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{{Infobox VG
|bgcolour=
|title= LittleBigPlanet
|image=[[Image:LittleBigPlanetOfficialUKBoxArt.png|250px]]
|caption= European ''LittleBigPlanet'' box-art, showing Sackboy characters and the game's sticker feature.
|developer=[[Media Molecule]]
|publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment Europe]]
|website= [http://www.littlebigplanet.com]
|distributor= SCEE, SCEA
|designer=
|series=
|resolution = [[720p]]<ref name="eurog_res">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=165027 | title=LittleBigPlanet to run at 30fps, 720p News | first = Ellie | last = Gibson | publisher = Eurogamer | accessdate = 2008-10-15 | date = 2008-07-02 }}</ref>
|engine=
|version=
|released={{vgrelease|UK|5 November 2008<ref name=GIBizNov5/>|JP = 30 October 2008<ref name="mm_update" />|NA=<small>[[wiktionary:w/c|W/C]]</small> 27 October 2008<ref name="mm_update" /> |PAL= <small>W/C</small> 3 November 2008<ref name="mm_update">{{cite web|url=http://www.mediamolecule.com/2008/10/20/new-release-dates/ | title = Media Molecule - we make games. - Blog Archive - New Release Dates! | date = 2008-10-20 | accessdate = 2008-10-20 | author = Siobhan | publisher = Media Molecule }}</ref>}}
|modes=[[Single-player]], [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]], [[online game|online multiplayer]]
|genre=[[Platform game|Platformer]], [[Action]]
|ratings={{vgratings|ESRB=E|OFLCA=G|PEGI=7+|CERO=A|USK=6}}
|platforms=[[PlayStation 3]]
|media=[[Blu-ray Disc]]
|requirements=
|input= [[Gamepad]]
}}

'''''LittleBigPlanet''''' (sometimes abbreviated to '''''LBP'''''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=225520|publisher=Eurogamer|work=Eurogamer|author=Ellie Gibson|title=LBP's copyright system explained|accessdate=2008-10-18|date=2008-08-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=229108|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|title=LBP public beta sometime this month|accessdate=2008-10-15|date=2008-09-03|first=Rob|last=Purchese}}</ref> and developed under the working title '''''The Next Big Thing''''') is an upcoming [[Platformer|puzzle platformer]] and [[User generated content|world creation]] [[video game]] for the [[PlayStation 3]], first announced on 7 March 2007, by [[Phil Harrison]] at the {{vgy|2007}} [[Game Developers Conference]] in [[San Francisco]], [[California]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/ps3/gdc-07-sony-reveals-littlebigplanet-242171.php|title=GDC 07: Sony Reveals LittleBigPlanet|publisher=Kotaku|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|date=2007-03-07|accessdate=2008-10-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6166988.html?tag=latestnews;title;0|title=GDC 07: Sony orbiting LittleBigPlanet|publisher=Gamespot.com|date=2007-03-07|accessdate=2008-10-15|first=Tor|last=Thorsen|publisher=GameSpot}}</ref><ref>Chris Morell, "''LittleBigPlanet'': A PS3 planet you'll want to explore," ''GamePro'' 235 (April 2008): 34.</ref> It is being developed by [[Media Molecule]], a British company founded in part by ''[[Rag Doll Kung Fu]]'' creator Mark Healey, will be published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. A last-minute delay pushed back the game's release worldwide.<ref name=delay>{{cite web| url=http://threespeech.com/blog/2008/10/littlebigplanet-scees-official-statement/|title=LittleBigPlanet - SCEE’s official statement|author=Three Speech|date=2008-10-17|accessdate=2008-10-17}}</ref>

== Gameplay ==
In ''LittleBigPlanet'', players control small characters nicknamed ''Sackboy'' (or sometimes ''Sackgirl''<ref name="review_playtm">{{cite web|url=http://play.tm/review/21819/littlebigplanet/|title=PS3 Review: LittleBigPlanet| publisher=Ferrago|work=play.tm| date=2008-10-13| accessdate=2008-10-15|first=Luke|last=Guttridge}}</ref> or ''Sack person''<ref name=IGNUSReview />), owing to their material and appearance, each of which can run and jump, as well as hang onto and drag objects.<ref name="review_playtm" /> Players use these abilities in a number of ways: to play and explore the environments that come with the game, which feature platforming elements such as jumping, pushing, grabbing and running, and which make use of the game's robust<ref name=IGNUSReview /> physics engine; to create their own content, such as simply placing stickers into levels, as well as using the level editor to create, destroy, edit and manipulate levels;<ref name="IGNUSReview" /> and finally to share creations, by publishing items such as levels and objects with the online community, as well as play these creations online with others.<ref name=IGNUSReview /> These three modes are described simply by the title's catch phrase: ''Play. Create. Share.''<ref name=IGNUSReview />

