Sackboy Might Be Making A Return This Year? You Betcha.

We knew there was more to Sony’s Media Molecule purchase than was originally being let on. And VG247 might just have slipped the first hint of a rumour on the matter. They claim that Sony are set to release a product called “LBP2″ this year — have a wild stab at what that game might be, folks.

Media Molecule categorically stated they wouldn’t do a sequel to LittleBigPlanet last year, so exactly what they craft here is unknown.

Guess what though, Sony are holding a press conference as part of GDC this week. Expect some big Playstation news.

Media Molecule Are Now Part Of Sony's First-Party Development Suite.

Media Molecule and SCE has today announced that they’re getting hitched. That is — Sony has acquired Media Molecule making them an official first-part studio under the SCE Worldwide Studios banner. Obviously, if you didn’t know, Media Molecule made the brilliantly innovative LittleBigPlanet.

“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.”

“Since Media Molecule’s inception, we’ve had a uniquely close relationship with Sony. Over the years they have consistently shown their dedication to Creative Gaming and Media Molecule, not only through their support of the company, but their willingness to take risks and embrace our often unusual approach and ideas.” said Alex Evans, co-founder of Media Molecule. “What we’ve achieved already with LittleBigPlanet has proved this to us and we’re excited by this new chapter of innovation and creative gaming, for all involved.”

If you didn’t realise, this is properly amazing news for the breadth of Sony’s first-party line-up. In just Europe alone Sony already has several development houses, including Killzone’s Guerrilla Games and Singstar’s Studio London. Media Molecule are a fine addition to a SCEE banner that could only be complete with the addition of Quantic Dream.

Here’s hoping Yoshida’s on the phone to David Cage as we type.

The LittleBigPlanet Character Packs Continue To Astound Us In Their Quality.

This amazing LittleBigPlanet character pack based around Sony and Level-5’s White Knight Chronicles is due for release on February 25th. It’ll come with a pack of stickers so you can create your own WKC themed levels in Sackland.

Sacko's Popping Out The Screen In Full 3D. You Just Need A New TV To See It.

Eurogamer got to go eyes-on with a host of Playstation products at Evolution Studios’ (MotorStorm) office this week. Of the things at the event were a host of Playstation 3 titles running in 3D. One such game running in 3D was LittleBigPlanet.

And according to Eurogamer’s Richard Leadbetter, the 3D imaging actually improves the game, given the levels of hate that were aimed at LBP’s three-paned view. “Stereoscopic 3D puts an end to that,” Leadbetter writes, “Ensuring each of the parallax elements occupies its own distinct area within the 3D space.”

So, erm, that’s a good thing then!

We'd Absolutely Love To Win A Sackie. We're Not Patient Enough Though.

It’s been a full year since Sony launched Media Molecule’s beautifully innovative LittleBigPlanet. That means a full year of user generated content, and Media Molecule are to honour all those who made the best levels in the annual “Sackademy Awards.”

One award has been handed out to Anpostteller for “Best Visuals and use of Special Effects in a Level,” on his “Post-Apocalyptic” creation. The level is fucking amazing by the way.

There are more awards to come.

Aww, Look At That Lovely Swimming Sackboy.

If there’s one game we’re itching to stick back inside our system it’s LittleBigPlanet. We know there’s no excuse for not delving back into the ludicrously whimsical world, after all, people are making great content all the time. We just need that lure of professionally developed content to bring us back. And thankfully, a trophy listing on PS3Trophies (via TSA) suggest that’s exactly what’s coming.

The trophies, detailed below, seem to hint at the previously announced water DLC alongside a bunch of new levels to get the creative juices flowing.

Now all we need is a date. Please be Christmas, Media Molecule. Please.

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Dress Sackboy As Assassin's Creed II's Ezio Auditore de Firenze.

Pick up this awesome Assassin’s Creed II Sackboy ensemble for just $1.99/£1.59 today from the Playstation Store. Includes cardboard knives.