eurogamer at GamesCom this week. "The system is physically capable of doing multiplayer, but perhaps not with the full physics system. On the technical side of things you lose a third of the processing power or a third of the system memory just to do multiplayer at all. With those limitations we couldn't achieve it." Couldn't achieve what? Joy?

Green did clarify that the PSP game will feature "full" level creation and sharing (online/ad-hoc) modes. Additionally, further tweaks to LBP PSP include downsizing the game field to one 2D plane (no foreground and background planes) and so-called improvement upon the original's floaty jump mechanic. Did we also mention there's ... no multiplayer?

LittleBigPlanet PSP loses multiplayer, and maybe its soul originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year edition coming Sep. 8, $59.99

Christopher Grant — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST

Looks like the reports and retailer listings were accurate: LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year Edition exists and it's coming to stores on September 8 for the same ol' $59.99 you can currently find the non-GOTY variant at. So what does your ... well, just your waiting get you above and beyond the existing release? Media Molecule has hand-picked 18 "extraordinary" level creators to each build a level "specifically for the GOTY edition." Not enough? Perhaps seven "packs" from the PlayStation Store - including the Metal Gear Solid Level Pack and Costumes Pack - would be enough to entice you? Says here that's "nearly a $30 value."

Still not biting, eh? Lastly, a "limited supply" of LBP: GOTY discs will include a voucher granting you access to the ModNation Racers online beta, the next game in Sony's "Play, Create, Share" series. If you're still not convinced, we don't think the trailer after the break is going to change your mind, but we still think you should watch it. Sackboy ... he's just so cute.

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year edition coming Sep. 8, $59.99

LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year edition coming Sep. 8, $59.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet pod replica making eBay a bit more adorable

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST

This seems like one of those things that, when a Sony representative sees it, it elicits a sharp forehead smack, accompanied by the following exclamation: "Why didn't I think of that?" A clever eBay user known as "thegroovygamer" recently put a lovingly crafted LittleBigPlanet pod replica on the virtual auction block. Of course, it wouldn't be an exact replica without two additional items: A DualShock 3 controller, and a little Sackboy to inhabit it.

We would have bought an armful of these bundles had Sony released them in the thick of LittleBigPlanet fever last fall. Oh, heck -- we'd buy an armful now. Just throw in a few sticker sheets, and we'll get out our checkbooks.

[Thanks, Corey!]

LittleBigPlanet pod replica making eBay a bit more adorable originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Media Molecule details the LBP History Kit

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:45:00 EST

Media Molecule has officially spilled the beans on the upcoming History Kit that was recently revealed on the Japanese LittleBigPlanet site. In addition to the cutesy, historical costumes seen above, the History Kit will come packed with new objects, decorations, stickers (140 of 'em), sounds, music and a background, all available on August 13 for $3.99 / €3.99 / £3.19.

Check out a trailer for the History Kit, and a list of its contents -- politely cribbed from Media Molecule -- after the break.

Continue reading Media Molecule details the LBP History Kit

Media Molecule details the LBP History Kit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet PSP 'purchased levels' section spotted

Jem Alexander — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST

When was the last time you paid for new levels in LittleBigPlanet? There are only three answers to that question -- "never," "when I originally bought the game" or "when I bought the Metal Gear Solid pack." Despite almost weekly DLC packs since LittleBigPlanet's October release, players continue to clamor for more levels.

With only one level pack having been released, it's an understandable request -- after all, in the same timeframe players have amassed over one million levels themselves. If a "purchased levels" section of the PSP version -- discovered at a recent Sony event by Siliconera -- is to be believed, we could be seeing plenty more level packs coming in the future. To the PSP version, at least. You wouldn't have a dedicated section built in without some content to fill it with, right?

LittleBigPlanet PSP 'purchased levels' section spotted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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inFamous costume hitting LittleBigPlanet on August 6

Jem Alexander — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST

inFamous may be two months old at this point, but it's never too late to reignite the flame with some LittleBigPlanet downloadable content. That's exactly what you'll be seeing next week, August 6, when two new costumes will be made available on the PSN store. Both of the costumes allow you to recreate the likeness of inFamous' Cole MacGrath though, just like in the game, you'll be able to decide whether your Sackboy will be good or evil. You can check out the good costume after the break.

With this DLC already having been pushed back, it doesn't look like we'll be getting any new LBP content this week. There's also no pricing info for this inFamous costume, but we're expecting it to cost as much as other similar packs.

Continue reading inFamous costume hitting LittleBigPlanet on August 6

inFamous costume hitting LittleBigPlanet on August 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghostbusters LittleBigPlanet DLC coming this week

Jem Alexander — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:20:00 EST

As the Japanese website suggested, the Ghostbusters LittleBigPlanet DLC will be available this week. As you can see above, the costumes have been fully revealed. They, along with the accompanying stickers, will be available on Thursday during the normal PSN update. The pack will cost you $5.99, or you can grab individual costumes for $1.99. They're great costumes, but we're still hankering for some more levels. It's been over six months since the MGS4 pack came out, you know.

Ghostbusters LittleBigPlanet DLC coming this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alex Evans wants LittleBigPlanet 2 with backwards compatible levels

Jem Alexander — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Media Molecule's Alex Evans told GamesIndustry.biz recently that he would "love there to be a sequel" to LittleBigPlanet. "If you look at online distribution for LBP, when the sequel comes along, what do we do with all that content? We can give [consumers] backwards compatibility with those levels." It looks like Evans sees a sequel as inevitable, though he's keen to say that currently everyone at Mm is still working on LBP.