Players begin inside their own ''pod'', a personal space from which they can access the three modes of gameplay, and decorate the room with stickers and decorations.<ref name="review_playtm" /> Initially, only the Play mode is available, from which the player undertakes some tutorials, narrated by [[Stephen Fry]]; once the basics are mastered, the player is free to continue playing any part of the game.<ref name="IGNAUSReview" />

===Play===
[[Image:Littlebigplanetscreen814 screen.jpg|left|thumb|250px|A screenshot from ''LittleBigPlanet''.]]
The ''Play'' section of ''LittleBigPlanet'' consists of a number of levels that have been created by Media Molecule, and are based around different themes that draw inspiration from real-world locations, such as Japanese gardens, dry deserts, New York City streets and icy Arctic stages.<ref name="IGNAUSReview" /> By completing the levels available to them, the player may then advance the story and play further unlocked levels.<ref name="review_videogamer" /> The story mode comprises eight areas, with each area comprising three to four main levels, and each level in turn has a collectable key item which further unlocks a bonus mini-level;<ref name="review_cvg" /> thus, the main story mode comprises more than 50 pre-built levels in total.<ref name="review_cvg" />

To control their Sackboy character, players move by using the analogue sticks, jump with varying degrees of height depending on the pressure applied to the jump button, and grab onto objects to either move or swing on them.<ref name="review_videogamer">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps3/little_big_planet/review.html| title=Little Big Planet Review for PS3| first=Tom| last=Orry| date=2008-10-14| accessdate=2008-10-15| publisher=VideoGamer.com}}</ref> In addition to regular left-and-right movement, and despite the 2D look of the game, levels consist of three levels of depth – the foreground, middle and background – and these may be traversed between either automatically by the game itself, or by the player's command.<ref name=IGNUSReview /> Players may also opt to emote their Sackboy by applying varying degrees of delight, fear, sadness, and rage,<ref name="review_gameplayerau">{{cite web|url=http://gameplayer.com.au/gp_documents/LittleBigPlanet-Review.aspx|title=Gameplay - LittleBigPlanet Review| date=2008-10-14| accessdate=2008-10-15| first=Mark| last=Serrels| publisher=Gameplayer}}</ref> control each arm independently through the analogue sticks,<ref name="review_gameplayerau" /> slap other players by jerking the arm movement through analogue stick, and use the Sixaxis motion-sensing functionality to animate the character's head and body.<ref name="review_gameplayerau" /> Further Sixaxis functionality includes shaking the controller to release the jetpack item.<ref name="review_playtm" />

Players may also access the character's menu, known as the Popit,<ref name="review_gamedaily">{{cite web| url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/littlebigplanet/playstation-3/game-reviews/review/5881/2156/ | title=LittleBigPlanet on PlayStation 3 Review | accessdate = 2008-10-15 | date = 2008-10-14 | first = Chris | last = Buffa | publisher = GameDaily }}</ref> at any time. This menu allows players to select from a number of customisation options, such as selecting materials and outfits for their Sackboy,<ref name="review_gamedaily" /> as well as choosing stickers from a large selection, which can then be plastered onto any surface in the game world.<ref name="review_videogamer" /> Stickers may also be created from photos taken using the [[PlayStation Eye]].<ref name="IGNAUSReview">{{cite web | url = http://ps3.ign.com/articles/919/919107p1.html | title = LittleBigPlanet AU Review | first = Patrick | last = Kolan | accessdate = 2008-10-15 | date = 2008-10-13 | publisher = IGN AU }}</ref>

A large variety of pre-built objects are present in levels which may be interacted with, as well as those objects that have been constructed out of more basic elements; these include materials, which act in a manner physically similar to those they represent, such as cloth being soft, rubber having grip, and wood being tough,<ref name="review_cvg">{{cite web | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=199300 | title = PS3 Review - LittleBigPlanet | first = Mike | last = Jackson | date = 2008-10-14 | accessdate = 2008-10-15 | publisher = CVG }}</ref> to objects that are built with mechanical components, such as motors, pistons, jets, wires and springs.<ref name="review_cvg" /> As well as these objects, levels contain dangers that players must avoid, and these include objects or platforms that have been set on fire,<ref name="IGNUSReview" /> whilst explosives that can damage Sackboy if he strays too close can also be used to blow up sections of the level.<ref name="IGNUSReview" /> As well as being hurt if these level dangers are touched, players may also be crushed if trapped under or between heavy items.<ref name="crushed">{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=736|title=CES 08: LittleBigPlanet Preview|publisher=ShackNews|accessdate=2008-07-29|date=2008-01-09|first=Nick|last=Breckon}}</ref> Should a player lose a life in this fashion, a checkpoint system ensures that players may start again at recently passed checkpoints should they fail, albeit a limited number of times.<ref name="review_videogamer" />

