DailyTech - Sony PlayStation 3 Gets Social With LittleBigPlanet, SingStar

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Software Sony PlayStation 3 Gets Social With LittleBigPlanet, SingStar
Michael Hoffman & Marcus Yam - March 7, 2007 7:31 PM

18 comment(s) - last by enlil242.. on Mar 8 at 7:51 PM

It's like a facebook of SingStars

Now only if they could get Simon Cowell to comment

Little 'sack' characters about to ride off on the skateboard

Exploration gameplay in LittleBigPlanet

LittleBigPlanet won't be out until 2008

LittleBigPlanet and SingStar will help Sony bring the "Game 3.0" vision into reality

Along with leaked information about PlayStation Home were hints of a social networking aspect to Sony’s online plan for the PlayStation 3. While PlayStation Home garnered most of the attention at Phil Harrison’s keynote today, two other upcoming products were revealed that will help push PS3 into social networking territory. Featuring the push towards the "Game 3.0" vision of the future, both LittleBigPlanet and SingStar are based on the same mentality.

Sony briefly mentioned that its PS3 version of SingStar, a new karaoke game, would not only allow users to retrieve new data by downloading new music content, but also to upload their own musical performances for other users to view. Along with microphone and webcam accessories, wannabe idols can share across the PlayStation Network for a YouTube-like experience. Also, music downloads will occur in the background while users continue to shop for other music or look at files. The service will be available later this year after the U.S. launch.

Today’s keynote also offered a glimpse of the LittleBigPlanet, a new PS3 title with a heavy emphasis on community. The game is being developed by Media Molecule, a company founded by several former members of Lionhead Studios -- the creators of LittleBigPlanet are best known for the indie PC Rag Doll Kung Fu game. Both Alex Evans and Mark Healey helped Phil Harrison demo the game.

LittleBigPlanet will allow gamers to adapt and learn about their character’s powers so they are able to physically interact with the environment. LittleBigPlanet offers obstacles to explore, bits and pieces to collect and many puzzles to solve, all of which require a combination of brains and collaborative teamwork. As players begin to explore, their creative skills will grow and they will be ready to start creating and modifying their surroundings–the first step to sharing them with the whole community.

To help make LittleBigPlanet the ideal community-based game for everyone, there is absolutely no scripting involved with the program.

Characters have the power to move anything in this glued and stitched-together 3D landscape -- they have the power to design, shape and build both objects and entire locations for others to view and play. Nearly everything is customizable as part of playing the game, without the need for any level editing software. When it’s ready, they can invite anyone within the LittleBigPlanet community to come and explore their patch.

The game will launch with initial levels provided, but the number of user-generated levels is limitless. Players can create a level in a world that is unique only to them, but with the ability to share it with others.

During the keynote presentation, the end of the LittleBigPlanet demonstration featured the four players going down a big ramp on a skateboard. Right as they launched off the ramp to go flying, the map developers added a camera much like the camera at the bottom of a steep part of the rollercoaster.

“We were confident that PS3 would be the platform to lead the way in creative gaming, and LittleBigPlanet brings this concept to life spectacularly,” said Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. “By giving players the power to shape and share an entire virtual world via PlayStation Network, we've created the space for PS3 owners to realize their creativity and craft their own unique gameplay experience.”

A demo of LittleBigPlanet for PS3 is slated for the PlayStation Network this fall. The full version will follow in early 2008. See LittleBigPlanet in action in this video.

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lol

By Dg01 on 3/8/2007 2:19:02 AM , Rating: 5

Guess the Sony Haters have nothing to say?

RE: lol

By Ard on 3/8/2007 6:12:50 AM , Rating: 2

My thoughts exactly.

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RE: lol

By krichmond on 3/8/2007 8:12:31 AM , Rating: 2

I agree, maybe all the kids are at school and we have to wait till later

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RE: lol

By Krotchrot on 3/8/2007 8:48:40 AM , Rating: 1

Well, I'm a Sony hater but I think that LittleBigWorld is kind of cool. No one said everything they do is bad and evil. Just most stuff. :)

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RE: lol

By somegeek on 3/8/2007 8:51:47 AM , Rating: 2

It's slowly dawning on them that they've become more annoying than Sony.

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RE: lol

By ViperROhb34 on 3/8/2007 9:05:52 AM , Rating: 2

Im not a Sony "hater".. I own several of their products, including a PS2 that still works, but Im not fond of PS3.

The Karaoke thing isnt so bad, but its not a selling point like a good game for the 'majority' of people who buy consoles. People arent exactly saying "Oh if we only had a console that we could all Karaoke on we'd be in heaven" - At least not the mainstream gamer that buys a console.

The thing to keep in mind if PS3 is no longer a mainstream gaming console at this price. Sony seems intent on making it a do-it-all computer and mainstream people arent looking for that. Only a few geeks at places like this.

If they want to make their core Playstation fans excited they need to get some great exclusives out, otherwise things like this are good features for people who already own a PS3.. they just arent a selling point for a mainstream gamer that has to drop 600 dollars. ..The games matter most.

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RE: lol

By Serenade on 3/8/2007 10:07:49 AM , Rating: 2

I think LBP is really cute. I own a PS2 and I'd like to see the PS3 do well, but some people make it really hard to like.

i.e. If you have a legitimate critique, they call you are a biased fan-person. If you see a good feature, they are all smug and want to rub your nose in dirt because you aren't unequivocally devoted to the brand like you would an enamoured spouse.

