Sony responds to lacklustre LBP sales

By Robert Purchese Published 19 November, 2008

"Sackboy hasn't even hit his stride yet."

Sony UK has told Eurogamer that the company is "pleased" with sales for LittleBigPlanet, and believes "Sackboy hasn't even hit his stride yet".

The comments came in response to a lacklustre UK all-formats chart performance for the game, which debuted at four then tumbled, this week, to 19.

"We're really pleased with the initial reaction to LittleBigPlanet, which has been our highest scoring game ever, I believe, with a Metacritic score of 95 per cent and a huge list of 10/10s or 100 per cent scores. We are also pleased with its commercial performance," a spokesperson for Sony UK said.

"In other times of the year [LBP] would be a clear number one, so you have to put the chart in context. This is an incredibly volatile time of year and the chart reflects that."

Sony has backed LittleBigPlanet as the Christmas "hardware seller" for PlayStation 3, and also adopted character Sackboy as "the next emblematic character for the PS3".

Sony said launching an original IP can also be a struggle, but feels LBP has coped better than most.

"Our industry is littered with examples of brand new innovative titles that have been lauded by the critics but have sold dismally. LittleBigPlanet has broken this stereotype by not only being brilliant and original, but also by selling really well on a global basis," said the spokesperson.

"LBP is breaking many preconceptions. There are some games that are hardcore experiences where the kudos lies in getting it first. LBP is excellent on day one but even better as time goes by."

Sony UK went on to highlight the user-created content side of LittleBigPlanet, which boasts over 80,000 community-made levels - a number that will continue to grow.

But despite the promises of an ever-evolving game, some users are finding their time-consuming creations deleted for too closely resembling other videogames or brands. Explanations for removal are not given, and some have seemingly disappeared for no apparent reason - leading to frustration across the community.

Media Molecule is addressing this, however, and Sony is confident that word of mouth and a rather meaty Christmas marketing campaign, which starts in December, will pay dividends.

"This game gets better and better as an experience and as a value proposition. It's also a game that will benefit enormously from word of mouth and from people trying it out with friends or in-store; it drips fun and charm in equal measure," said the spokesperson.

"Also, the bulk of our marketing including our six figure TV advertising campaign doesn't roll out until December, so we genuinely believe that Sackboy hasn't even hit his stride yet."

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (115) Latest comment 3 years ago

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

  • the_dudefather #1 3 years ago

    remember 'sales = quality of game', if it doesn't sell well, it must be bad

  • layleeloo #2 3 years ago

    Still the best game on PS3 (in my opinion). Any game that can make someone by a console for a 3rd time, solely for that title has to be special. Whehter it sells million or not is irrelevant - its still amazing and will continue to be so with the stunning ides and levels which have been made - admittedly along with some pretty dire stuff but you have to start and learn somewhere.

  • sweetcheeks #3 3 years ago

    i always felt this would be another viva pinata-
    its clever original and cute, but is that what really sells big

  • layleeloo #4 3 years ago

    As for if it doesnt sell it must be bad. Look at games liek Rez and other games that tried to do something different. They wernt massive sellers but ingenious classics.

    As for games that sell shed loads - GT Prologue - pretty naff, Devil may cry 4, very naff, Halo 3 - hurrendous. So sales means naff all on quality of game. EA's yearly updates tell you that. Same game most years with new stats but still sell massivly - does that mean they are brilliant? I think not.

  • OnlyMe #5 3 years ago

    Obviously, it's sold badly because of the other big hitters out at the same time. Fallout 3, Fable 2, Gears of War 2. It's not rocket science. It's about priority, and LBP is not a typical game you prioritize.

  • Darren #6 3 years ago

    LittleBigPlanet is an endearing, wonderful game and something that stands out from other releases on the PS3 and in a good way. As always though a quality game doesn't necessarily equate to high sales in all cases so hopefully this will be a game that will sell decent numbers over a longer period of time instead of "burning" itself out within the first few weeks as most games tend to these days.

  • Krelle #7 3 years ago

    I think Dudefather was being ironic, if that didnt get throu to you layleeloo.

    Im pretty sure we ALL know that sales and how good a game is has little in common, even if they tend to go hand in hand on occasion.

    Okami/ICO ;c

  • coomber #8 3 years ago

    It comes down to the charts being a bit crazy at this time of year. But Sony are not doing themselves any favours (as always) by deleting people's LBP levels.

    Is anyone seriously suggesting you could rip off Metal Gear with the LBP toolkit?

  • insincere_dave #9 3 years ago

    "the next emblematic character for the PS3"

    Self-hyped beyond all reason, initially heralded as a quantum leap by critics and fanboys only to fall by the wayside in the cold light of day. Bang on the mark for my money.

  • madmcmad #10 3 years ago

    Sony really are the masters to trying to spin bad news into good news. The game is falling off the bottom of the charts and claiming it would have been number 1 if they had those figures at a time of year when people don't buy games is just silly.

  • Tzetrik #11 3 years ago

    I feel a bit sorry for LBP, there's tonnes of people who desperately want to play it but dont see it as a good enough reason to invest in the PS3.