Each level contains a large number of bubbles, formerly known as "sponge",<ref name="sam_bubbles" /> which may be collected in order to increase the player's score, and to attempt to beat their own high score.<ref name="review_videogamer" /> As well as empty bubbles, collectable items are kept within prize bubbles, many of which are hidden or are in hard-to-reach places, and these contain items such as new stickers and decorations, as well as new materials and objects that may be used in the ''Create'' mode for the user's own levels.<ref name=IGNUSReview /> Some of these hidden items may be accessed by using the aforementioned stickers menu to place stickers on special parts of the level.<ref name="review_videogamer" /> Clothing and accessories for the player's Sackboy may also be obtained by passing through the levels without losing a life.<ref name=IGNUSReview /> As well as prizes, the aforementioned collectable keys within main levels unlock new mini-levels with unique goals, such as skipping a spinning pole or bouncing to grab bubbles,<ref name="review_cvg" /> to speed levels such as bobsled racing.<ref name=IGNUSReview />

===Create===
The player may customise their character in a range of ways. They are able to select a base colour and texture for their ''Sackboy'' from a range of materials and designs, and may create items for the character to wear such as masks and clothes, as well as give them pre-made items including swords and capes. The game will also feature items based on other PlayStation 3 franchises such as a ''[[Killzone 2]]'' mask,<ref name="KotakuFeature">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5030312/tons-yes-tons-of-littlebigplanet-info|title=Tons (Yes, Tons) Of LittleBigPlanet Info|publisher=[[Kotaku]]|author=Brian Ashcraft|date=2008-07-29|accessdate=2008-07-29}}</ref> and character models based on Kratos, Medusa and Minotaur from the ''[[God of War (video game)|God of War]]'' series,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/gamestop-lbp-pre-order-adds-more-god-of-war-sackness/|title=GameStop LBP pre-order adds more God of War sackness|publisher=Joystiq|date=2008-10-07|accessdate=2008-10-15}}</ref> Nariko from ''[[Heavenly Sword]]'', Old Snake from ''[[Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots|Metal Gear Solid 4]]'' and Sephiroth from ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/10/08/tgs-08-sackboy-solid-snake-and-sephiroth-to-join-littlebigplanet/|title=TGS 08: Sackboy Old Snake and Sephiroth to join LittleBigPlanet|publisher=PlayStation.Blog|date=2008-10-08|accessdate=2008-10-15|first=Jeff|last=Rubenstein}}</ref>

Although the ''Create'' aspect does include minor tweaks to existing levels whilst they are being played, such as placing stickers and decorations in levels, the main focus of this mode is the level editor.<ref name="IGNUSReview" /> The editor incorporates a large number of editing facilities to create levels from a low to a high degree of complexity. Players may create new objects by starting with a number of basic shapes, such as circles, stars and squares, and then "painting" the shape of the object into the level.<ref name="IGNUSReview" /> Objects may also be glued to each other or to the level.<ref name="IGNUSReview" /> More mechanical features are also available, such as connecting objects together with string, using bolts to spin objects, or using various kinds of trigger,<ref name="IGNUSReview" /> as well as jets which may be attached to surfaces to propel them.<ref name="review_cvg" /> After creating custom objects, players may also save out their creation to a library for later use, and even share their object by placing it inside a prize bubble in their level, so that other players who play the level may use it in their own levels.<ref name="IGNUSReview" />

In order to facilitate the creation process and to accommodate any mistakes mode, the editor also features a time system, whereby players may "rewind" the editor, which acts as an undo feature, or pause the editor, which temporarily halts objects that run under the physics engine, such as gravity or rolling objects.<ref name="IGNUSReview" /> In addition to his narration for other parts of the game, Stephen Fry provides the voice-over for the large quantity of video and interactive tutorials that accompany the create mode, a number of which must be watched in full before unlocking a new set of objects for use.<ref name="review_gameplayerau" />

User-generated content is not tied to any specific region, in that all user-created levels will be accessible by users from all three gaming regions — Europe, North America and Asia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/08/23/littlebigplanet-confirmed-region-free-by-scee-rep/|title=LittleBigPlanet confirmed region-free by SCEE rep|publisher=PS3Fanboy|date=2008-08-23|accessdate=2008-10-10|first=Jem|last=Alexander}}</ref>

===Share===
A major focus of ''LittleBigPlanet'' will be on the global community features through the [[PlayStation Network]] for players to interact and share their "patches"<ref name="press release">{{cite press release |title=LittleBigPlanet: Explore, Create, Share. |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=[[2007-03-07]] |url=http://www.us.playstation.com/News/PressReleases/383 |format= |language= |accessdate=2007-03-07 |quote= }}</ref> — levels and other modifications — as well as online play.

