Mm Picks and Copyright

[StevenI]

LittleBigPlanet has some amazing levels and whilst we would love to be able to feature all of them, occasionally we'll come across a great level which we unfortunately cannot feature or highlight in the Mm Picks or otherwise.


As a general rule, we have decided not to highlight any levels based on established video game characters and franchises that are not owned by Sony Computer Entertainment, or related to our DLC partners

This hasn't always been the case and if you dig back far enough into the archive of the Mm Picks, you will be able to find levels that do not adhere to this rule. However since then, we have had casual requests from one or two copyright holders, who are happy to turn a blind eye to people making levels, provided that we try not to feature them personally.

Similarly there are a few exceptions to the rule, the most obvious being characters or content from any licensed add-on packs that we have released for LittleBigPlanet.


I know this doesn't sound like wonderful news but we thought it was about time that we set the record straight.


We know that a lot of creators have a huge desire to be featured in the Mm Picks and will continue to pursue that ultimate goal.

However it's worth remembering that no matter how much we love the level (and believe me, there's some levels that are completely astounding to us), your level isn't likely to be Mm Picked, if you use a video game, movie or comic book character or franchise that isn't Sackboy, LittleBigPlanet or your own personal creation.


Besides which, I personally believe that Sackboy is the only hero that LittleBigPlanet will ever need!

[zzmorg82]

Sackboy is the only hero that LittleBigPlanet will ever need!

Agreed!!!!

[Jedi_1993]

A shame, but completely understandable. But presumably franchises that have LBP DLC can be allowed. Such as Marvel?
I'm not working on anything Marvel related but this may be relative for someone else.

[Dav1d0]

I know this doesn't sound like wonderful news but we thought it was about time that we set the record straight.

Well I think it is great news... I'd much prefer to see someones original creations (which they have had to developed from scratch) in Mm picks... I'm not saying recreations are bad... but they are just not as unique.

I personally believe that Sackboy is the only hero that LittleBigPlanet will ever need!

*cough* The Alliance, Yellow Head and Mr. Fry are pretty snazzy too *cough*


=p

[StevenI]

But presumably franchises that have LBP DLC can be allowed. Such as Marvel?

Any content that we have released as a LittleBigPlanet DLC add-on pack is perfectly fine.

[GribbleGrunger]

is this just related to MM picks or will it be implemented across the entire community at some point? I can't see how a copyright can be infringe in one section and not in another. will this lead to some levels being taken down or will it only apply to newer levels. the companies that complain are stupid if you ask me. LBP promotes their franchise ... but i suppose, as LBP gets more professional (fingers crossed for LBP3), there could be more of an issue because the LBP version would or could be as good as the original

... and is MM making Title Fight?

[StevenI]

is this just related to MM picks or will it be implemented across the entire community at some point?

This relates mainly to the Mm Picks and any level features that may appear on LittleBigPlanet.com or the PlayStation Blog.
Basically covering any features or promotions that we do personally for LittleBigPlanet.

We will not be removing such levels from the LittleBigPlanet server and you definitely should not fear that your creations will be removed soon because that most certainly is not the case!

[Ali_Star]

I think this is a shame really. Good levels may not get the attention they deserve. Copyright holders making something out of nothing. Surely it works in their favour to see (for example) an Assassins Creed tribute get MM picked. It makes their game look good, and they might even gain a few new fans. Just my opinion anyway.

[StevenI]

Surely it works in their favour to see (for example) an Assassins Creed tribute get MM picked.

It's a good thing that we have some Assassin's Creed add-on content that's an exception to the rule then.

[GribbleGrunger]

It's a good thing that we have some Assassin's Creed add-on content that's an exception to the rule then.

I couldn't trouble you for a full list of games that are acceptable, could I? it would clarify the situation here, certainly for those creators who may now be working on a franchise based game but are not sure whether they are breaking the law. in fact, to be honest, i think that's a request that really can be a 'consider it done!'

[Ali_Star]

It's a good thing that we have some Assassin's Creed add-on content that's an exception to the rule then.

Pfffffffffft. You now what I mean.

[Nuclearfish]

Cool info Steven, thanks for posting this.


Personally though I don't think it should affect anyone's decisions in what level they should or shouldn't make. If you have an awesome idea for a <insert franchise here> level, then do it. Whether it's qualifies for being Mm picked shouldn't really be a factor in anyone's creation process. If it is... maybe you should rethink that.

[Syroc]

I agree with what Nuclearfish said. Make the levels you want to make, as Steven said, they are not going to be deleted.

Here is a list of featured franchises anyway:

[spoiler]
Alice in Wonderland
Muppets
Oddworld
Assassin's Creed
Uncharted
Invizimals
Toy Story
Kill Zone
Final Fantasy
Infamous
Tron
Sly
Jak and Daxter
Ratchet and Clank
Marvel stuff
Heavy Rain
Incredibles
Sonic
White Knight Chronicles
Pirates of the Caribbean
Watchmen
Ghostbusters
Ico and Shadow of the Colossus
2000AD
Heavenly Sword
Rag Doll Kung Fu
Patapon
Buzz
Wipeout
Ape Escape
Toro
God of War
Metal Gear
Street Fighter
Resistance
Loco Roco
Journey
[/spoiler]

[maddoggnick96]

Well, I compiled a list of copyright DLC for anyone who was wondering. Here's a list of the games:

Ape Escape
Assassin's Creed
Buzz Quiz TV
Final Fantasy
Ghostbusters: The Video Game
God of War
Heavenly Sword
Heavy Rain
Ico/Shadow of the Colossus
Infamous
Invisimals
Jak & Daxter
Journey
Killzone
LocoRoco
Mainichi Issho
Metal Gear Solid
Modnation Racers
Motorstorm
Oddworld
Patapon
Rag Doll Kung Fu
Ratchet & Clank
Resistance
Sly Cooper
Sonic the Hedgehog
Street Fighter
Uncharted
White Knight Chronicles
Wipeout

And here's some other properties:

2000 A.D.
Watchmen

Disney:
Alice in Wonderland
The Incredibles
Marvel
The Muppets
Pirates of the Caribbean
Toy Story
Tron

Artists:
Jon Burgerman
Verabee

Let me know if I missed anything.

EDIT: Man I feel ninja'd *Reads above post*

[LBPfan92]

Well, I compiled a list of copyright DLC for anyone who was wondering. Here's a list of the games:

Ape Escape
Assassin's Creed
Buzz Quiz TV
Final Fantasy
Ghostbusters: The Video Game
God of War
Heavenly Sword
Heavy Rain
Ico/Shadow of the Colossus
Infamous
Invisimals
Jak & Daxter
Journey
Killzone
LocoRoco
Mainichi Issho
Metal Gear Solid
Modnation Racers
Motorstorm
Oddworld
Patapon
Ratchet & Clank
Rag Doll Kung Fu
Resistance
Sly Cooper
Sonic the Hedgehog
Street Fighter
Uncharted
White Knight Chronicles
Wipeout

And here's some other properties:

2000 A.D.
Watchmen

Disney:
Alice in Wonderland
The Incredibles
Marvel
The Muppets
Pirates of the Caribbean
Toy Story
Tron

Artists:
Jon Burgerman
Verabee

Let me know if I missed anything.

EDIT: Man I feel ninja'd *Reads above post*

Well yours is in alphabetical order if that makes you feel any better

I've been wondering about this for some time, glad it's cleared up now. I'm actually surprised Nintendo hasn't taken any action since there are several Mario Bros. clones on LBP. Maybe they think of it as a compliment to the mario franchise...