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