PS3 News: Moderation Sporadically Hitting User-Generated LBP Levels - PS3 News

Members Login: Register | Why sign up? | Forgot Password?

Moderation Sporadically Hitting User-Generated LBP Levels

Well, we figured this might be an issue as soon as we learned about user-created content and levels in LittleBigPlanet. Obviously, what with basic decency rules on top of copyright laws, it must be awfully difficult to keep everything kosher.

But as Destructoid tells us, it appears that many levels are getting moderated without warning due to licensed material; or at least, that's the perceived cause. The problem is that those who have lost levels due to an apparent infraction of the rules haven't been told exactly why their creations were mysteriously scrapped. Furthermore, the moderation doesn't seem to be consistent, as some levels with licensed content remain untouched. Right now, levels based on other games, like MGS or something, are being removed, and you're at risk even if only an item or two in the level can be considered "licensed material." So in other words, if you've got something that looks suspiciously like a Goomba in your level, we strongly suggest you remove it ASAP. Clearly, this creates some problems because any number of things can be interpreted as copyright infringement, and many arguments and debates can ensue between Sony and the gamers. ...maybe that's why users aren't being informed of the moderation reasons.

Anyway, this is an ultra-sticky issue that's bound to 'cough' stick around for a while, so if you want to get all imaginative, feel free. But whatever you do, don't make anything that might even resemble those golden rings in Sonic. Seriously.

Related Game(s): LittleBigPlanet

11/9/2008 Ben Dutka

Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Follow PSX Extreme on Twitter

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Google Share on MySpace Share on Delicious Share on Digg Share on Google Buzz Share via E-Mail Share via Tumblr Share via Posterous

Comments (25 posts)

Scarecrow
Sunday, November 09, 2008 @ 10:28:43 PM
Reply

lol I knew those Mirror's Edge and Mario themed levels would get deleted.

And thank god they're deleted

Nothing personal but this game was made for you to get creative....not to use some other game's idea and just copy and paste.

Some levels try to recreate other games(stages, landscape, gameplay, etc.)

It's ok if you create a stage themed from another game but thte DESIGN cannot be a COPY of another game's stage/setting.

Anyway, my stages so far are mine and only mine. Completely original.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

DIsmael85
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 2:06:52 AM

I see your point, but you also have to consider, they werent restricting it to begin with and it can be considered FANART. They dont ban people from DeviantArt and such places and man oh man you can find loads of copyrighted stuff on there. Plus, it's free to play, the creators are not charging you a fee to play a fan created level. MM and Sony need to take the chill pill.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

NiteKrawler
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 12:07:10 PM

Dismael how can Sony and MM take a chill pill when Nintendo or Microsoft or Ubisoft or whoever sees their creations and property on a Sony exclusive game? That leads to monetary issues my friend, and Sony and MM both aren't looking for a lawsuit I'm sure. If anything, the owners of said copyrighted material need to take a "chill pill", as long as the properties aren't being used negatively of course.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

Daedusian
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 12:31:02 PM

I understand all of this, but I look forward to levels that are based on something also. Honestly, I was on YouTube for an hour the other day just watching people's interpretations of games, movies, etc., and how they implemented that into the game. For example, I saw a level based on tetris. I mean the opportunities are endless but with this moderation going too far it only limits to your own creations. Not saying that's a bad thing but I would prefer both.
Last edited by Daedusian on 11/10/2008 12:36:14 PM

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

DIsmael85
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 5:20:51 PM

@NiteKrawler:

If you have ever played Unreal Tournament on the PS3 then you'll remember they had characters from Halo, Spawn and other games in there. Where was the Lawsuit then. I can understand Sony and MM trying to cover their backs, maybe moderate negative things, but fan expression should not be censored as that Song they omitted lyrics from should not have been censored. People have a right to be creative, and they also have a right to express their interests with others.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

NiteKrawler
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 6:02:24 PM

I agree with that DIsmael. If I personally had something copyrighted and someone used it, as long as it wasn't shown in a bad light, I wouldn't care at all.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

firehahahahaha
Sunday, November 09, 2008 @ 10:32:45 PM
Reply

Aw man that sucks. Thoes were my fav levels. I just hope the Shadow of the Colossus one stays, seeing as how it's a sony game too...

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, November 09, 2008 @ 11:31:00 PM
Reply

Kinda figured this was coming, it's a shame because some of them were good and it's not like people are selling their levels (yet), can I get sued cuz I useda draw Mario cartoons in my notebook as a kid? Touchy touchy these days. Still a warning to the makers about WHY they got blown away would be nice, cuz then they know not to waste time doing something similar.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

Chaps
Sunday, November 09, 2008 @ 11:48:27 PM
Reply

I think this is just an example on why Copyright Laws should be updated, or changed. I mean, what's wrong with creating a Mario level? Is Nintendo really losing profit? Anyways, I also hope the God of War one stays, it was great fun.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

Gabriel013
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 1:14:35 AM
Reply

Glad I got to play the Mirrors Edge level. Those game based levels are more creative than all those that appear to be there for the sole purpose of unlocking trophies asking to be hearted so that THEY can unlock their trophies.