''LittleBigPlanet'' features a range of multiplayer options. Levels can be played online with up to four players, locally with up to four players or with a mixture of up to four online and local players. Up to four local users can play together in ''Create'' mode, the ability to create levels with up to four players online will be added in an update at some point after the game's launch<ref>{{cite web|url=http://n4g.com/ps3/News-202456.aspx|title=LBP will lack "Online Create" mode at Launch|publisher=N4G.com|author=godmoney|accessdate=2008-10-15|date=2008-09-22}}</ref>. How multiple users play with each other is dependent on the design of the level and how the users choose to play, allowing the players to choose whether they play cooperatively or battle against each other to get to the finish line first, or collect the most bubbles.<ref name="sam_bubbles">{{cite web|url=http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=littlebigplanet&message.id=23152#M23152 | title= Re: fluff? - LittleBigPlanet (PS3) - PlayStation.com Forums | author=Sam_Protagonist | accessdate = 2008-10-15 | date = 2008-08-20 }}</ref> Each local player will also be able to sign in to their own PlayStation Network account and individually collect [[PlayStation_Network#PlayStation_3_Trophies|trophies]] for their own account; this is one of the few times such a feature has been included in a PlayStation 3 game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2008/09/02/lbp-multi-user-logons/|title=LBP: Multi User Logons|publisher=TheSixthAxis|date=2008-09-02|accessdate=2008-09-02|author=nofi}}</ref>

The main focus of the ''Share'' component is the ability to for level creators to publish their levels and objects to the online community for other people to play.<ref name="IGNUSReview" /> Once a custom level has been played through, players are able to tag the level with a list of predefined words that appear, and may cycle through the word choice to find the most appropriate.<ref name="IGNUSReview" /> Players may also use the "heart" feature, which allows them to specify which levels, stickers and decorations they prefer; in this way, people can heart to show appreciation for other people's creations, and also visit their online friend's hearted items, or visit the creator of a hearted item, then view his or her hearted items, and so on.<ref name="IGNUSReview" />

==Development==
[[Image:LittleBigPlanetOfficialUSBoxArt.jpg|right|thumb|250px|North American box art, showing a variety of possible Sackboy characters, as well as the game's stylised globe design.]]
Media Molecule co-founder, [[Mark Healey]], recalled that the first conversation he had about the game that was to become ''LittleBigPlanet'' was with Dave Smith (a fellow co-founder of Media Molecule) after they had been to the cinema to see ''[[Howl's Moving Castle (film)|Howl's Moving Castle]]''.<ref name="InsideGameDesign"/> Healey and Smith discussed a game that had character controls similar to their previous game ''[[Rag Doll Kung Fu]]'', but that would be playable on a console. Healey and Smith left Lionhead in December 2005 along with [[Alex Evans (video game developer)|Alex Evans]] and Kareem Ettouney, and managed to arrange a meeting with [[Phil Harrison]], the then-head of development for Sony Worldwide Studios.<ref name="InsideGameDesign"/> They created a prototype of their idea, a game called ''Craftworld'', a physics-based, 2D side-scrolling game, with a place holder character called Mr&nbsp;Yellowhead.<ref name="GameSpot-GDC07"/> Mr&nbsp;Yellowhead's arms were controllable with the right analogue stick of the PlayStation 2 controller that Media Molecule had connected to their PC,<ref name="InsideGameDesign"/> whilst his legs were controlled with the left stick. The object of the game was to guide Mr. Yellowhead past a number of obstacles by grabbing onto objects and pushing or rolling them around.<ref name="GameSpot-GDC07">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6167059.html|first=Brendan|last=Sinclair|date=2007-03-08|accessdate=2008-10-15|publisher=GameSpot|title=
GDC 07: Making Media Molecule}}</ref>

They pitched their idea to Harrison using their own software, rather than [[Microsoft PowerPoint|PowerPoint]], which allowed for bullet point information but also for live controllable movement of game characters. By their own admission, the pitch was vague and they had deliberately toned down the creative aspect of the game - which they feared may have appeared as "weird" for a console game - for fear of scaring Sony off. They presented the game as an out and out game and only briefly mentioned the user created content aspect of it, although Evans relates that Harrison actually picked up on the aspect that they feared might be seen as "weird", and asked them why they didn't do more with the user created content ability of the game. The meeting, which had been scheduled to last 45 minutes, eventually lasted 3 hours.<ref name="GamestopInterveiw">{{cite web | last = Chiappini| first = Dan| title = Q&A: Media Molecule devs talk LittleBigPlanet| work = [[Gamespot]]| publisher = | date = | url = http://www.gamestop.com/Browse/ArticleViewer.aspx?Product_ID=65483&articleid=54896| accessdate = 2008-10-15}}</ref> Sony agreed to pick up the game and Evans et al. had received funding from them by January 2006, with Media Molecule being incorporated as a company in February.<ref name="InsideGameDesign">{{cite book| last = Simons| first = Iain| authorlink = Iain Simons| title = Inside Game Design| publisher = Laurence King Publishing| series =| year = 2007| doi = | isbn = 978-1-85669-532-9| pages = pp 89-94}}</ref>

