Sony thinks LittleBigPlanet will sell PS3s
by Jem Alexander 
{ Aug 8th 2008 at 1:00PM }
"It's going to be a hardware seller. Not only do you have the platforming experience that a lot of other games will have, you have this creativity that really is exclusive to LittleBigPlanet," Fong told GI.biz. Though, the problem with the game is that it's quite difficult to describe. It really does take a short play session to understand the appeal of the title, so marketing it is going to be quite difficult. Especially when it's released during a time when plenty of mindless blow-em-up-athons are unleashed unto the masses. We're hoping LittleBigPlanet sells as well as it deserves to, and shifts some PS3s in the process.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
adolson @ Aug 8th 2008 1:03PM
It already sold me on the PS3.. I bought it for Blu-ray movies and LBP, figured I would live with that. But nope, I bought 0 Blu-ray movies so far, and I've owned about 25 PS3 games, give or take.. :)
HektikLyfe @ Aug 8th 2008 1:10PM
I'm curious, do you have a list of the games you own anywhere?
Do you own any other console?
I even bought Metal Gear Solid 4 (a series which I am definitely NOT a fan of) because I am so hungry for PS3 games. You're saying there are 25 good ones? I can only think of around 10 exclusive games I want/own on the PS3.
FA-22RAPTOR @ Aug 8th 2008 1:16PM
then get movies
A.D. @ Aug 8th 2008 1:24PM
Yeah, here's a list of what I have (anything before last-gen isn't listed):
http://tawkn.com/?page=adolson-games
Currently I have 17 PS3 disc games, and not all are great games, but I enjoy most of them.. There are several that I sold after finishing them (also listed on the page) plus a few PSN downloads.
Now, as I said, not ever game I've owned has blown me away, especially compared to Metal Gear (which I was never a fan of, and didn't play the previous games). For example, TimeShift I just started playing, and it's pretty neat. Didn't get great reviews, but for the price I paid, I don't really care if it's not rivaling COD4.
HektikLyfe @ Aug 8th 2008 3:45PM
>FA-22Raptor: I want to play more than just movies on this $600 piece of equipment. I can play movies on my $30 portable DVD player.
>adolson/a.d.: I have the 360 and the PS3 and whenever multi-platform titles are released I tend to sway towards the 360. I really like the gamercard aspect that allows you to track and log what you've accomplished in a game. Keeps a sort of inventory, I like that. The PS3 is hinting at it with trophies but it isn't nearly as well developed, or fully supported for that matter, as the software on Microsoft's machine.
Here is the way I prioritize my system purchases.
Wii - Nintendo first-party titles.
PS3 - Exclusive games.
XBox 360 - Exclusives, any games with online play and everything else.
adolson @ Aug 8th 2008 4:40PM
I don't see a reason for a 360 owner to buy a PS3, and I don't see a reason for me to buy a 360. But if you had a 360 first, and then you bought a PS3 for exclusives, don't complain that you have too few games to play. You knew full well when you bought it that you weren't going to be sharing the vast library of third-party multi-platform games with your PS3, so I am not empathetic.
That being said, since you already bought a PS3, I hope you are playing PixelJunk Eden right now. :)
SaMav @ Aug 9th 2008 12:33AM
I'm surprised to see many xbox360 fanboys get their daily dosage of PS3 news.
But my take on this issue is it will be a system seller. What other game is even remotely like this on any of the 3 major consoles??
Hektiklyfe says titles like Halo 3 and Gears were system sellers, which I agree with him there, but what are those games really? Typical shooters. One an FPS, which everyone knows there are several of great FPS's to choose from. And secondly gears of war which in my opinion, will be no better than Socom Confrontation.
But I was mainly wondering why all these non-ps3 fans would post messages without in some way, maybe be possibly jealous that it is not coming to their system(which they probably bought right when it came out and feel somewhat obligated that they have to defend every game that comes out for their system and bash every game that doesnt).