  • mingster #12 3 years ago

    SackBoys blown his wad early.

  • makeamazing #13 3 years ago

    Problem is marketing wise that MS are really pushing the Xbox... adverts all over the place. Sony is doing everything too late... well guess we will see when the sales figures come out, but I dont hold much hope for the PS3 this xmas.

  • Ryze #14 3 years ago

    Poor Okami.

  • IISargeII #15 3 years ago

    "In other times of the year [LBP] would be a clear number one, so you have to put the chart in context. This is an incredibly volatile time of year and the chart reflects that."

    So should'nt the "volatile time of year" affect all games? Fifa? Gears of War 2? Call of Duty? Haven't those titles done well? I bought LBP yesterday, its a great game, but im unsure with sony's "volatile" comment since it hasnt affected other games...

  • degville #16 3 years ago

    Most games need to sell early from release on almost like a one shot chance. The very nature of LBP should i say should make it a nice slow burner, that can be refreshed into an almost new game should MM release new low level objects like logic switches or new physics effects for example wind or water. The beauty being none of these addiotns would break the current game but just allow for new fresh levels.

  • speedjack #17 3 years ago

    Shame.

    I've no love for Sony or the PS3, but by all accounts LBP is meant to be flippin' awesome and the kind of thing we all (as gamers) should be supporting.

  • MORZTAN #18 3 years ago

    If Metal Gear is not released on the 360, then I will eventually buy a PS3, and LBP with it.

    But now, it's simply to expensive to buy a PS3 to experience it.

    And this is coming from a guy who's really into these unique gaming experiences. (ICO, Okami, Killer7, SotC, Psychonaughts are among my favorites).

  • Gnort #19 3 years ago

    Actually, for the platform holder, sales DO equal quality of game in their eyes. If it doesn't sell well, it is bad for them, regardless of the critical reception. High metascores don't generate any returns for shareholders, only sales do.

  • dr_faulk #20 3 years ago

    Fail.

  • penhalion #21 3 years ago

    I've had LBP for a while now and I hate the floaty controls and the pre-created levels. Dressing up sackboy got old after a few constume changes (mine now looks like Leonardo Decaprio apparently). I don't have any interest in creating my own levels and as a result, I wouldn't recommend this to any of my friends.

    I suspect that word of mouth from people who actually played the game rather than simply keep saying it's amazing, is why it hasn't sold well. It's cute and cuddly and lacking in any real gameplay.

  • keyboardmonkey #22 3 years ago

    Daily Mail headline writer says:

    Sackboy to get the Sack.

    I am already sick of seeing the over long advert on TV over here in sunny Finland.

    I am hoping they will have been watching how Burnout Paradise has had lots of freebies to make the game longer etc... I think they should be aiming to do something similar and not just releasing DLC to scalp your wallet.

  • chrisjm #23 3 years ago

    next week for sackboy you can download a R@RE big issue seller ID badge, tramp clothes, and a cardboard shack. All for £3.99.

  • Dizzy #24 3 years ago

    The people who like LBP own a Wii.

  • dingo75 #25 3 years ago

    Here it's running in ads on tv but the presentation is childish and confusing if you haven't read / heard about it before.
    One would get the impression it's a children's game.
    Sony ads suck!

  • Der_tolle_Emil #26 3 years ago

    Too bad. I saddens me that games like this or Viva Pinata doen't sell more. I wonder how those two titles may have fared on a Nintendo console? Viva Pinata is a fantastic game and I am glad I bought it; LBP looks great but sadly I don't have a PS3. I still hope it will sell more over time, I think it deserves it.

  • Les #27 3 years ago

    Love the game. Controls are solid, the character has real weight as opposed to Mario. Takes a little time to get adjusted to though and the z-axis controls aren't perfect though never get in the way too much in that they cause avoidable deaths.

    Level design is excellent, aesthetics are the best I've seen this gen (even better than Valkyria Chronicles IMO). But the gameplay itself isn't really casual. Some of the levels are quite difficult if you don't regularly play games and some are even if you do (spinning stuff in the Asia level).

    Haven't tried the game online yet, as I still need to finish the story mode.

    Hope this will continue to sell, as a daring effort in an industry plagued by formula-sequels it deserves to do good. But then again, quality has never been a guarantee for success.

  • Uncle_Fishboy #28 3 years ago

    Agree with penhalion totally here. I bought the game a week or so ago and have decided it's arse. I kept really wanting to like it but there isn't actually a game there. As I also can't be arsed (and don't have the time when I could be playing fun games like L4D and gears online) to sit there creating poncey levels with pretty flowers on.

    Totally overhyped desktop toy basically. And controlling sackboy is just irritating. Waste of £40.

  • Widge #29 3 years ago

    I had to really pick and choose what games I got, there was a really FAT amount out... ended up ditching FarCry 2, Fallout 3, R2, Motorstorm 2, Mirrors Edge, Dead Space and god knows what else off my list. LBP was one of the ones I got. I'm sure over time, people will grab this and it'll keep burning along... like I'll probably grab stuff like R2 eventually.