Despite backing from Sony, Media Molecule were unsure about exactly what direction they were going to take the game, and how it would ultimately turn out. They also worried about whether people would understand the game, or even like it, although Mark Healey stated that those worries were dispelled after its first presentation, to be replaced by a larger pressure - Media Molecule were aware of the fact that Sony wanted them to demonstrate the game at the upcoming [[Game Developers Conference]] 2007, but they were not told that they were to be part of Phil Harrison's keynote speech until near the date it was due to take place. Healey stated that it was only when they arrived in San Francisco for the conference that they realised just how much backing Sony were devoting to the game - much more than Media Molecule previously thought.<ref name="MyLittleBigGame"/> Healey relates that although the revelation of Sony's faith in the game gave them a real boost, it also increased the pressure on them with the realisation that they had a major task on their hands.<ref name="MyLittleBigGame">{{cite web| last = Healey | first = Mark| title = My LittleBig Game| work = Edge| date = 17 July 2008| url = http://www.edge-online.com/blogs/my-littlebig-game| accessdate = 2008-10-20}}</ref>

The game was less than one year into development when it was first shown at GDC 2007. Evans remarked that this public approach to the game's development meant that they had been able to react to feedback from the community, and that the game had been specifically designed to allow them to easily implement further developments in the future, based on demand from the players.<ref>{{cite interview |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=224220&page=3 |last=Evans |first=Alex |subjectlink=Alex Evans |interviewer=Rob Fahey |callsign = Eurogamer |date=2008-08-24 |title=Media Molecule's Alex Evans |accessdate=2008-10-15 }}</ref>

===Marketing===
Both Sony Computer Entertainment and Media Molecule have undertaken a robust marketing campaign in the run-up to the game's release. In North America, SCEA have partnered with several of the major online retailers including [[Amazon.com]], [[GameStop]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://littlebigplanet.us.playstation.com/post/2008/08/Pre-Order-Details-Amazon--GameStop.aspx|title=Pre-Order Details: Amazon & GameStop |publisher=SCEA|date=2008-08-13|accessdate=2008-10-15|author=SackBoy103}}</ref> [[Circuit City]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://littlebigplanet.us.playstation.com/post/2008/08/Pre-Orders-LittleBigStickerBook.aspx|title=Pre-Orders: LittleBigStickerBook |publisher=SCEA|date=2008-08-26|accessdate=2008-10-15|author=SackBoy103}}</ref> [[Best Buy]]<ref name="KotakuPreReleaseGoodies">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5044759/where-to-get-your-lbp-nariko-sackgirl|title=Where To Get Your LBP Nariko SackGirl |publisher=[[Kotaku]]|date=2008-09-03|accessdate=2008-10-15|first=Mike|last=Fahey}}</ref> and [[Game Crazy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://littlebigplanet.us.playstation.com/post/2008/08/Pre-orders-Phase-2.aspx|title=Pre-orders: Phase 2 |publisher=SCEA|date=2008-08-20|accessdate=2008-10-15|author=Chanana2}}</ref> to offer unique bonus gifts to customers pre-ordering the game from the selected retailers. These gifts include codes to access additional in-game characters, a sticker book, a burlap pouch for storing the game disk in and an official game guide published by [[Brady Games]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/08/05/littlebigplanet-pre-order-goodness/|title=LittleBigPlanet: Pre-order Goodness|publisher=SCEA|date=2008-08-05|accessdate=2008-10-15|first=Mark|last=Valledor}}</ref> The game's developers have also created retailer-specific trailers for Amazon.com and [[Wal-Mart]]. These videos feature in-game footage of levels featuring the retailer's logo built using the in-game toolset and have been embedded into ''LittleBigPlanet'''s product page on their respective websites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://littlebigplanet.us.playstation.com/post/2008/08/Retail-Exclusive-Videos-%e2%80%93-Only-The-Beginning.aspx|title=Retail Exclusive Videos – Only The Beginning |publisher=SCEA|date=2008-08-18|accessdate=2008-10-15|author=Chanana2}}</ref>

In the UK, SCEE have partnered with [[Play.com]] to offer a downloadable Nariko character (from ''Heavenly Sword'') to customers who pre-order the game.<ref name="KotakuPreReleaseGoodies" /> Also, a temporary shop has been set-up in [[Manchester]]'s town centre where people will be able to play the game before its release. This shop is due to move to central London in early October.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://threespeech.com/blog/2008/09/littlebigplanet-pop-up-space-in-manchester/|title= LittleBigPlanet Pop-up Space in Manchester! |publisher=ThreeSpeech|date=2008-09-17|accessdate=2008-10-15|author=Three Speech}}</ref>