As for copyright infringements, I did confused betweem what was LBP Mirrors Edge and the real ME game /sarcasm

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

Advent Child
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 2:34:34 AM
Reply

I think its a little unnecessary considering they already don't let you upload any jpegs in order to keep copyright infringement out. I agree with Chaps. No one is losing anything over these levels. It is harmless.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

kj313
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 5:52:58 AM
Reply

@Ben does this licensingg work the other way?!?!? If a user creates a very original and unique level, and is very successful. What if a video game co, or developers still the idea and turn the basis of your creation into a full game. Do u have the right to remove the content.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

ceedot
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 6:02:29 AM
Reply

It's stupid. It should be like youtube. If the owner wants it to be taken off, then it should otherwise it stays there.

Agree with this comment 1 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

JoshBall
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 8:46:11 AM
Reply

I completely agree with ceedot, there is nothing wrong with making a mario based level, i really don't understand it. Also i don't see why they aren't letting people import JPEG's as if you look on the internet there are loads of stuff which must be 'illegal.'

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

Duff
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 9:01:42 AM
Reply

about time, theres too many mario levels at this moment, at least put the effort to make a good stage. Most stages online are just simple racing which is boring, but when i do find great puzzling ones I definitely enjoy it.

Agree with this comment 1 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

FallenClyro
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 9:17:20 AM
Reply

Some of the levels made might have been really crap but this kind of destroys the whole creation aspect. Didn't you think any of the levels designed of movies, games etc were fun?

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

LightShow
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 10:39:25 AM
Reply

i'm glad i got to play the ME level, it was a ton of fun.

isn't part of the appeal of LBP to make levels based on your fav games? not everybody on this earth is creative enough to start from concept all the way to full blown level. If it was just those people making levels, there wouldn't be near the amount of FUN levels on there.

If people can use the tools well, and make a level that not only works, but is actually FUN, then let them. Who cares what their inspiration is?

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

Scarecrow
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 2:02:06 PM

My level is completely original and it works fine.

You don't have to copy and paste another game's idea for the level to be fun....

You can take bits from it, but copying pasting ideas like that is sad.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

LightShow
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 5:24:02 PM

i'm not saying it's not. my point is that in any art, it matters little whether an inspiration is copyrighted or not. while i'm most certainly not elevating LBP levels to high art (yet...), the terms FUN and ORIGINAL are not mutually exclusive (or inclusive).

and i think almost everyone will agree, the FUN is the important part

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

huskerfan_101
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 12:32:52 PM
Reply

I said this would happen. Just sayin' I called it.
lol

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

CaptRon
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 12:35:31 PM
Reply

Any level you make is property of Sony's so keep that in mind.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

shaydey77
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 1:18:38 PM
Reply

I think they should send messages through the PSN giving people a chance to change their levels before just deleting them..i mean people have put down some seriously hard work into these!!To do that would be like working hard in school all year and then doing a test perfectly only to be told afterwards we lost it.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

N a S a H
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 3:16:38 PM
Reply

ROFL! Those damn Goomba's! >.>

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

MetalHead09
Monday, November 10, 2008 @ 4:25:11 PM
Reply

this all sounds really quite stupid. i agree with the guy who said it should be like youtube, for real whats the difference? i can put together some video about mirrors edge and ill bet it wouldnt get deleted. how about all of the user generated music videos on youtube? nobody hurts them. they are severely limiting peoples imaginations if they keep this up. i dont have the game but this is totally a cryin shame.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

Jed
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 @ 2:11:22 AM
Reply

I think it is a load of crap. When someone makes a Mario level, it is because they like Mario. It's almost like an advertisement for Nintendo. They are not making the levels for money, you cant sell user created levels, at least for now you cant. These are Nintendo fans that have nothing to gain from making these levels. That's what Nintendo does to their fans.

I also heard that Nintendo is going after people who make the Mario and Zelda theme songs in Guitar Hero: WT. It really pisses me off. You cant make songs on GH for the wii, so it doesn't hurt them at all.

I think that if nintendo is going to make a console that is incapable of doing what the other systems can, they should let us do it on our systems.

Agree with this comment 0 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

Leave a Comment

Please login or register to leave a comment.

Popular Cheats

Recent Reviews

Recent Previews

Sponsor

Our Poll

Do you plan to buy a PlayStation Vita this year?
Yes, I'll definitely get one in 2013.
No, but I'll get one eventually.
No, I have no intention of buying the Vita.
No, I've already got one.

Previous Poll Results