But all in all, i'd like to formely welcome the XBox fanboys to our site. =)
metoo @ Aug 21st 2008 9:23AM
And a even BIGger seller of the ps3 is this! Check it out!
http://www.consolemonster.com/newspost.php?id=0000003908 So don't buy the old 80gig yet! wait for its replacement in 1.2 months just wait! I know I know it is hard if you don't already have a ps3 but wait!
HektikLyfe @ Aug 8th 2008 1:07PM
Non-gamers: "Oh how cute....$400???....where is that Nintendo Wii I heard so much about?"
This game's characters are designed with non-gamers in mind but the mechanics are for the hardcore as far as user developed content is concerned.
People who want this game already own PS3's. This seems like a quote for investors.
Sony: "Oh we're doing fine...really."
Devin @ Aug 8th 2008 2:01PM
I don't think LBP will shift consoles by itself, but just the fact that Sony is broadening its exclusive games library to more than just a couple genres (alone) will help give the average consumer more reason to buy a PS3 than before.
ChuckJ @ Aug 8th 2008 3:04PM
LOL, wow. I guess the truth hurts Sony fans. They didnt hesitate to downgrade that comment.
Sony is over estimating the impact this game is going to have. This is NOT a system seller and I have yet to see a true system seller for this system. Hate it or love it, Halo 3 was a huge system seller for the 360. Gears turned into a system seller as well. MGS4 is not everyones cup of tea, thus was really not a big system seller. And neither will this one be.
I have not played one game for the PS3 where it made me say to my buddies "you've got to go get a PS3 now!" Some good games but nothing so great where I recommend dropping crucial time on your other console to pick up a PS3.
This game looks CUTE. And well, unless gamer chicks have taken over the gaming fan base, this game is not some must buy game that is going to put the PS3 over the top or give them some huge boost. Last time I checked, when I look for games, and most other males, we tend to want games that arent cute. I will not be picking this one up. If I wanted to play with a rag doll, Id go borrow my nieces.
HektikLyfe @ Aug 8th 2008 3:34PM
>Devin: I agree except for the fact that Little Big Planet isn't alone. The original games like PixelJunk Monsters and flOw ALREADY do that. I like the original titles on PSN more so than the stuff on XBLA and Virtual Console. Little Big Planet, though original, isn't really adding much to the genre.
>ChuckJ: I don't completely agree with you there. While there isn't one single mega-hit title on the console. I think MotorStorm, Resistance, Folklore, Uncharted, MGS4 and Heavenly Sword together moved systems. There is no clear title leader but they are some great playing and great looking games that are out and unavailable on the 360. No I don't want to get into exclusivity arguments with you since I know that anything is possible and Sony might someday even lose Metal Gear but right now, I own a PS3 because I could not get those games anywhere else.
My PS3 sits right next to my 360 and Wii which I play VERY evenly.
>Fanboys: Read my entire comment and let it sink in before you vote. XD Pay attention to what Sony says and who they said it to. They were speaking to GamesIndustry.BIZ
Devin @ Aug 8th 2008 4:03PM
Chuck, PS3 fanboy you are Not. LBP will sell consoles. Though how many are we actually talking about here? No it won't appeal to the masses like 'mindless blow-em-up-athons' like Halo 3 or GoW and sell millions, but it will still appeal to people other than you (shock!).
Hektik, you have a point on the price, but if potential Wii owners want this game and see that the $150 difference between the two consoles could get them a BR player/DVD-upscaler as well as a media-hub, can't you atleast see this game shifting some consoles?
Devin @ Aug 8th 2008 4:04PM
Hektik, you have a point on the price, but if potential Wii owners want this game and see that the $150 difference between the two consoles could get them a BR player/DVD-upscaler as well as a media-hub, can't you atleast see this game shifting some consoles?