Evans also mentions that a demo for LittleBigPlanet will be released soon, allowing people who still haven't picked it up a chance to try it out. It's unclear whether any of the almost 2 million user generated levels will be playable in the demo, but it should "capture [the game's] essence." More additions to the game are also on the way, such as one that was originally planned for the game, but axed along the way -- sharing objects in a similar way to sharing levels. More features -- "changing the tools themselves, and changing how you share -- are coming."

Alex Evans wants LittleBigPlanet 2 with backwards compatible levels originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Web-based LittleBigPlanet level-sharing portal coming soon

Jem Alexander — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

In an interview with 1UP at the Nordic Games Convention, Alex Evans revealed that a LittleBigPlanet level sharing portal will be released at some point in the near future. The portal will collect everyone's levels together, allowing players to share their levels with others by linking to an individual level page. It will also allow levels to be "queued" so that the next time you load up LittleBigPlanet, they will be displayed for easy access. Basically, the portal is going to revolutionize how you'll find levels -- and you'll never even have to touch the Search menu again.

The portal will also have its own API, allowing third-party applications to be created for the service. Both the portal and API are currently being beta tested and will be out "as soon as possible." Evans also stated that a beta test group will be set up, with a small number of fans being able to give feedback on game features before they go live. Sounds to us like there's plenty more LittleBigPlanet content and features in the pipeline. We're looking forward to them.

Web-based LittleBigPlanet level-sharing portal coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free Sackboys for UK LBP YouTube channel subscribers

Jem Alexander — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:15:00 EST

Residents of the UK can count themselves lucky today as their geographic location permits them a free, official wool Sackboy, courtesy of the LittleBigPlanet YouTube channel. It's easy to get your hands on yours, simply subscribe to the channel and either email or private message (via YouTube) your name and address. Sackboys will be sent out on a weekly basis, so it won't be long before you'll find yours sliding through your letterbox.

The giveaway will end on July 1 and there are enough Sackboys for the first 5000 subscribers who send over their details. We're interested to see what these woolen Sackboys actually look like and whether they'll be available for purchase at a later date. Customizable, perhaps? We can only hope.

[Thanks, James]

Free Sackboys for UK LBP YouTube channel subscribers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet April DLC revealed, Cornish Yarg dated

Jem Alexander — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:10:00 EST

Another catalog of LittleBigPlanet DLC has been revealed via the PlayStation Blog today. Some stuff has been pushed back and switched around, but mostly there's a whole bunch of new content, including some mythology-based mini-packs and a Rag Doll Kung Fu pack.

Patch 1.12 -- otherwise known as Cornish Yarg -- will be available on April 16th. Barring unforeseen circumstances, that is. Check out the Media Molecule website for the full list of what's contained within both the patch and the upcoming "Creator Pack." Here's the DLC timetable for the next month or so:

April 9: Rag Doll Kung Fu mini-pack ($5.99)
April 9 (Europe): Patapon costume pack ($1.99)
April 16: Monkey King costume (free)
April 16 (tentative date): Cornish Yarg patch (free)
April 23 (tentative date): Creator pack 1 (free)
April 23: Heavenly Sword mini-pack ($2.99)
April 30: Egyptian Mythology mini-pack ($2.99)
May 7: Norse Mythology mini-pack ($2.99)

LittleBigPlanet April DLC revealed, Cornish Yarg dated originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony launches official LittleBigPlanet YouTube page

Jem Alexander — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST

Sackboys have invaded YouTube. The official LittleBigPlanet UK YouTube page has launched today in conjunction with a new competition -- Around The World In 80 Sackboys. A video -- shamelessly parodying the Where The Hell Is Matt? viral series -- will introduce you to the competition at the top of the page. In order to take part, simply create a level based on any geographic location on the planet. Other users will vote on the best and the winner, chosen by Media Molecule, will win a pair of round-the-world tickets, 14 nights accommodation and £1000 spending money.

The YouTube page will be constantly updated with a "favourites section, featured users, tutorials from Media Molecule themselves, cultural collaborations, challenges, event promotions and footage." Hopefully, it won't be too long before Media Molecule add YouTube uploading to LittleBigPlanet via a patch, making entering this competition and having your LBP videos favorited much easier.

Sony launches official LittleBigPlanet YouTube page originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Design LittleBigPlanet golf course, capture glory

Xav de Matos — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:30:00 EST

In celebration of Sackboy's jump to Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds, Media Molecule is holding a LittleBigChallenge to name the official LittleBigPlanet golf course.

The challenge is for users to get their creative juices flowing and design, create and share their vision of what a LittleBigPlanet golf course would include. Players will publish their concepts within LittleBigPlanet and Media Molecule will select nine holes from North America and nine from Europe to help make their picks.

The prize, you ask? Glory. Oh, and winners will get the ultra-rare crown item... if that's your thing. Entries are being accepted until 3am ET on April 14. Check out the official post for detailed instructions on how to post your entry into the LBP Golf Course Challenge.

Design LittleBigPlanet golf course, capture glory originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maggie Wang strikes again: More custom Sackboys

Jem Alexander — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST

It's been another busy month for Maggie Wang, expert craftswoman and friend to Sackboys. Last month we fell in love with her Prince of Persia Sackboy, but now Maggie has outdone herself. The image above shows her latest creation, a Sackboy in the image of Reno the Turk from Final Fantasy VII, complete with removable goggles. Adorable.

Other creations this month include Ulala from Space Channel 5, the Fruit Brute cereal mascot and Michael J Fox' Teen Wolf character. Check out Maggie's website for more pics. We can't wait to see what she makes next.

[Via Tomopop; Thanks Daniel!]

Maggie Wang strikes again: More custom Sackboys originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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