PS3 Informer

Sony Buys LittleBigPlanet Developer, Sequel Expected

Sony must be happy with the performance of Media Molecule's quirky do-it-yourself platformer. The hardware maker today announced that it has decided to purchase the software development studio for an undisclosed sum. Media Molecule will join 15 other companies and 2500 other employees that make up Sony's World Wide Studios (WWS) operation. We already knew that Sony heavily backed the development of LittleBigPlanet on the PS3 and PSP systems, considering it a core franchise as the company sought to differentiate its offerings from competitors Microsoft and Nintendo.

LittleBigPlanet is a side-scrolling adventure game in which players can customize and design their own levels and then compete or cooperate with friends online to explore their creations. The titles have enjoyed moderate but not quite blockbuster success on both Sony's home console and handheld PSP platform.

"Since they burst onto the gaming scene, Media Molecule have proved to be a truly exciting and innovative studio, who have proved their world-class credentials with the creation of the incredible LittleBigPlanet," said Shuhei Yoshida, President, SCE Worldwide Studios. "SCE WWS is all about creating ambitious, innovative and ground breaking games, traits that Media Molecule clearly have. To bring them into our family proves our dedication to creating fantastic new experiences that we believe will cement our position as industry leaders."

Studios across SCE WWS share technology, production methodology and creative goals to build the best possible experiences for users of the PlayStation family of hardware platforms and network services. With over 2,500 employees, SCE WWS combines the talents of 15 game development studios in Japan, the USA, the UK and The Netherlands.

While this purchase announcement is definitely good news for the folks at Media Molecule, it is probably good news for gamers as well. A likely project for the newly acquired studio is a sequel to LittleBigPlanet which improves upon the original experience with added support from Sony.

Media Molecule won over lots of new fans -- including Sony -- with its 'Play, Create, Share' mantra.