ChuckJ @ Aug 8th 2008 7:52PM
Devin:
You're absolutely right, I am no PS3 fanboy. Im no 360 fanboy. Im no Sony or MS fanboy either. I just happen to like my 360 a heck of a lot more than my PS3. With exception to some sometimes whiny, loud, immature kids/college age losers, I enjoy the experience of Live over PSN easily.
Sure Ive enjoyed some PS3 games Ive played, but Ive never liked the MGS franchise, so no matter how good the game looks or how long it is, it's not something I can get into. A few other games were fun, but overall the 360 gets way more of my playing time.
Maybe this game will move consoles, but Id be surprised if it would be a note worthy amount. In a way, it looks interesting and whatnot however, Im not gonna start drooling at the mouth like some others over a Sack-a-shit boy.
HanzoTheRazor @ Aug 9th 2008 5:32AM
I really don't know why u even bother comming into these threads. Nearly every post u make is a negative to the PS3, why do u even have one??? It seams fanboys make u sick, but u clearly are a M$ one yourself, people do usually dislike what they see in others, cause they see themselves. Funny shit!
ackbar @ Aug 8th 2008 1:09PM
What Sony really, REALLY needs to do is include LBP free with every new PS3, and not raise the price above $399 for the console. Look how well the free game did for Nintendo. Wise up, Sony!
Danny F. @ Aug 8th 2008 1:38PM
You would think they would do that and simply pay the developers a royalty fee for the distribution or what not.. it would definitely show good on them if they did a month-long event like that.
Gotta love how those big honchos on the round table think ...-_-...
SaMav @ Aug 9th 2008 12:37AM
I'm surprised to see many xbox360 fanboys get their daily dosage of PS3 news.
But my take on this issue is it will be a system seller. What other game is even remotely like this on any of the 3 major consoles??
Hektiklyfe says titles like Halo 3 and Gears were system sellers, which I agree with him there, but what are those games really? Typical shooters. One an FPS, which everyone knows there are several of great FPS's to choose from. And secondly gears of war which in my opinion, will be no better than Socom Confrontation.
But I was mainly wondering why all these non-ps3 fans would post messages without in some way, maybe be possibly jealous that it is not coming to their system(which they probably bought right when it came out and feel somewhat obligated that they have to defend every game that comes out for their system and bash every game that doesnt).
But all in all, i'd like to formely welcome the XBox fanboys to our site. =)
Arnon @ Aug 9th 2008 2:37AM
I honestly think the majority of the xbox "fanboys" don't hate the PS3.. I think they like to read up on both consoles, and mainly just prefer their XBOX over the PS3, but in no way actually hate it. This is very good, because maybe the hardcore fans of each side can actually shut up and accept that both consoles will have their fair share of good titles, and luxuries.
parkd @ Aug 8th 2008 1:12PM
Yeah, I believe it's a hardware seller as well. Some of my friends who own Wiis are pretty impressed by this title, and also my other friend is buying a Ps3 and this is one of the first games he's buying :D
ChuckJ @ Aug 8th 2008 3:06PM
"some of my friends who own wiis are pretty impressed by this title...."
LOL You said it. And seriously, that statement alone is a reason NOT to get excited about this game.
qrayg @ Aug 8th 2008 1:23PM
It would have sold PS3's if they would have waited to announce the title until after it was complete. It's hard to stay excited about a game for over a year.
I was really excited about LBP when they first showed it, now I could care less... it feels like vaporware to me.
The same thing happened for Castle Crashers. They announced it in like 2006... it's still not here. It's a flippin' XBLA game... how can it take that long?
