Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the release of the LittleBigPlanet(TM) Game of the Year edition, available exclusively for PlayStation 3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. The new Game of the Year edition features LittleBigPlanet’s award winning "Play, Create, and Share" gameplay experience along with a number of bonus additions, including 18 never-before-seen levels developed by select LittleBigPlanet fans, free downloadable content packs with themed levels and costumes, and exclusive access to the upcoming ModNation(TM) Racers online beta.
Since its launch last October, LittleBigPlanet has been widely praised and critically acclaimed with more than 80 industry awards worldwide, 15 of which have been for Game of the Year categories, with awards ranging from the top gaming critics to prestigious organizations such as the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) and The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). The fans have spoken as well embracing the sharing nature of the game to the point where more than 1,000,000 user generated levels have been published to the PlayStation Network since LittleBigPlanet hit shelves. Put another way, one new level has been created roughly every 21 seconds since launch. This special edition will celebrate these achievements while debuting 18 new bonus levels created by LittleBigPlanet fans from around the globe. Each creator was hand picked by developer Media Molecule based on previous levels that these enthusiasts have created and shared online. Once identified, all 18 consumers were commissioned and monetarily compensated to design a completely new environment for the LittleBigPlanet world, allowing each fan to truly become an amateur video game developer.
"LittleBigPlanet has become a principal franchise for the PlayStation brand and the Game of the Year edition is a celebration of the overwhelming support we have received for the ‘Play, Create, and Share’ movement since the launch of this title last October," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA. "The inclusion of these original levels and bonus content will give new players significant added value and a taste of the ‘Share’ experience from the best creators all around the globe."
The LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year edition will also include seven free downloadable content packs to expand SackBoy’s wardrobe, deliver new action packed gameplay, and offer a larger variety of "Create" materials. These packs include: Metal Gear Solid Level Pack – featuring the "Paintinator" ($5.99), Metal Gear Solid Costumes ($5.99), Monsters Costumes ($2.99), Monsters Pack ($3.99), History Costumes ($2.99), History Pack ($3.99), and Animals Costumes ($2.99) – all as priced on PlayStation Store. In addition, limited quantities of the game will include a PlayStation Network voucher code to download the upcoming ModNation Racers online beta – PlayStation’s newest "Play, Create, and Share" title, a classic kart racing game with a creative twist. All bonus content is valued at over $30, offering fans an enhanced experience at no added expense.
LittleBigPlanet has made a tremendous impact on the gaming industry as well as general consumers around the world by allowing players to interact through the LittleBigPlanet online community via shared levels and objects, rankings, and user comments. The "Play, Create, and Share" movement continues to connect families and friends while the game’s expanding influence is seen in the growing popularity of the SackBoy(TM) character who has been embraced by countless fans, young and old, around the globe.
Developed exclusively for the PS3 system by Media Molecule, LittleBigPlanet allows players to control the iconic and customizable SackBoy as they "Play, Create, and Share" their masterpieces in a stitched-together, 3D-crafted material world. LittleBigPlanet invites players of all ages and skill types into an innovative and imaginative experience where they can explore and play through developer and user-generated levels. Additionally, players can use the same design tools, materials, and stickers Media Molecule built the actual game with to shape or build objects and entire game levels. Players can then share these creations with the LittleBigPlanet community online via PlayStation Network.
LittleBigPlanet features cooperative multiplayer gameplay, which allows up to four players the opportunity to play and complete their levels offline with friend at home or play online with other members of the community.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated the LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year edition for the PS3 system "E" for Everyone. For more information about the ESRB, visit www.esrb.org. For more information on LittleBigPlanet, please visit http://www.littlebigplanet.com/.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation and PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system, and the ground-breaking PlayStation 3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its online and network services PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
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