    Plenty of cinema ads but nothing on TV (which seems to be owned by Nintendo). I had someone at work come up to me and say "I saw that thing at the cinema... you know, you've got the badges on your bag". So its out there.

    The bizarre lack of focus on TV nowadays is baffling. Hell I remember when very occasionally, something like Final Fantasy would get a TV ad, but things have changed now and need to shift up a gear.

  • spidermanalf #30 3 years ago

    I had this game and took it back after 2 days, it was rubbish.

    It is basically a 2D platformer that just have a few a gimmiks, you use stickers to trigger lifts, you can dress your character and design levels.

    I would have given it a max 7/10 I feel reviews gave it top marks for the freedom it gives you and what you can achieve, but if you just want to a game to play and cannot be arsed with all the designing levels and stuff then it is a short OK platform game.

    Maybe I was expecting something else, as lets face it, it was hyped as the second coming!

  • Putty-Man #31 3 years ago

    Where did LBP end up in the PS3 chart this week then?

  • wayneh #32 3 years ago

    Seen this going for £25 already which usually means the game isn't that good.

  • snafu65 #33 3 years ago

    It was never going to be the massive success Sony were expecting, it's just to niche for that. Most people are like me, they can't be arsed to create their own levels, you wouldn't buy a takeaway and just have the ingredients delivered and then prepare and cook it yourself would you.

  • rotmm #34 3 years ago

    @Putty Man,

    As it said in the article, 19th (down from 4th in the first week)

  • drumbaby #35 3 years ago

    They should sell actual Sackboys in gaming stores...the toys would help sell the game. Sad but true. Plus I'd definitely buy them :)

  • Putty-Man #36 3 years ago

    @rotmm

    Wasn't that the all formats chart position?

    I'd be interested in the PS3 only chart position, to keep the discussion relative.

  • el_pollo_diablo #37 3 years ago

    Well I hope it starts picking up some sales.
    It really does deserve to as it's a peach.

  • Widge #38 3 years ago

    The engine is wonderful isn't it? I think its made all the more impressive because you know you could make something like the dev levels too.

    Been going through the Safari levels and thinking, god thats clever.

  • Widge #39 3 years ago

    For Putty Man:

    2nd in the PS3 chart I think, CODWaW at #1. Individual formats charts it comes in in 12th.

    EDIT:

    Just read the end of the article. Lets see what this six figure December campaign is then.
    Edited by 1 at 19/11/08 @ 11:08

  • NorUraeus #40 3 years ago

    I think Sony owes Media Molecule an apology. That silly song delay probably hurt the title a lot. I remember noticing that LBP had been doing really well in a lot of pre-order listings, but a fews days after Sony announced the delay it was gone from those rakings. Misunderstood political correctness from Sony probably cost Media Molecule a fortune.

  • smirny #41 3 years ago

    PS3 chart...

    http://ww w.charttrack.co.uk/index.jsp?c=...
    Edited by 1 at 19/11/08 @ 11:16

  • MoFo #42 3 years ago

    If I had the cash to buy a PS3, LBP would be my first purchase. Same goes for a number of people I know. Maybe one for next Xmas when they finally figure that dropping the price of a PS3 will boost sales.

  • Widge #43 3 years ago

    I've found Z axis to be fine in dev levels (and in fact a wonderous way to do hidden bits of level)... but I've seen users fall foul of it with poorly thought out level design.

  • Captain Jax #44 3 years ago

    Don't kid yourselves. The Islamic controversy equates to tens of millions of pounds of free advertising. Millions of people who had never heard of the game would have had their attention drawn to it. Even Michael jackson album sales soared during the fallout from his Martin Bashir interview!

  • Widge #45 3 years ago

    Yeah. Its a bit like Xfactor. Someone covers a song on that, original suddenly soars onto iTunes.

    I do know a few people who bumped it off their pre-orders because of the release congestion and the delay, but you can assume that they will pick it up after they munch through some of their existing stuff.

  • moggsy #46 3 years ago

    @ penhallion

    I suspect that word of mouth from people who actually played the game rather than simply keep saying it's amazing, is why it hasn't sold well. It's cute and cuddly and lacking in any real gameplay.

    I could come up with a well crafted argument as to why I disagree with this comment, but I shall not. Instead I'll just summarise my thoughts in two works:

    'ABSOLUTE BOLLOCKS'.

    Ta.

  • DrDamn #47 3 years ago

    @farticus
    I think the introduction you had wasn't the best to be honest. Multiplayer works better with more experienced players who know what they are doing. For proper play more than two people is too many for the game as structured.

    I do think there are some things they could do a lot better with the controls though. Z-axis movement I'm used to, but it depends on good level design. I would like an option to have manual control over it. Jumping needs tightening.

    As for depth - that depends on what aspects you want to play in the game. The create side has a lot of depth and creativity to it in how you accomplish certain aspects, set scenes etc - but if that isn't of interest the point is moot :). The Create side is part of the gameplay though.

    The better packed in levels (the Canyons and Temples sets in particular) have a lot more to them than the ones we played, but would have been too much to try on your first go and are much better experienced alone or with one other.

