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Sony responds to lacklustre LBP sales News
PlayStation 3 News by Robert Purchese
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."
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the_dudefather
19/11/08 @ 09:31
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remember 'sales = quality of game', if it doesn't sell well, it must be bad
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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.
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sweetcheeks
19/11/08 @ 09:33
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i always felt this would be another viva pinata-
its clever original and cute, but is that what really sells big |
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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. |
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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.
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insincere_dave
19/11/08 @ 09:42
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"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. |
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That campaign should help. My only concern is that a lot of what we'd see i adverts would suggest this is for kids and the system is in the wrong price range for kids.
Also, to get it in peopl's heads for Christmas I'd imagine you'd not want to promote it so late? It's an ace game that deserves to do well. Oh and i'm not saying it isn't for kids (my son loves to play and create) but it's not just for kids. Far from it.
Edited 1 times,
most recently on 19/11/08 @ 09:48
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makeamazing
19/11/08 @ 09:51
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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.
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"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... |
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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.
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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). |
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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. |
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keyboardmonkey
19/11/08 @ 10:06
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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. |
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Der_tolle_Emil
19/11/08 @ 10:18
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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.
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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. |
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marronthered
19/11/08 @ 10:21
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i was in the beta and i was totally taken in by it. i havent bought it yet though... which is probably because of all the great games out at the minute. most of which are shooters etc...
it does take you ages to create anything worthwhile and the average joe aint gonna want ot go through all those hoops. as a sole ps3 owner ive gotta say this game is a FAIL. though i still want it... hmmm
Edited 1 times,
most recently on 19/11/08 @ 10:23
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Uncle_Fishboy
19/11/08 @ 10:24
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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. |
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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. |
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spidermanalf
19/11/08 @ 10:28
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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! |
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farticusmaximus
19/11/08 @ 10:53
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You have to give Media Molecule props for the engine they build LBP on and their art direction team. Visually it is very impressive, especially the smooth lighting and textures.
Played it for a few hours last week and unfortunately found it all rather 'meh' though. The controls are simply nasty (especially the goddamn Z axis), and the somewhat limited available game mechanics left me wanting something with a bit more depth. The most fun I had was in the lobbies, tugging at other players and slapping them. :) Very nicely presented, but a little shallow in my opinion. |
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el_pollo_diablo
19/11/08 @ 11:00
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Well I hope it starts picking up some sales.
It really does deserve to as it's a peach. |
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designerheadache
19/11/08 @ 11:05
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the game is awesome and deserves to do well, but cmon seriously the marketing should have kicked in ages ago, you dont decide to plump the cash down on a PS3 with LBP at the last minute at chrimbo, its an expensive purchase that needs to be planned, especialy in these crunchy of credit times.
MS seems to have the marketing thing going well at the mo, ads every where for all sorts of games, Sony on the other hand, i havent seen an advert for at least 6 months now, and i watch far too much telly!! where is the marketing Sony EUR? Sort it pronto and give the title the credit it deserves. |
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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.
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PS3 chart...
http://www.charttrack.co.uk/index.jsp?c=...
Edited 1 times,
most recently on 19/11/08 @ 11:16
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Captain Jax
19/11/08 @ 11:28
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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!
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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. |
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