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RE: lol

By TSS on 3/8/2007 10:23:11 AM , Rating: 3

isn't it like that with everything these days?

i wonder when we crossed the line from when PS fanboys where annoying little brats that defied reality and the law of physics to prove their console was the best, to anybody who just says something positive, no matter how right they are. same for PS3 haters, just say something bad about it and all of a sudden you hate the PS3 so much even satan looks like a cute puppy with huge eyes. the PS haters of old really REALLY hated the console. your not a hater when you say "i dont like the high price of this new console and therefore i am seriously considering not to buy this untill it drops" (yes even that elaborate and pollitically correct sentance is nowerdays sign of prejudice).

at this rate nevermind terrorism where all gonna choke ourselfs to death trying to say a sentance thats too long just to not-hurt anybody :P

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RE: lol

By ViperROhb34 on 3/8/2007 11:25:38 AM , Rating: 2

quote:
I'd like to see the PS3 do well, but some people make it really hard to like.

There are some that go with the crowd, but alot of people make up their own minds of they like a console.. I think no matter how good ( or bad ) a product is.. 600 dollars is a steep selling point for price of entry. Im surprised the 360 has done so well at 399.00, but it'll do better when the price drops.

Alot of people who have posted gripes about the PS3 have or have had PS2's. I don't think you can label each and everyone a fanboy because they have something legitamately negative to say about PS3. One thing Sony could do is stop the bad PR. Tretton and a few other have made some rather insulting comments by making half-true statments ( at best ) that people dont take kindly to. I think if Tretton had said "Ok PS3 isnt selling as well as we'd like, instead of I'll pay you 1,200 if you kind find a PS3 on a shelf in North America" Just so some investor In Hong Kong sees that and feels his money is safe.

Furthermore, this is a day and age where people often buy multiple consoles. I still have a gamecube, want to get a Wii.. have a 360.. and am not closed to buying a PS3 if I find a must have reason. But lets nor forget the families who can't buy a 600 dollar console.. some of those can't afford the 360.. and will get or have - a Wii. I know people raising kids and afamily of three on 30k.. PS2 and Wii were good this last holiday for those people on price alone.

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RE: lol

By enlil242 on 3/8/2007 7:51:58 PM , Rating: 2

I hear ya, the minute I saw a bunch of PS3s in stock, I contemplated buying one. (I do own a 360) But there just isn't any killer games out yet to push me over the edge. All the other features are secondary. (BluRay, PSHome and this aren't the answer, for me)

Also, what really made me get a 360 when I did (About 6 months ago, and $400 was a bit steep IMO) was GoW and NHL’07. Also, the "Media Features" was a huge plus so I can stream my MP3's to my home theatre. Also, the video on it showing the "behind the scenes of the 360 team talking about the 360. Now watching these people talk about their system was a treat and I can only say that I thought each person was truly a gamer and a fan of consoles and were proud of their product. I don't see that with Sony. To me Sony is saying, "Hey, We're Sony, buy it."

This may not move anybody and it isn't dissuading me from buying a PS3. I just thought it was a cool thing and they *seemed* very humble.

Now, all I can say to Sony is "Where are the FREAKING GAMES!" Make me want to buy your hunk a junk as I bought Microsoft’s hunk of junk!!! :o/

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RE: lol

By encryptkeeper on 3/8/2007 10:33:04 AM , Rating: 2

You might want to remember that the reason there are Sony 'haters' out there is because of arrogant assholes like Sony claimed we should buy their products because it says the name Sony. I don't 'hate' Sony either, but I hate the way they present themselves as being so damn arrogant about the PSP and PS3.

Did anyone look at this game and instantly think it looked like something Nintendo would do? Hmm....

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RE: lol

By deeznuts on 3/8/2007 12:58:41 PM , Rating: 2

quote:
Did anyone look at this game and instantly think it looked like something Nintendo would do? Hmm....

Actually, before looking at screenshots I downloaded the HD trailer. And other then it being kinda "kiddy" this is something Nintendo definitely cannot do. The graphics are amazing.

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RE: lol

By AstroCreep on 3/8/2007 11:53:43 AM , Rating: 2

It's not that I hate Sony; I have great memories of my PlayStation and having all-night Tekken 2 fests in high school.
What I hate is the management and their 'Holier than thou', 'We can do no wrong' attitudes.

Confidence is nice, arrogance makes me want to punch someone in the throat.

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RE: lol

By Korr on 3/8/2007 1:25:32 PM , Rating: 2

They're thinking really hard right now. Provided their brains can only think around exaggeration and what they don't like about Sony, you should give them a bit more time.

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WoW

By feelingshorter on 3/8/2007 2:27:39 AM , Rating: 3

LittleBigPlanet is a cool looking game. You won't understand until you see videos of the game in action! It is quite unique. Graphics are amazing also. I want a PS3 now just for motorstorm and that game. Sony's doing something right.

RE: WoW

By dome1234 on 3/8/2007 6:21:37 AM , Rating: 2

great looking game with brilliant yet simple concept. In the age of coop blowing things up, this platformer with physics and stage editor is a nice change.

A comment from a mate, he could play it with his wife and kids. hahaha. He could edit a real simple stage for his 6 years old and a more advanced for his 10. It might be more intuitive using the motion control too.

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