    Sales wise I'm a little surprised given some of the backing this has had, but not on the other hand. Seems Sony have blown their advertising load in London as you can't go anywhere without seeing a poster, but I've seen nothing here in Bristol or on TV. I've seen plenty of TV ads for the 360. There is some truth in the fact it's a tricky time to release a new title which does something different as Mirrors Edge and Banjo will atest.

  • two-2times #48 3 years ago

    end of the day this stupid ga,e wont touch geow2 or cod5 etc. i brought it played it once and wont play it again, its just not my thing. it was never gonna beat the other big hitters that are out at present.

    oh and sony, learn to market!!!!

  • DrDamn #49 3 years ago

    @Penhalion
    This the same LBP you bought after hating the Beta and traded in a week later as they changed nothing? How does that fit with having had it for a "while".

  • SEVQA #50 3 years ago

    I will buy this game!

    but unfortunately at this point in time and maybe for the foreseeable future I'm broke, and can’t afford a new game - this is a title I would have loved to have picked up at launch as I played the BETA and loved it! I reckon LBP will continue to sell but slowly and constantly.

  • Xerx3s #51 3 years ago

    They should have called it sexboy or something. ;)

  • moggsy #52 3 years ago

    The people moaning that they can't be arsed to make their own levels do realise you can download everyone else's no? An endless supply of new levels for free. It doesn't get any better than that.

  • LazyDan #53 3 years ago

    I was jealous of PS3 owners because of this until I played the beta... Like others have said, it just didn't feel like there was a game there. I was attracted to it because I thought the focus was 4 player co-op platforming, and otherwise it'd be a traditional platforming adventure - obligatory plot and all... Instead it was creating levels and dicking around in them with your mates, plus it was a lot less simple than a platformer should be. Not interested.
    Edited by 1 at 19/11/08 @ 11:41

  • Widge #54 3 years ago

    you are bizarre evilfox.

  • Putty-Man #55 3 years ago

    So lets be realistic here, its 2nd in the PS3 chart, beating the likes of FIFA09, PES and Fallout 3.

    In relative terms (considering the number of PS3's sold and % of those that are soley BR players) it didn't so too bad.

  • moggsy #56 3 years ago

    The delayed advertising campaign (due to the song cock up) will help a lot. I expect to see it back in the multi format top ten in a couple of weeks time. The price of the PS3 is obviously no help though - a price cut at some later date may also see LBP popping back up the charts.

    Games like this can have a 'long tail'. Nintendo make massive profits from this approach with the likes of Brain Training on the DS.

  • Widge #57 3 years ago

    I have fun enough solo playing, a mate has just got a PS3 so going to co-op with him though! Should be a laugh. Things like Meerkat Bounce are a jape solo or co-op. I think there is great stuff there by default, the dev levels don't get enough credit. They are sizeable, challenging and certainly worth repeat plays as you try to ace and collect all the items. More so as you pull some people in to do the co-op bits.

  • SeesThroughAll #58 3 years ago

    When I'm out shopping, I see loads of monitors loading up Halo 3 on the 360 and even Fallout 3 on the PS3 (which looks rather nice despite being the "poorest" version).

    No LBP, nowhere to be seen.

    Sony has to work with retailers if they want this to sell.

  • yerawldda #59 3 years ago

    to be honest the ps3 isnt that much. surely there will be bundles witha games for less than £300.

    argos have been advertising 360 packages - and its not the cheapo one they are advertising. its the next one up. cause the bog standard one is simply too cheap for what people expect of a "cutting edge" peice of technology, and doesnt give the retailers much profit either. hence the snub of the cheapest xbox - you'd think they would wanna advertise the cheapest price. but i actually think its TOO cheap.

    i can see the 360 being the poor mans christmas present. and a bit of a laughing stock.

  • moggsy #60 3 years ago

    Surely it should be enjoyable right from the word go, and enjoyable with anyone (or no-one) playing alongside you?

    Yep, and it is. Big time.

  • sneetch #61 3 years ago

    @farticusmaximus
    ""The better packed in levels (the Canyons and Temples sets in particular) have a lot more to them than the ones we played, but would have been too much to try on your first go and are much better experienced alone or with one other."

    I keep hearing this. Play it at the right time or with the right people or on the right level and you'll enjoy it.

    Surely it should be enjoyable right from the word go, and enjoyable with anyone (or no-one) playing alongside you?"

    I think that's a very good point, if "the stars have to be aligned" so to speak, before you get to have fun, then it's not fun. Or rather, if you have to find the fun then a lot of people will never find it, immediate accessibility and immediate fun is what makes a platformer like the Mario games such fun (yeah, I have played other platformers but Mario comes to mind first, always *cough*Sonicsucks*cough* ;) ).

    I hope this does better over Christmas, I love the idea.

  • octo #62 3 years ago

    If anyone knows how to make something sell it's Sony. Which is why the sales failure in the UK (so far) is even more surprising. It cannot be the advertising, which is everywhere. It cannot be the reviews, which have all been favorable. So is it the game itself? Is it the time of year? Is it the competition? Is it the platform? Time will tell. Personally, I do not own a PS3 and this game does not make me want to run out and buy one. I like to come to my own decisions about whether something is worth my money and time rather than have a company tell me I will like it.