===Release===
A demo version of the game was planned for release on the PlayStation Network in the fourth quarter of 2007,<ref name="press release" /> but was delayed until 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2007/12/11/little-big-planet-demo-not-coming-in-2007|title=Little Big Planet Demo Not Coming In 2007|publisher=MTV Multiplayer|first=Stephen|last=Totilo|accessdate=2008-10-15|date=2007-11-12}}</ref>

Original announcements pointed to a full release early in 2008, but Sony later said that the game had been delayed until September 2008 in the UK.<ref name="UKrelease">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/03/26/lbp-killzone-2-and-resistance-2-dated-for-europe/|title=LBP, Killzone 2 and Resistance 2 dated for Europe|publisher=videogaming247.com|accessdate=2008-10-15|date=2008-03-26}}</ref> During the Sony PlayStation Day on 6 May 2008 in London, Sony announced that the game would be delayed by one month,<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=137090 |title=LittleBigPlanet coming in October News|publisher=Eurogamer|date=2008-05-06|accessdate=2008-10-15|first=Ellie|last=Gibson}}</ref> and was finally scheduled for release on 21 October 2008 in North America, 22 October in Europe and [[Australasia]], 24 October in the UK and Ireland <ref name="ReleaseSchedule">{{cite web|url=http://littlebigplanet.us.playstation.com/post/2008/09/Fun-Shall-Overcome-on-October-21.aspx|title=Fun Shall Overcome on October 21|author="SackBoy103"|date=2008-09-19|accessdate=2008-10-15|publisher=Eurogamer}}</ref> and 30 October in Japan.<ref name="JapanRelease">{{cite web|url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/lbp/|title=RITORUBIGGUPURANETTO ™ (LittleBigPlanet ™)|publisher=SCEJ|accessdate=2008-10-15|language=Japanese}} ([http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/lbp/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dplaystation%2Bjp%26num%3D30%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26pwst%3D1 Translation])</ref>

The release of the game was pushed back after SCEE instigated a worldwide recall of ''LittleBigPlanet''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=262215|title=Qu'ran references force worldwide LittleBigPlanet recall | first = Tom | last = Bramwell | date = 2008-10-17 | accessdate = 2008-10-19 | publisher = Eurogamer }}</ref> after it was discovered by a PlayStation Community member that part of a song in the game included passages from the [[Qur'an]] and could be offensive to [[Muslim]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:BuPMgf6T4UIJ:community.eu.playstation.com/playstationeu/board/message%3Fboard.id%3D611%26message.id%3D8388+%22tapha+Niang%22+quran&hl=da&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=dk|title= very urgent about little big planet|publisher = Official Playstation Community forum | date = 2008-10-17|accessdate=2008-10-19|author=solid_08}}</ref> Sony apologised for the delay, and announced that new versions of the game will be shipped to North American retailers the week commencing 27 October 2008.<ref name="delayus_update">{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/10/17/littlebigplanet-release-update/|title=LittleBigPlanet Release Update|publisher = PlayStation.blog | date = 2008-10-17|accessdate=2008-10-17|first=Patrick | last = Seybold}}</ref>

On 20 October 2008 an SCEE press released stated that ''LittleBigPlanet'' would start to appear in stores in the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand no later than the week commencing 3 November 2008 on a country-by-country basis.<ref name="EuroGNewDate">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=263695|title=New LittleBigPlanet release date |publisher=Eurogamer|date=2008-10-20|accessdate=2008-10-20|first=Tom|last=Bramwell}}</ref> Later the same day SCEE confirmed the UK release date as 5 November.<ref name=GIBizNov5>{{cite web| last = Martin| first = Matt| title = LittleBigPlanet UK release set for November 5| work = [[Gamesindustry.biz]]| date = 20 October 2008| url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/littlebigplanet-uk-release-set-for-november-5| accessdate = 2008-10-20}}</ref><ref name="mm_update" />

