Marketing manager John Kohler told GamePro that LBP is seeing "explosive" sales and that it'll "absolutely" rack up big sales over time, calling the the title an "evergreen game for the PS3".
"LittleBigPlanet also opens up the PS3 to other portions of the demographic - not just 20-something males, but younger gamers, females, and maybe even some older gamers," he said. "I think we'll see a great holiday season for the game.
"It's also the start of a nice franchise, and maybe down the line we'll look at new iterations," he added, which will surely reignite rumours about a PSP edition.
What possible need is there for a sequel? Anything can be done with patches and updates now really. A sequel could merely add new tools and levels. A PSP version is obviously a good idea but beyond that what else is needed?
Unless of course they expand it to different genres...or do a 3D environment one.
Yeah you're right nologo. That's my pet peeve with the game. There should be a New Level section on the main menu. The Cool Levels just doesn't cut it. If you publish a level the chances of it being found are slim. My latest one started on Page 21, 5 minutes later was on Page 31, and then gone forever after another 5 minutes. However when I started mentioning it to people they started playing it, enjoying it and the level has a really high heart to plays ratio and has been played well over 100 times. A New Levels section, say for things published that week should be made. That way it'll give some decent new levels a chance to break into the Cool Levels.
How much of a franchise starter is it though, really? Surely this, much like 'The Movies', which was also sold on the user created part of it, is far better suited to expansions rather than sequels?
I would agree with Almanac - unless they move into 3d - there shouldn't be the need for a sequel on this generation of consoles - this is the kind of game that would benefit from patches and DLC.
I was surprised that this hasn't turned out to be the 'killer-app' in terms of sales, that I thought it would be.
To be honest though, I think the advertising doesn't make it clear enough exactly what the game is - the ads are quite amusing, but if I didn't know that it was a 2D platform creation game - I probably wouldn't be able to grasp what it was.
I see what Sony means about it being Evergreen - i don't think it will get old and they can literally advertise it forever - they could have seasonal marketing campaigns with levels themed like Christmas autumn etc... the scope is massive.
I just think a lot of normal console owners (i.e. people that don't read forums and game news sites) don't 'get it'.
I'll in turn agree with Johnson about the adverts. They're amusing but you just go "what the hell" at the same time. They don't make anything clear about the game-though to be honest how many adverts do nowadays.
Things they could improve on so far (except for the obvious online flaws where hardly and levels get any attention) would be. 1. Allow more than one switch to connect to an object. There have been loads of times I've been making something and this would have came in use. Strangely I can't think of anything specific now but it's occurred more than once. 2. Water. Water as a material (or a dangerous item) would come in use. It's a pretty standard item you can die from in platformers for a start, but I could just imagine other things you could do with it-from submarine levels to waterfalls.
Anything else they can think of, along with new levels maybe (seasonal as Johnson mentioned?) could be added with DLC. And unlike all the damn costumes, it's DLC I would actually pay for...
A 3D environment would totally waste it. It's great now because it's restricted to 2.5D space.
But there's a limit to what can be done within the current engine, that's why sequels are needed.
For instance, I think running water would add a lot to the game, but it would need a lot of programming. Then you open it up to adding ice, which has the properties of glass but melts with a heat source and becomes water. You couldn't do that within the current game.
But I do agree that it could use a better method of finding new random levels. The "Play Now" option should have a lot of options added to it.
A 3D environment would totally waste it. It's great now because it's restricted to 2.5D space.
But there's a limit to what can be done within the current engine, that's why sequels are needed.
For instance, I think running water would add a lot to the game, but it would need a lot of programming. Then you open it up to adding ice, which has the properties of glass but melts with a heat source and becomes water. You couldn't do that within the current game.
3D could ruin it, but if it's done on a smaller level it could also add a bit to the game. Considering what they've already done I think they could make something good in 3D. Not a huge environment, just a small one. It wouldn't even have to be open-world, just a linear one with the camera angle situated behind the player (Crash Bandicoot style). Not saying it should be done, just that it's the only thing I can think of that would need a sequel.