    It reminds me of those fucking awful BBC2 adverts that ran before the Peter Serafanowicz show. "We all love him and we know you're going to love him too". Well, actually BBC2, some of his stuff was good and some of it wasn't so good, but the fact that you are trying to sell him to me with personal pleas about how much you love him makes me actually less likely to enjoy it.

    People like to come to decisions about what they do and don't like by themselves. Marketing should support that. It should lead people to your product without them realizing they even want it.
    Edited by 1 at 19/11/08 @ 12:21

  • JYM60 #63 3 years ago

    We all know the facts.

    The only games that sell consoles are gun games or non games.

    (see xbox shooter #100000 and wii carnival fit sport game)

    If sony have any sense they market the fuck out of killzone.
    Edited by 1 at 19/11/08 @ 12:21

  • yerawldda #64 3 years ago

    lazydan. its simple i.e. jump and grab, because the physics are so advanced. the world around you is advanced but not necessarily your sackbhoy.

    also its not just left and right you travel, its also up and down (or towards and backwards) which i though was very smart.

  • yerawldda #65 3 years ago

    evilfoxhound, dont try and beef it up. £160 is the GOOD model!

    and your right, we should be laughing at the 360 - as it IS currently getting outsold by a console double its price!

  • Graftonator #66 3 years ago

    How many of the games that sold more than LBP are sequels?

    With so many great games being released at the moment, it's hardly surprising that most people are playing it safe by buying an established series of games with good/great reputations, rather than taking a chance on what appears to be a kiddie platformer.

    I took a chance and absolutely love it, so hopefully in the same way I'll pick up GOW2 and Far Cry 2 in the next few months, people will start to pick up LBP and fall in love with it. If not, it is truly their loss.

  • BOBBYLUPO #67 3 years ago

    It's a grower, not a shower.

    I kind of agree with Sony on this (first time). They've made possibly the best game for PS3, that has a ton of potential and an almost limitless shelf life.

    You could argue their marketing has been crap (I've found it almost non-existent myself), but it's definitely got legs.

  • Les #68 3 years ago

    Reading through some of the comments, I think I know where things went 'wrong' for LBP: Sony overestimated gamer intelligence. Seriously, the number of "this game is hardcore because you have to make levels"-type-comments is depressing. It shows how hard it is to sell a new game concept even if it's based on one of the most traditional game mechanics, the 2D side scroller. I guess these days games want things 1st person and with guns. Anything that takes more than about 2 seconds to figure out is lost to them. So despite all the 'hype' apparently this game could have used a lot more because the basic concept hasn't been understood yet.

  • yerawldda #69 3 years ago

    Graftonator: forget about far cry 2 - its utter shit. waste of money. didnt deserves the reviews it got. the shooting is bollocks and inbetween every 2 kills is 10 minutes of travelling around tall grass. FUCKIN MINCE!!!

  • canIdoyabombsforya #70 3 years ago

    I think Sony know full well sales will pick up when they reduce the price of PS3. According to my Nephew all his mates still want a PS3, not at £300 though. Meanwhile Amazon and Play have been throwing LBP in for free. How times have changed, this would have been a system seller in the old days. Good game.

  • Wander #71 3 years ago

    LBP is like a bottle of Montrachet 1978 from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, you need a degree of education to get the most of out it, unfortunately most people prefer doing the 'Lambrini'.

  • DrDamn #72 3 years ago

    @Farticus
    I don't see how more busy levels or fewer/less players affects the core gameplay and controls, and it's the core gameplay that didnt hold my interest and the controls I found far too vague.

    Different levels have different gameplay elements to them. If you are simply talking about platforming as a rule then you would never like LBP fullstop.

    And here we hit the crux of LBP's problem. It's simply not a strong enough game to sell based purely on the levels supplied with it, and that is what 90% of the intended audience are after.

    I agree and disagree here. It is not easy enough to play for the casual market that I agree on, and as that is it's intended market then it fails there. As a pure gameplay experience the levels supplied with it are absolutely strong enough - some of the levels are sublime in their ingenuity and gameplay.

    I'll re-iterate that the create side is also part of the gameplay and it is not just for 10% of the people. Maybe only 10% of the people should actually publish what they make, but anyone can produce something which is enjoyable for them and have fun doing it.

    I keep hearing this. Play it at the right time or with the right people or on the right level and you'll enjoy it. Surely it should be enjoyable right from the word go, and enjoyable with anyone (or no-one) playing alongside you?

    The experience of any game can change massively based on who you play it with and how you play it. Very few games work well under all situations so why expect this to? 3 or 4 players is a nice idea but it doesn't work so well in my opinion. Does that mean the game is a write off? No - becaise there is loads more to it.

  • yerawldda #73 3 years ago

    i have a 360. ive looked through all its back catalogue and theres nothing thats interests me. not even at sub £10 for used games. this "great library" is badly over rated. i enjoy the ps3's games a lot more. and without the hurrendous noise. doesnt help you cant play your games online without a valid subscription to XBL either. the only good game id consider is L4D, but i hate the 360 pad and i will just wait for the ps3 version with trophies. now that valve have been made to eat its own words.

