Some IP Owners Not Upset With LBP User-Created Levels

LittleBigPlanet

Most of you are aware of the ongoing battle between user created levels in LittleBigPlanet and the constant issue of potential copyright infringement. It's a delicate situation on both sides, but here's some good news: not all companies view "copyright infringement" as a bad thing.

There has been a lot of talk about Sony erasing certain user-generated levels in LBP due to the use of licensed material. But has anyone considered the idea that such use could be both flattering and beneficial? According to a recent IGN interview with the founders of Media Molecule, certain companies don't have a problem with their IPs represented in fresh LBP creations. Said co-founder and CEO Alex Evans:

"But then there’s been these two mad positives; one was the high quality of the levels, including the infringing ones. The other point is the number of IP owners who came up to us and said please whitelist us – we’ll never ever ask you to pull infringing stuff. I can’t say who that is, but those two things really shocked me, I think it shocked [the IP holders], who were like, hang on, my IP’s being represented and it’s being represented really well."

The other interviewee, Kareem Ettouney, spoke about being forced to address each issue regarding copyrights and IPs, but he also said there's "a completely awesome side to it" as well. So far, some companies have reacted quickly - and in our opinion, harshly - to finding LBP users utilizing licensed material without permission. Granted, this is indeed a problem, but some people have already begun to see the light- unless the level in question is clearly mocking the material and can be construed as insulting, what's wrong with a little extra exposure via flattering fan portrayal?

In the near future, you may see a lot of different companies giving the green light to Media Molecule, which would continually lift restrictions on what you're not allowed to use in the generation of your own LBP level. There's always a silver lining, yes?

Related Game(s): LittleBigPlanet

12/29/2008 Ben Dutka

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