====Beta Phases====
A public [[Development_stage#Beta|beta version]] of the game was previously scheduled for the summer of 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/2994.html|title=PS3 News: LittleBigPlanet Closed Beta Drops This Summer|publisher=PSXExtreme|first=Ben|last=Dutka|date=2008-04-30|accessdate=2008-10-15}}</ref> but it was later announced that only private beta testing would take place, with the possibility of a publicly available demo before the full game's release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/05/08/littlebigplanet-open-beta-will-never-happen/|title=LittleBigPlanet open beta will never happen|publisher=PS3Fanboy|first=Jem|last=Alexander|date=2008-05-08|accessdate=2008-10-15}}</ref> However, in a later interview, Alex Evans, Co-Founder of Media Molecule, said that a beta would be released in September 2008 describing it as "a public beta, but limited at the same time".<ref name="WIGBeta">{{cite web|url=http://whatifgaming.com/whatifgaming-e3-08-littlebigplanet-beta-coming-this-september|title=LittleBigPlanet Beta Coming This September|publisher=WhatIfGaming|author=Usman Ihtsham}}</ref> The first beta became playable on 23 September when gaming website [[Eurogamer]] began offering beta codes to its members on the same date, with a total of 5,800 codes available; the website quickly buckled under the influx of visitors, with many unable to load the site.<ref name="eurog_buckle">{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=243270|title=LittleBigPlanet beta keys all gone! | first = Rob | last = Purchese | date = 2008-09-23 | accessdate = 2008-10-15 | publisher=Eurogamer }}</ref> Subsequently, several other gaming websites including [[1UP.com]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8884809&publicUserId=1002415|title=Shane's 1UP Blog: Little Big Beta|publisher=1UP|date=2008-09-25|accessdate=2008-10-15|first=Shane|last=Bettenhausen}}</ref> and [[GameSpot]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/shows/on-the-spot/?tag=promo%3btitle|title=On The Spot Podcast|date=2008-10-12|accessdate=2008-10-15|publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> have offered beta codes to their users. Redeemable through the PlayStation 3's Account Management section, players with both a code and a PlayStation network account were able to play the beta until it ended on 12 October.<ref name="eurog_beta">{{cite web|url=http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/09/23/littlebigplanet-beta-begins-tomorrow-codes-available-on-eurogam/|date=2008-09-23|accessdate-2008-09-23|publisher=PS3Fanboy|first=Jem|last=Alexander|title=LittleBigPlanet beta begins tomorrow, codes available on Eurogamer}}</ref> Although Sony had originally planned to erase all levels created by players during the beta period, an official poll was held to let the players decide their fate,<ref name="eurog_levelspoll">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=255466 | title = Shall we scrub LBP beta levels, asks Sony | first = Tom | last = Bramwell | date = 2008-10-09 | accessdate = 2008-10-15 | publisher = Eurogamer }}</ref> the result of which was to keep the levels.<ref name="eurog_levelspoll2">{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=256900|title=LBP beta levels will survive - Evans | date = 2008-10-10 | accessdate = 2008-10-15 | publisher = Eurogamer | first = Tom | last = Bramwell }}</ref> As such, these levels will remain, although save game data and progress in the beta will not be carried over into the full game.<ref name="eurog_levelspoll" />

==Reaction==
===Previews===
The unveiling of ''LittleBigPlanet'' at the 2007 [[Game Developers Conference]] (GDC) elicited numerous positive reactions. In his BBC News blog, technology editor Darren Waters wrote, "''LittleBigPlanet'' is perhaps one of the most dazzling demos I've seen in the last 10 years".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2007/03/a_whole_new_world_1.shtml|title=BBC NEWS - Tomorrow's World - A whole new world|publisher=BBC News|date=2007-03-07|accessdate=2008-10-15|first=Darren|last=Waters}}</ref> [[IGN]] described the game as "beautiful" and reported that "even in the presence of [[Playstation Home|Home]], Sony's impressive new community software, ''LittleBigPlanet'' stole the show at Phil Harrison's Game 3.0 practice conference, and was the thing that everyone was talking about".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/770/770999p1.html|title=GDC 2007: LittleBigPlanet Eyes-on|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-10-15|date=2007-03-07}}</ref> [[1UP.com|1UP]] wrote that "there are plenty of questions remaining about ''LittleBigPlanet''&nbsp;… but it's clear from the reaction to the game so far that it has already won over many fans" and that "this could be something very special".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3157799|title=LittleBigPlanet Preview from 1UP.com|publisher=1UP|date=2007-03-07|first=Matt|last=Leone}}</ref> [[Slashdot]] Games editor Michael Zenke suggested that the game could be the PlayStation 3's [[killer application]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://games.slashdot.org/games/07/03/07/209213.shtml|title=Sony Keynote Offers Hope For Playstation 3 Fans|publisher=slashdot.org|author=Zonk|date=2007-03-07|accessdate=2008-10-15}}</ref> Even [[Reggie Fils-Aime]], the president of Nintendo of America, praised the product, though he was unsure how the game would fare on Sony's platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5117&Itemid=2|title=Nintendo Wanted Media Molecule|publisher=Next Generation|date=2007-04-03|accessdate=2008-10-15|author=Edge Staff}}</ref>