GNordy @ Aug 8th 2008 1:43PM
I see your point, but the casual fan Sony hopes to attract with LBP have not been waiting for this game for over a year. Many parents will not hear about this game until they are deciding what to get their kids for Christmas and they start hearing how this game will be fun and encourage creativity.
ryan @ Aug 8th 2008 1:27PM
well, according to the commercial it is one of the "happy few" games for PS3. and if MGS4 is any proof of a system seller, LBP will do the same, followed by GT:5.
gamingeek @ Aug 8th 2008 1:30PM
No offense to anyone who is looking forward to this game but after seeing endless variations of the same theme platformers are getting a bit tired. I understand that the biggest draw here is the potentially endless replay value due to user generated content but basic platforming mechanics are played out. I really think that Sony is overestimating the impact that this one will have.
shase @ Aug 8th 2008 1:41PM
people still dig FPS...
Dirty @ Aug 8th 2008 1:44PM
Really I think they have a little bit too much riding on this game. It looks cool, but can it really be the savior for the console.. I think not. I think having GAMES in general on the console will help sell the console. Put out more games (which I think they are doing). Fat Princess + resistance + LBP + infamous = sold consoles.
Kodros @ Aug 8th 2008 2:31PM
"It looks cool, but can it really be the savior for the console"
When did they ever say that?
HAAS599 @ Aug 8th 2008 2:39PM
Since when did the PS3 need a savior.
PS3 will see out it's 10 year cycle and there isn't anything that will stop it.
A nuclear war maybe....
Waqman @ Aug 8th 2008 1:48PM
If there is one game that deserves to sell consoles for the PS3 its LittleBigPlanet...not Killzone 2.
I don't know if it will be able to sell consoles though. Are console gamers ready for this game? I see alot of mindless idiots over the internet bashing this game dismissing it as "childish", and saying that it will only last for a week.
ExMcCloud @ Aug 8th 2008 2:19PM
Finally!!! somebody says it...LBP should be the game getting all the attention...Not KZ2.....Especially after its first outing...KZ1 was terrible(Well not terrible but pretty bad) I refuse to look at that game as the PS3's savior before something refreshing and new like LBP...hopefully it sells 3-4 million copies
ryan @ Aug 8th 2008 5:30PM
presisely. the shooter games KZ2 and Resistance 2, albeit looking to be very well done games, just don't have the marketing power and unique style like LBP, Metal Gear4 and if the first 2 GoW games proved, God of War 3 will be system sellers because of their unique style.
adolson @ Aug 8th 2008 1:50PM
http://www.apostrophe.fsnet.co.uk/
John @ Aug 8th 2008 1:55PM
I thought about getting it for LBP, but then I realized how much money I'd be spending to play one game.
Brad @ Aug 8th 2008 2:00PM
Personally I'm getting a bit tired of shooting every day so I will welcome LBP as a stress reliever. Just comic like fun :) It puts a smile on my face so I think it's worth its $60.
Goonchy @ Aug 8th 2008 2:05PM
LBP is gonna sell consoles & a ton of LBP discs. The game appeals to a wider market than any other game on the PS3. When people see the photo realistic & "cute" graphic dolls it will be an instant holiday success story. All PS3 kiosks will have this running and their will be TV commercials to boot. This will be an easy sale!
Organic_Shadow @ Aug 8th 2008 2:09PM
Put a big cardboard display unit in BestBuy and Target, and put a video of the game playing somewhere and YES.... OH YES.... IT WILL sell units.
doug @ Aug 8th 2008 2:11PM
i for one am pretty excited about this game. it looks very fun and very cute. i love shooters, and will get resistance 2 on day one, but something about this game just looks like tons of fun. by the way, i love the ps3 and anybody who keeps saying it has no games is just ignorant or unimformed.
Safiel @ Aug 8th 2008 2:12PM
It's not a system seller for me, but then I can think of no single game that would be. But for my particular taste, the ps3 is getting close (Little big planet, disgaea 3, ratchet and clank), and games coming out down the road (final fantasy, whatever the ico team is making).
Also, a price drop would be nice, for me it's about relative worth. I've got a lot of other gaming system that I bought for much less that all have a lot of good games I'm still waiting to play just sitting on the shelf. Stupid job, you help me buy games but you don't give me the time to play them.