  • koji_m #74 3 years ago

    So people figured out that this thing isn't a videogame?

    crazy

  • knightmt #75 3 years ago

    There are just too many games on my list before it.
    Given that I have a shit load of other things to buy for other people for christmas,
    I shall not be buying much for myself.
    I hope that it is a bit like Abe's Odysee, in that it is a platform puzzler.
    Too much choice

  • moggsy #76 3 years ago

    @ farticusmaximus

    What's this about sloppy controls? Seem fine to me - do you have a faulty pad?

    Also the incentive to finish a level is so that you can play the next one - just like every platform game ever - duh.

  • davisorle #77 3 years ago

    Like i said before.. yeah some ppl may find this game too intresting.. Maybe fun, But since when the fuck this kind of game has to sell good for a hardcore gamer? if it was on a Wii we all know itd sell shitloads of copies. They all play those kind of things there ... Since a game like LBP wouldnt matter if its graphs were like L.O.V.E. even ...

    Seriously so much fuzz for this game i never got it... Good on its kind or not why would everyone care? It's not something I'd waste my time on even if im playing shitloads of games... Just wouldnt on that short of game. Anyhow, my comment is only on why wondering about its sales, not about how good the game is or not,

  • oupe #78 3 years ago

    @sweetcheeks
    i always felt this would be another viva pinata-
    its clever original and cute, but is that what really sells big

    +1000
    Said it before release, will say it again.

    Question: Is there any game that sold more because of it's level editor than because of it's out of the box gameplay?

  • DrDamn #79 3 years ago

    @Farticus
    For me the other elements more than make up for any defficiencies in the controls - but I can see how it would be an issue for some. Some levels would kill you. I'm running through the levels again trying to ace them (do them without dying) and frustration levels will be extreme in later levels such that I won't attempt some unless they do tighten the controls.

    I still don't get the whole objectives thing. There is an overriding story and a story within each level. There are collectables scattered throughout the levels, more prizes for completion, collecting all the other collectables and ace'ing the level. There are mini objectives within levels. Elements to levels which are only unlocked by finding the right object in the current or other levels.

  • deadmonkeyuk #80 3 years ago

    I bought LBP on day of release and have really enjoyed it in co-op, but I find playing it in single player is a bit of a let down.

    If this had been developed for the Wii I think it would have been a christmas number one, but the ps3 does not have enough system sales yet to make this a big hit. I do think it will become one as I can see most new ps3's coming with a copy of it next year.

    And what is up with the price of the DLC, £2.50 for some animal costumes and £1.50 for a Motorstorm outfit, and that first week tshirt DLC was something even Microsoft would have thought twice about.

  • muscleblade #81 3 years ago

    Viva Pinata was a great game that didnt sell well. The only game i want in the whole PS3 library is LBP actually. I think R2 might be good too but i would prefer Gears 2 and L4D anyway. This game would have sold a lot better on the Wii thats for sure.

    edit: Banjo is selling poor too.
    Edited by 1 at 19/11/08 @ 14:19

  • DugBriderider #82 3 years ago

    "i can see the 360 being the poor mans christmas present. and a bit of a laughing stock."

    I think you underestiamte how many poor men there will be this Christmas.

  • JYM60 #83 3 years ago

    "its clever original and cute, but is that what really sells big "

    No. Guns sell big.

  • ronuds #84 3 years ago

    I like the newest notion that all people who enjoy an FPS over a game like LBP are "dumb and ill-informed." As if there's something wrong with the gaming community for not dropping everything we're currently excited about at the moment and go for a game that might not meet our tastes.

    So, if someone creates the greatest game ever made about being a rocket scientist, we should all bow down and love it even if we have no desire to be rocket scientists? LBP's a great game for the genre it's in, but maybe it's time to start coming to grips with the fact that the genre isn't the most appealing any longer? Maybe gamers have "moved on" so to speak...
    Edited by 2 at 19/11/08 @ 14:41

  • ronuds #85 3 years ago

    Well, I could see if gamers were choosing crappy games over LBP, or games similar to LBP but more crappy - but we're not. The games being purchased over LBP are all quality titles and there's nothing wrong with them selling like mad.

    Sony jumped on the wrong horse. Enjoy your game and get over it...Sony has been jumping on the wrong horse quite a bit lately. Don't insult the gaming community because we aren't biting or we aren't buying something because "Sony said so."

  • DugBriderider #86 3 years ago

    "So, if someone creates the greatest game ever made about being a rocket scientist, we should all bow down and love it even if we have no desire to be rocket scientists?"

    Ironicly, We (the gaming community) are celebrating the 10th anniversery of Gordon Freeman today.

  • moggsy #87 3 years ago

    @ farticusmaximus

    I was playing platformers with construction kits 10 years ago.

    You were? Which ones?

