LBP's copyright system explained

By Ellie Gibson Published 26 August, 2008

Media Molecule on protecting your stuff.

Media Molecule's Alex Evans has explained how you'll be able to control the distribution of content you create in LittleBigPlanet.

"We have a very simple system that we call "copyright" in the game, which isn't copyright in the legal sense," he told Eurogamer.

"You can basically dictate the distribution rights on any object you create. If you put something in your level as a collectable item, people can collect it. People can control who comes into the level, both by how hard it is and by giving away keys, but you can also choose whether to copyright that object."

Once you've collected a copyright item, you'll be able to use it in your own game levels. However, you won't be share it with anyone else.

If an item isn't copyright, you'll be able to change it and share it as much as you like. "It's a really simple way to allow people to share or maintain ownership," explained Evans.

For more from Evans, including plans for Home, read the full interview.

LittleBigPlanet is out on 29th October.

Picture of Ellie.

About Ellie Gibson

Since joining Eurogamer in the mid 2000s, Ellie has written about subjects as diverse as the fall of Gizmondo, the rise of Hollyoaks actresses in Red Alert games and the noise a bear makes under NSFW circumstances.

Read more articles from Ellie by visiting the Ellie Gibson archive page.

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Comments (6) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Triggerhappytel #1 4 years ago

    If this game lives up to all its level creation and online promise it will be magnificent. I really hope Sony gives it the marketing it deserves.

  • DFawkes #2 4 years ago

    This bit of news is slow even by EG standards, considering it's from the interview posted yesterday, but it's still nice to have it cleared up. I'm trying not to get too excited about LBP though, the less I want it the less the chance of disappointment.

  • onezeonx #3 4 years ago

    sounds like a good idea imo!

    good way of maiking sure if you spend alot of time making something you will get credit for it if you want


    good job!

  • light&shadow #4 4 years ago

    Hope you will be able to import your own textures and models. At some point it would be great if you could sell your items/levels for a small fee. Could be great if the most creative around were able to make some extra cash at the end of the month while having some good fun (hopefully).

  • Moz #5 4 years ago

    it's not really going to be worth copyrighting anything unless it's really complicated. As I'm sure in most cases you'll just be able to look at an object and recreate it yourself without too much hassle.

  • smelly #6 4 years ago

    I cant wait to pirate something a game pirate has created...