Sony Ex-Exec Phil Harrison on LittleBigPlanet Delay
As we have already reported here on the site numerous times, LittleBigPlanet, that was suppose to launch this week, was delayed due to some references to the Qur'an. Sony and Media Molecule have quickly turned around a fix and we already have new release dates for the game in the States and in Europe. While this was all happening there was plenty of arguing and discussion over whether or not Sony made the right move in recalling the game before launch. Seems that even Phil Harrison, a former Sony Exec who had strong ties to LittleBigPlanet, has something to say about the game and the controversy that has come from it. He first discusses his beta experience and how "within five seconds of starting a game you fall in love with a bit of software." After recounting his beta experience, Mr. Harrison then went on to tell what he thought about the recall.
"I wasn't privy to all of the discussions and debate that went on within Sony, but I know they would have thought very deeply about it, and at the highest level of the company," he explained. "And on reflection I think it was absolutely the right thing to do, because LittleBigPlanet set out from day one to be a game for the entire world - and if there was anything that accidentally detracted from that vision and made the game not fun for the entire world, then the game would have fundamentally failed in its mission."So I think Sony took absolutely the right decision - painful though it was, and frustrating though it might be for gamers who were looking forward to it. It only seems to have heightened the anticipation, so I think it'll end up being a win, and full credit to Media Molecule for turning around a fix as quickly as they did."
I've heard Fruit Brute say a similar viewpoint on the fact that the game is for the entire world and therefore should be fun for the entire world. While you can't please all the people all the time, Sony is trying to please as many as they can, even if it means getting some people worked up over a delay; however, when all is said and done with the game, trust me, LittleBigPlanet aims to please the whole world and all the LittleBig worlds you decide to make.
Harrison: "Sony took absolutely the right decision" to recall LBP [gameindustry.biz]
PixelPoet
Posted to Hot Stuff, Video Games on 22 October 2008
· Comments (2)
Other stuff like this: delay, littlebigplanet, media molecule, phil harrison, psn, sony
I can understand Sony's decision because they're selling products and want the least amount of controversy. But the reason this issue is so sensitive has to do with a much larger picture, a serious clash of cultures and value systems on a global scale.
Whether anyone agrees or disagrees with Sony, I hope people will look a bit deeper into this issue and think critically about its implications, and not react with either ignorant bigotry on the one hand, or with naive, "politically correct" pandering on the other.
I'm just wondering what use this is in a game where (as I understand it) you can create entire levels or worlds or whatever however you want them, which I assume includes adding quotes from the Koran/Qu'ran in one form or another.