Yes, in several significant ways, the LittleBigPlanet franchise, particularly its most recent main installment, LittleBigPlanet 3, has effectively been discontinued in terms of new digital availability and ongoing active development for new titles.
The "end of an era" for PlayStation's association with the series is marked by the delisting of LittleBigPlanet 3 and its associated downloadable content (DLC) from the PlayStation Store. This means that new players will no longer be able to easily obtain digital copies of LittleBigPlanet 3 for their PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles.
What Does "Discontinued" Mean for LittleBigPlanet?
When a game or franchise is referred to as "discontinued," it can imply various things. For LittleBigPlanet, it encompasses:
- Digital Storefront Removal: The most direct indication is the delisting of LittleBigPlanet 3 and its DLC from the PlayStation Store. This directly impacts new purchases and access to the game's digital version.
- Cessation of New Development: Media Molecule, the original developer behind the series, has not announced any future projects related to LittleBigPlanet, suggesting that active development for new main series installments has ceased.
- Uncertainty of Ongoing Support: While existing copies of the game may still be playable, the delisting often signals a broader reduction in platform holder support, including potential impacts on online services over time.
Impact on Players
The discontinuation primarily affects how players can access and experience the LittleBigPlanet universe going forward:
- Difficulty Obtaining New Copies:
- Digital: New digital purchases of LittleBigPlanet 3 and its DLC are no longer possible through the PlayStation Store.
- Physical: Existing physical disc copies of LittleBigPlanet 3 (for PS4) and previous titles (like LittleBigPlanet and LittleBigPlanet 2 for PS3) will still function and can be played if you own them.
- Existing Ownership:
- Players who have previously purchased LittleBigPlanet 3 digitally can still download and play the game from their PlayStation library.
- DLC that was previously purchased should also remain accessible for download and use by existing owners.
- Community and User-Generated Content: The LittleBigPlanet series is renowned for its robust "Play, Create, Share" mechanics, allowing players to create and share their own levels. While the core game remains playable for existing owners, the long-term status of online servers supporting community features and user-generated content for older titles can become uncertain after a game's general support has ended.
Summary of Status
To clarify the current situation regarding the LittleBigPlanet franchise:
| Aspect | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| LittleBigPlanet 3 Digital Purchase | Discontinued | No longer easily obtainable on PlayStation Store for PS4 and PS5. |
| LittleBigPlanet 3 DLC Purchase | Discontinued | Delisted alongside the main game. |
| New LittleBigPlanet Game Development | Inactive | Media Molecule has not announced future projects, indicating no new main series games are in active development. |
| Existing Physical Copies | Playable | Physical discs for LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4) and earlier titles (PS3) can still be played. |
| Existing Digital Ownership | Playable | Players who already purchased digital copies can still download and play them from their library. |
| Online Services (for existing games) | Uncertain/Reduced | While not explicitly stated, delisting can often precede or coincide with a reduction in active online support for community features. |
The Future of LittleBigPlanet
While the delisting of LittleBigPlanet 3 marks a significant turning point, signifying an end to its active life cycle on digital storefronts, the legacy of the franchise lives on through its dedicated community and existing game copies. There have been no announcements from the original developer, Media Molecule, regarding new installments, which further supports the notion that the main series is no longer in active development. This move truly signifies the "end of an era" for the beloved Sackboy and his adventures within the PlayStation ecosystem.