  • miiiguel #88 3 years ago

    "Sackboy will be a hit when we say so!"
    Sony

  • GamesConnoisseur #89 3 years ago

    Observation:

    My three PS3 owning mates at work, discussing Dead Space, WOW and asking to know Gears of War 2 is like in co op, I got involved on all the points. I brought up LBP and how its a great game only to be met be blank stares. I explained and one said yes saw the advert but its a kiddy game. Other two agrees.

    Nuff said.

    Sony would be expecting too much for LBP to break through to the more 'casual' PS3 owners vs the hardcore ones who got the message that LBP is different a radical game.

  • darc #90 3 years ago

    LBP will sell by the boat load if and when Sony prices the PS3 to appeal to consumers who haven't already purchased one. If they think the mere existence of LBP as a "must have" property is going to sway those who took a pass to run right out and spend ~$500 US, they're (still) high. Especially w/ the economy in the crapper as it is at the moment.

    Between Sony's cluelessness re: price, and Nintendo's cluelessness re: software - eg. their collective cluelessness re: what customers want - Microsoft actually comes out looking like the good guy. How the hell did that happen? Weren't they the great evil empire a couple of years ago? Maybe Google should take over and ship a console that shocks users at timed intervals if they don't purchase enough payable DLC. ;)
    Edited by 1 at 19/11/08 @ 15:54

  • DrDamn #91 3 years ago

    Game Evangelism happens in titles which grab particular people and tickle their sweet gaming spots. This is a title like that. For plenty of people it won't be their thing, for people it grabs they will love it. You could argue that simply because it grabs some people in this way makes it "more than a slickly presented cute but average playing platformer". As others have mentioned it's also not just what is presented but how it is done which can be the step forward.

  • ronuds #92 3 years ago

    "Yeah right. Because scantily clad girls with big boobs, guys with big muscles and guns, Aliens, Zombies, mutants, fast race cars, explosions, and post-apocalyptic settings where just recently discovered as valid ingredients and incentives to buy a videogame... The success of COD.WaW alone suggests, that something is not quite right about your statement."

    Well, in their current form they are a hell of a lot more advanced than in the past.

  • miiiguel #93 3 years ago

    "Ergo it isn't overpriced, its just expensive. Big difference. "
    That seems to be Sony's problem, not the consumers, as they do have options (now, this is not the 90s anymore...).

  • Pulsar_t #94 3 years ago

    Elitist LBP sods. This little game would have been the talk of indie town though, had it been for the PC.

  • JackB #95 3 years ago

    "Sony said launching an original IP can also be a struggle..."

    Yeah, like when Gears of War struggled all the way to 4 million units. And Mass Effect... and others....

    "In other times of the year [LBP] would be a clear number one, so you have to put the chart in context."

    Ummm, like Gears of War, Mass Effect etc, that launched at this time of year?

  • Machiavellian #96 3 years ago

    I am one of the people who do not like the way Sackboy controls. It really put me off of the game and make playing LBP more frustrating then fun. IMHO MM executed everything perfectly with LBP but falls short on the one area they needed to perfect which are the controls. It doesn't matter how many user made levels you can play with LBP if the controls for the game do not make them fun to play.

    During my limited play, I did download a few levels that were rated high but I found them boring to play even though they looked pretty good. When you sum things up, LBP is a platformer first and it's the platformer part that just doesn't provide the immediate fun I like in my platformer games.

    I will give LBP another chance when I get the opportunity but it probably will not be soon since there are so many games coming out that I want to play.
    Edited by 1 at 19/11/08 @ 16:58

  • DrDamn #97 3 years ago

    @Machiavellian
    Finding better user levels is helped a lot by delving into the system a bit more than just picking off the top as there are a lot that don't really justify the plays they have had. It's worth hearting a decent level creator when you find something of value and following the link through to see what they have hearted themselves. Though as you don't get on with the controls it's not really going to help you that much :)

    Edited by 1 at 19/11/08 @ 17:01

  • ghearoid #98 3 years ago

    Damn, I've got the game. All I want now is a little Sackboy toy to go with it!

  • konniehuqfan #99 3 years ago

    the ps3 is a bit too expensive for this type of game right now

  • miiiguel #100 3 years ago

    yerawldda, mate, the joke is on who buys a more expensive product who performs worse.

    Repeat after me:
    expensive - bad.
    not expensive - good.


    Now, that might sound harsh, but let's face it you bought the BS. Happens to everyone, once. Twice, not so much.

  • miiiguel #101 3 years ago

    oh and btw, you are headbog. The one who has a 360, and all...

  • byron_hinson #102 3 years ago

    Has anyone actually seen any TV or magazine ads for the game at all? I haven't which surprises me very much as even great titles need advertising

  • darc #103 3 years ago

    "If Sony were making a fat profit on every piece of hardware sold, I'd agree with you that the PS3 is overpriced.
    But they aren't. They are still taking a loss. After 2 years.
    Ergo it isn't overpriced, its just expensive. Big difference."