As for the water/ice thing I think that may be over-complicating things. Where would this heat source come from? I can certainly see some good things about the idea. For example if water didn't kill you, you could have puzzles to melt water to collect items. And if it did kill you, you could freeze water to run over it. And that may be getting into new-game territory.
But water itself, just water with no melting/freezing properties could add to the game.
Problem with a sequel really is that it distracts from the first game, which wouldn't be bad normally. But since there;s an emphasis on user-generated content it is really asking people to just start again. Something that may not be the best idea if they're still sticking to the same side-scrolling game. Could enough be added to warrant a sequel.
There's a lot that could be done with level creation and user generated content. So many genres could be covered in theory.
Reading through this thread, I've begun to realise the problem that Media Molecules have created for themselves.
It seems that we all agree that a sequel isn't the way to go for this game, and instead DLC/expansions/patches are preferred.
But what do these do? Add new items to build with? This is great, but then anyone that doesn't buy the content is locked out from downloading levels that utilise them. Other than that, what can they do? Sackboy costumes. Which is what they are doing now and there has already been moaning about their prices.
... I think that there are loads of improvements to be made for the sequel -
*Compared to other platformers the movement is pretty sluggish - try playing lego batman or something then going back to it *Jumping can be quite inaccurate *Some power-ups would be good - invincability, flying, weapons *Better level searching
Whatever they do they've got to let you port your old levels over, imagine the disaster of having to re-build your levels all over again!
But what do these do? Add new items to build with? This is great, but then anyone that doesn't buy the content is locked out from downloading levels that utilise them.
I've just realised that actually. I always assumed if something like that was done then you'd be able to play the levels, but not be able to use the tools. But that seems quite unfair, discriminating against those that keep the levels alive.
A lot of games do that (like Warhawk)-but I don't think locking people out of levels would be a good idea in LBP you're right.
Which is why for a true sequel (not LBP on PSP...) some major changes would be needed. And considering the purpose of LBP user content-a sequel shouldn't be needed for some time.
All that I can say is that I haven't had my PS3 for 10 days now and the one game that I have missed the most is LBP.
Regarding adding new items such as water, I reckon that MM will just release them for free so that everybody can use them. No big deal really.
That would certainly be better for everyone - but don't most game devs nowadays want to make extra cash from additional downloads? Look at most games at the moment, and it looks to be the current business model... Sadly.
All that I can say is that I haven't had my PS3 for 10 days now and the one game that I have missed the most is LBP.
Regarding adding new items such as water, I reckon that MM will just release them for free so that everybody can use them. No big deal really.
That would certainly be better for everyone - but don't most game devs nowadays want to make extra cash from additional downloads? Look at most games at the moment, and it looks to be the current business model... Sadly.
I'm almost certain that MM have been on record to say that any additional game content, such as new tools and items, will be free. They will make their extra dosh from costumes alone, I'd imagine.
All that I can say is that I haven't had my PS3 for 10 days now and the one game that I have missed the most is LBP.
Regarding adding new items such as water, I reckon that MM will just release them for free so that everybody can use them. No big deal really.
That would certainly be better for everyone - but don't most game devs nowadays want to make extra cash from additional downloads? Look at most games at the moment, and it looks to be the current business model... Sadly.
I'm almost certain that MM have been on record to say that any additional game content, such as new tools and items, will be free. They will make their extra dosh from costumes alone, I'd imagine.
Good on 'em then. Though not sure how much they'd make from additional costumes (especially if they continue to be the exorbitant prices they were).
All that I can say is that I haven't had my PS3 for 10 days now and the one game that I have missed the most is LBP.
Regarding adding new items such as water, I reckon that MM will just release them for free so that everybody can use them. No big deal really.
