LittleBigPlanet creates a new world on PlayStation Network @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on March 07, 2007

News: Sony says 'Explore, Create, Share.'

While the PlayStation Home has been gaining some decent press, Sony's major announcement out of the Game Developer's Conference is LittleBigPlanet.

Sony has pledged to push the downloadable game format and LittleBigPlanet may be the biggest one yet. Sony is calling it a "creative game" where players get together and use their in-game powers to create and edit the world they inhabit. According to Sony "there are obstacles to explore, bits and pieces to collect and puzzles to solve."

But what is LittleBigPlanet all about? Sony has supplied a guide to their new world:

So, how does it work?

Play the game, learn the skills and then find your own way to play. There isn't a set solution to anything Ц you live LittleBigPlanet however you want to.

Create your own content Ц customize your character and build your own locations. You have the power to rearrange anything in this unbelievably tactile landscape.

Build, move, create, collaborate Ц then share content with friends or publicly by inviting the whole world to come and visit your own location on LittleBigPlanet.

Key features

There's not just one way to play. Players craft their own individual experience

Unlimited possibilities for user-created content Ц players can customize everything: their characters, the landscape around them and their own patch on LittleBigPlanet

Players discover and win new skills and items to aid them on their creative journey

Initial levels will be provided Ц endless others will be user-generated on a global scale. LittleBigPlanet will change every day as players contribute their own levels

Online and offline multiplayer modes Ц play alone, work as a team or get competitive

LittleBigPlanet global community for players to get involved with: includes player comments, rankings and easy communication with new and existing friends

УWe were confident that PS3 would be the platform to lead the way in creative gaming, and LittleBigPlanet brings this concept to life spectacularly,Ф said Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. УBy 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.Ф

A demo of LittleBigPlanet will be available in the Fall and the game is expected to be released in early 2008.