    Their loss does not dissuade me from the notion that PS3 is positioned badly in terms of price. It's merely evidence that they've had a problem since the first design docs hit the table. That they're still taking a loss after 2 years, despite watching their competition maneuver aggressively, and despite having reconfigured their own hardware and SKU's at least once, is evidence of complacency and/or mismanagement. It would be one thing if - after 2 years - their over-designed, overbuilt hardware were bringing something qualitatively different to the end-user, but with the exception of Blu-Ray support, it really doesn't.

    It comes down to this: it's just a video game. A video game that you expect to sell to the great unwashed masses should not cost $500 right now. If I go to the hardware store to buy a rake, and the cashier asks me for $200, and then explains it's a great value because the tines are flecked with gold leaf, I'm still going to tell him, "F*** you, that's an overpriced rake."

    That said MS is losing money on XBoxes as well. They understand that that's a necessity if they expect to create momentum and sell as much software as they hope to. By contrast Sony seems, still, to be hanging on to wishful thinkng: Any second now, LBP is just going to get so cute that I'll be willing to skip a mortgage payment to play it. Not likely.
    Edited by 2 at 19/11/08 @ 19:26

  • darc #104 3 years ago

    But for the record: I'm very impressed by what I've seen and read about LBP. It looks like a great game to me. Further extending the olive branch: I think the PS3 is a really nice product. I just can't understand the blindspot PS3 owners seem to have when it comes to the simple fiscal practicality (for those of us who need to care) of buying an XBox instead.

  • des #105 3 years ago

    Sony-the home of delusional people.

  • Max_Powers #106 3 years ago

    I played LBP at a tradeshow and just didn't like it. Can't see what the fuzz is about. Myself being a member of the general public* with little time on his hands, I just don't care for user created content. I want the creators to make the content for me! Drive this, shoot that etc. After a long days work, family etc. I don't want to be 'creative', I want entertainment.

    *I do own Rez, Ico and Braid, so I'm even in the market for more offbeat type of games, I just always been very sceptic regarding this whole user generated content malarky.


  • patchbox360 #107 3 years ago

    no matter how you dress lbp up ur still moving from left to right in an 2d enviroment running and jumping - man i experienced that 15 years ago - if the game was 3d in open world it would have been more interesting

    team ico is the last most viable hope for ps3 in my opinion

  • cyber_nicco #108 3 years ago

    2009 is the year of Little Big Planet.

  • cyber_nicco #109 3 years ago

    I've seen TV adverts over here in the US. They mostly just show Sackboy crawling about with some gameplay in the background. Not bad, but it doesn't really tell you anything about the game if you don't already know...

  • byron_hinson #110 3 years ago

    Have to say I love the game but all my other friends and even my GF who I expected to like it - don't. They have no interest in creating their own levels, playing other peoples and found the game irritating to play in terms of less than perfect jump buttons.

  • MaxiSleep #111 3 years ago

    Completely lost interest in this game when they surrendered to extremists. The way user generated content has been censored since confirms my annoyance at Sony

  • #112 3 years ago

    I suspect the user generated content out now is only the tip of the ice berg. In a few months I have no doubt well be seeing things that are simply fantastic.

  • Picnic #113 3 years ago

    Vorlon man said:

    "It's just I dont think the general public, outside the Wii audience, is really ready to start playing core platforming games again. We've grown up, we play deep RPGs, complex and viceral shooters, and thro ourselves into hi-octane racers."

    I think that your fisrt sentence is true. I think that your second sentences implies that it is not grown up to play platformers and that platformers cannot be complex. From the very British surreal brilliance of Manic Miner and Monty on the run on the Spectrum 48k and Commodore 64 to the British inventiveness of Rare's output on the N64 such as Conker's Bad Fur Day, these games have clearly been labours of love- Rare's games were epic and clearly had a lot of thought in them.

    I would say that the vast majority of people are not clever enough to realise that some platformers have ingenius level designs, puzzles, satire and a sense of magic lacking in many games. If those aren't adult qualities then I don't want to be an adult. And I'm 30.

    I have a problem with 'Sackboy' being a mascot. He's a really tatty, cheap looking teddy bear. I know that he probably symbolises the patchwork approach that the game has but he still isn't cool. I'd rather have clean cut characters like Sonic the hedgehog or Nathan Drake.


    Edited by 2 at 19/11/08 @ 22:10

  • Les #114 3 years ago

    "Yeah, like when Gears of War struggled all the way to 4 million units. And Mass Effect... and others...."

    Wouldn't call that a great comparison. Gears was targeted expertly at the 360 ownership: Deformed men with guns. And was the first title to show what the next gen was capable of pixel wise and didn't really have any competition. Mass Effect might be a new IP technically but in reality it was just another outing of RPG masters BioWare.

    LBP is too different from the norm to attract the typical PS3 owner apparently (thanks to Sony's initial misjudgement to turn the PS3 into a shooter box not too different from the typical 360 owner), a bit too difficult for the really casual gamer and the PS3 just isn't a Wii. Still a great game though, my favourite of the year so far, with little ahead to challenge it (though I have high hopes of Resistance 2 online).

  • IneptPercy #115 3 years ago

    Had a mess with it at a mates house. Was fun but not £340 worth of fun to me. Will pick it up cheap when/ if I ever get a PS3.