That would certainly be better for everyone - but don't most game devs nowadays want to make extra cash from additional downloads? Look at most games at the moment, and it looks to be the current business model... Sadly.
I'm almost certain that MM have been on record to say that any additional game content, such as new tools and items, will be free. They will make their extra dosh from costumes alone, I'd imagine.
If they can make money from costumes you can imagine they'll want to charge elsewhere too really. Hopefully you're right though.
All that I can say is that I haven't had my PS3 for 10 days now and the one game that I have missed the most is LBP.
Regarding adding new items such as water, I reckon that MM will just release them for free so that everybody can use them. No big deal really.
That would certainly be better for everyone - but don't most game devs nowadays want to make extra cash from additional downloads? Look at most games at the moment, and it looks to be the current business model... Sadly.
I'm almost certain that MM have been on record to say that any additional game content, such as new tools and items, will be free. They will make their extra dosh from costumes alone, I'd imagine.
If they can make money from costumes you can imagine they'll want to charge elsewhere too really. Hopefully you're right though.
I get an e-mail from MM nearly everyday explaining future downloads and packs, etc. Like you say, charging for tool specific items would alienate customers, so they just wouldn't do that. And believe me, they are making enough money off costumes! I'm defo having a couple of SFII characters this week! Sad, but very true. If you like something enough then you'll pay the price....
Like a few have already stated, this isn't really the sort of game that could have a sequel but rather live on in terms of DLC or expansions. Not the best of situations for the developer, but then again, realistically I doubt they expected this game to be a system-seller in the first place...
No-one's admitted it but Lemmings seems sort of the spiritual father of Little Big Planet (even if they didn't consciously copy from it). Lemmings missed a trick by not having a level editor option but I suppose that they felt that their own levels were so well constructed that letting anybody create levels would just dilute the experience if you created a level that was impossible to complete. It's a shame that 2 games that allow players a lot of options over the game- Little Big Planet and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and bolts- haven't set the charts alight. BK's relatively disappointing sales were kind of expected given most Xbox players indifference to Rare (sadly) but LBP, it doesn't take much to work out given the review scores, should sell better in the long run.
I was very excited about LBP, preordered it, played the beta at a friend's house, and loved it. Then it arrived, I played some single player levels, played some (both awful and amazing) user-created levels, made some small things, failed at making anything exciting, turned off the PS3. LBP hasn't been back in my console since then, that was the day after launch. I, and many of my friends found it to be a huge disappointment. i was unbelievably excited about the game ever since my first glimpse...i don't even remember when... but it turned out to be so...boring...
I've got this game coming as a present for xmas, so i'm looking forward to checking it out.
It's not sold too well though which was always a concern about such a quirky title. It's just not got that mass appeal like gears of war 2 has(hence the enormous difference in sales). A lot of people will be turned off by the kiddy nature of lbp i reckon.
But the reviewers can't all be wrong, it must be a bleedin good title. I'll find out soon enough.
If anyone's after this cheap, check out http://www.shopto.net/page.php?page=dettagli&codart=PS3LI00&n=LittleBigPlanet&platform=PS3
It's only Ł19.99 at the moment..Bargain really and free recorded delivery.
This was always going to be a niche game - 99% of people don't have the time, interest, talent or attention span to create their own levels and without that it takes most of what the game has to offer as different.
Things also aren't helped by the awful marketing campaign which from what I've seen is completely missing what should be the target audience.
This was always going to be a niche game - 99% of people don't have the time, interest, talent or attention span to create their own levels and without that it takes most of what the game has to offer as different.
Things also aren't helped by the awful marketing campaign which from what I've seen is completely missing what should be the target audience.
I agree that it's a bold type of game to release but I quite respect Sony for looking outside the box - don't tell the PS3 fanboys tho.
I think there should theoretically be a good number of levels released as it only takes a few hundred prolific contributors before the numbers branch into the thousands. If they can crack the Jap market then all the better!
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