===Reviews===
{{VG Reviews
|OPMUK = 10/10<ref name="POMReview" />
|EuroG = 9/10<ref name=EuroGReview />
|GamePro = 5/5<ref name=GameProRev />
|Edge = 10/10<ref name=EdgeReview>{{cite journal|title=LittleBigPlanet review|author=Edge staff|journal=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|year=2008|month=December|issue=195|pages=76-77|issn=1350-1593}}</ref>
|GSpot = 9/10<ref name=GameSpotReview>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/littlebigplanet/review.html|title=LittleBigPlanet Review - Gamespot|publisher=CNET|work=Gamespot UK|accessdate=2008-10-18}}</ref>
|rev1 = [[IGN.com|IGN]] (UK)
|rev1Score = 9.7/10<ref name=IGNUKReview />
|rev2 = IGN (US)
|rev2Score = 9.5/10<ref name=IGNUSReview />
|rev3 = IGN (Aus)
|rev3Score = 9.2/10<ref name="IGNAUSReview" />
|GR =95%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/938583.asp|title=LittleBigPlanet Reviews|publisher=CNET|work=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-10-13}}</ref>
|MC = 96%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/littlebigplanet?q=littlebigplanet|title=LittleBigPlanet at MetaCritic|work=Metacritic | publisher=CNET|accessdate=2008-10-16}}</ref>
}}
''LittleBigPlanet'' has so far received wide critical acclaim from reviewers.

The first major publication to review ''LittleBigPlanet'' was the UK edition of ''[[PlayStation Official Magazine]]''. In their November edition they gave the game a score of 10/10 calling it "a beautifully elegant and powerful creative tool that puts unlimited potential in the palm of your hand".<ref name="POMReview" >{{cite journal|author=Leon Hurley/Ben Wilson|year=2008|month=November|title=LittleBigPlanet - The best game on the PS3 is the one you make|journal=[[PlayStation Official Magazine]]|issue=24|pages=92-99|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|location=UK|language=British English|format=Print|accessdate=2008-09-30}}</ref> [[Eurogamer]] scored the game 9/10. Reviewer Oli Welsh commented specifically on the game's "unforgettable visuals" and that the accurate lighting was "as total a realisation of high-definition as you'll see anywhere in games this year". He also praised the multiplayer gameplay as "a loosely-structured scrum of competition, collaboration and sheer, joyful mucking around". Welsh did however <!--criticise with an 's' is correct - article written in British English - See talk page-->criticise the control system stating that the jumping mechanic timing sometimes feels "off by a fraction of a fraction of a second" and that this can be a minor annoyance when attempting challenges which require dexterity and timing. Speaking of the game's comprehensive creation and community tools in contrast with its classic platforming gameplay, he calls the game "the future and the past of videogames, rolled into one".<ref name=EuroGReview>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=259015&page=1|title=LittleBigPlanet Review|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2008-10-12|author=Oli Welsh}}</ref> [[IGN]] (US) scored it 9.5/10 and said the game was an "instant classic". The reviewer, Chris Roper, also suggested that the game may even be a reason to buy a PlayStation 3; "If you own a PlayStation 3, you cannot miss this. If you don’t have a PS3 yet, this is the reason to get one."<ref name=IGNUSReview>{{citeweb|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/919/919111p1.html|title=IGN: LittleBigPlanet Review|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=2008-10-13|author=Chris Roper|accessdate=2008-10-18}}</ref> IGN's British and Australian sites scored the game 9.7/10 and 9.2/10 respectively.<ref name="IGNAUSReview" /><ref name="IGNUKReview">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/919/919593p1.html|title=LittleBigPlanet UK Review|accessdate=2008-10-15|date=2008-10-14|first=Matt|last=Wales|publisher=IGN UK}}</ref> ''[[GamePro]]'' scored the game 5/5 and said that the real strength of the game "is the tremendous sense of freedom and creativity that it instils in you."<ref name=GameProRev>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/207471/littlebigplanet/|title=GamePro - LittleBigPlanet Review|publisher=[[GamePro]]|author=Tae K. Kim}}</ref>
''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' gave it a 10/10 and said "It's a multiplayer riot, a visual landmark, a feat of engineering, and one of the most charming games ever made. But even those accolades are dwarfed by its scope, its potential, and the apparent endlessness of them both."<ref name=EdgeReview />
{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

==External links==
*[http://www.littlebigplanet.com/ Official Game Website]
*[http://littlebigplanet.us.playstation.com/ Official Blog]
*[http://mediamolecule.com/games.html Media Molecule official ''LittleBigPlanet'' page]
*LittleBigPlanet at PlayStation: [http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/lbp/ Japan], [http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/games/detail/item76401/LittleBigPlanet%E2%84%A2/ UK], [http://au.playstation.com/games_media/games/ps3/l/littlebigplanet.jhtml Australia], [http://nz.playstation.com/games_media/games/ps3/l/littlebigplanet.jhtml New Zealand], [http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/Games/LittleBigPlanet US]
*{{dmoz|Games/Video_Games/Action/L/LittleBigPlanet|''{{pagename}}''}}
*{{wikia|littlebigplanet|LittleBigPlanet Wiki}}

[[Category:2008 video games]]
[[Category:Platform games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3-only games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 Trophy Compatible games]]
[[Category:Sony Computer Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]

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Revision as of 21:19, 20 October 2008

Release yet to be confirmed