Kdiddyd123 @ Aug 8th 2008 2:21PM
I can see this moving some consoles. Keep in Mind that Grand Theft Auto and Metal Gear are also well know established franchises, and really only Metal Gear helped to spike sales. I think Little Big Planet coupled with Resistance 2, SOCOM, and Kill Zone (all coming up very soon) will certainly increase sales.
h0mi @ Aug 8th 2008 2:27PM
Unless they do some cross promotions to get the "sackboy/girl" out there, I really don't see LBP as a console seller. I think some ps3 owners will love the game and others will hate it. I dont think there will be much middle ground.
oxyborb @ Aug 8th 2008 2:33PM
I bought my ps3 and eye because of Littlebigplanet.
bill d. @ Aug 8th 2008 2:43PM
The nice thing about lbp is that it is the best original game of the year. Every other game put out this year is a sequel.
scratch @ Aug 8th 2008 3:39PM
This is already a system seller, period. When I was looking to upgrade from my PS2, i was sorely tempted by a 360 - particularly since I'm a huge Bungie fan and would love to be able to play Halo3. I was torn because I loved my PS2 and thought the PS3 looked good though.
Then GDC '07 and the LBP unveiling. The key here, that noone has mentioned yet (in this thread) is the videos sold not just me, but my wife, on the game, and thus the PS3. And not just me, also a friend of mine and his totally non-gamer wife. That is the key.
This game may not sell huge numbers of PS3s to people that have absolutely no gaming experience, a la the Wii, but it will get people to upgrade from their PS2s and Gamecubes and such. A sell is a sell to Sony. And I'm sure LBP will bring in at least some new gamers because it IS that awesome.
SnazzyD @ Aug 8th 2008 3:48PM
LBP will definitely move PS3 sales in the critical 4th quarter. Just as important to note is that it already HAS been moving PS3 sales as it gets closer to launch. I have four friends with X360s that have bought PS3s in the past few weeks just to be able to play LBP online and to meet up in Home.
There has never been a game like this before, it's exclusive to PS3 (if the rumours of a PC version are true, it's actually a huge plus for the level making community), and it will win every major gaming award this year.
Not to fan any flames, but this one title has to concern M$ more than all the others combined...
Warner Young @ Aug 8th 2008 3:49PM
This and Blu-ray are the two main reasons I finally bought a PS3 recently, so in that sense, Sony is right. How many of the more casual gamers they'll convince to buy is a different matter. Guess we'll have to see what happens after LBP comes out.
Drizzt @ Aug 8th 2008 4:14PM
Oh an innovative title like this will definately sell PS3s. Looking forward to this one. One of my most anticipated. I just hope I can turn up something creative ^^
Todd @ Aug 8th 2008 4:51PM
I still don't really know what this game is about. Am I going to be paying $60 to create my own levels? If so, that's a complete waste of money. Level editors aren't games. And a small platforming side-game isn't really worth it.
Ax @ Aug 9th 2008 1:58AM
Just look at the game's motto. Play. Create. Share. In other words those are the three pillars of the game and you'll notice that play is right there in front. The game ships with like 80 or 60 or something levels and even has a story of some sort. It isn't some sort of side game--it is a full fledged part of the game.
According to interviews the game is designed so that no matter what kind of player picks up the game (someone who just wants to play, someone who wants to just make levels for themselves, or someone who wants to share what they've made) the game will have a path for them. Say I'm like you (which I really am not, because I think a level creator CAN be a game) and all I want to do is play through the levels. I can do that, and as I do that I'll unlock various features of the game. But what if I really couldn't give a fig for playing the levels and just want to create something--does that mean that I can't access those unlockables without first playing through the levels? Nope. The game will reward me as I create stuff with the unlockables. And people sharing levels they've made can make it so that everyone who beats their level gets a cool item or vehicle or whatever.
It really is a well balanced game, and I hope you see that and give it a try.