Play, Create, Share, is a genre brand name that was basically invented by Media Molecule after the creation of their title series, LittleBigPlanet. LittleBigPlanet is a top notch side-scroller that focuses on the player’s ability to create levels, characters, and whatnot as well as share what that player creates and play the creations of others’ online. It’s a fantastic idea that worked out really well in both LittleBigPlanet and LittleBigPlanet 2. United Front Games came along and utilized this idea for Modnation Racers and viola the Play, Create, Share genre expanded to kart racers. This can also be seen with LittleBigPlanet Karting which was seen at this year’s E3. What other genres can this idea be formatted to? Media Molecule recently had job listings for new projects and with a developer like that making a brand new title! Who knows what to expect, but here are some ideas!
1. First/Third Person Shooters
I know a lot of people out there disagree with me on this, but I would love to see a shooter game that held such a deep arcade style and simple layout that Play, Create, Share could be useable. Even if it was just some type of laser tag game the possibilities for levels to be created are endless. With the right artistic style both First and Third Person shooter formats are very possible. I often think back to Counter-Strike: Source or Halo: Custom Edition maps when thinking about this topic.
I understand that games like Far Cry 2 and Far Cry 3 incorporate level creators and a Play, Create, Share aspect, and while I’m not saying that I am against those games doing their own style… I feel as though a game needs to be made from the ground up to support a play create share function. With creator tools like “LittleBigPlanet”, where an editor can do absolutely anything, would greatly expand upon Play, Create, Share. Building machines, vehicles, and tunnels would be very nice! (I tried and could not figure out how to create a tunnel in Far Cry 2 level editor).
Also keep in mind that beyond just a game that is built from the ground up for Play, Create, Share, whatever game needs to have its own visual style that adapts well to the gameplay while keeping the visuals looking smooth.
2. Role-Playing Games
3D Dot Game Heroes was not my favorite game of all time but I loved the idea behind it. Most RPG’s today have already given players the ability to create their own character but what about creating items, weapons, dungeons and all different kinds of user generated objects within the world that can be shared online? I think that would make a fairly interesting RPG. However again I must restate, it needs to have the right art style. All of these games pretty much do due to the way the game must be built. Even building your own storyline, quests, and storyline would be pretty fun and give a creative community a lot to play with. RPG Maker is one game that can expand a lot on the PlayStation 3 by expanding beyond sprites.
3. Flight Combat
Does anybody here remember Colony Wars? That game was really fun! But to make things even more awesome how about user generated ships, missions, and other air/space craft? I think that would be pretty damn cool. Please note that this doesn’t have to be a space flight game either, space, air, water, it all works for me.
4. Tycoon Games
Not everyone likes Tycoon games I know. However lately it seems like there is a tycoon for everything. Roller Coaster Tycoon, Zoo Tycoon, Train Tycoon, etc., why not make a Tycoon game that covers all of it in one! I might even get that for the console! (Although only if it were a PSN title). Remember though that this would also need the right direction, without becoming too much of just a build stuff and see what happens kind of game.
5. Skateboarding Games
If you played the Tony Hawk series from THPS2 until Proving Grounds, then you may be familiar with the level creator mode. Skate parks made in this mode were really cool, from massive jumps to huge half pipes, I would give anything to go back to those days. Even creating obstacle courses and roller coasters in THUG 2 were fun as hell. Bring it back guys because one of my favorite Play, Create, Share games came out last gen! I had not had a great amount of time to play around with Skate 2 or 3 however I am definitely interested in the expansion of the creator modes on there. Skate is definitely a more realistic skateboarding game making Play, Create, Share’s impact feels less prominent in my opinion as you know with my stance on Far Cry 2 & 3. Additionally, Skateboarding is not exclusive to this, this could work for Snowboarding or other extreme sports.
Jordan Slo
I'm the host of the Euphoria Cast for PlayStation Euphoria. Being an avid PlayStation Gamer since I was a child, PlayStation Euphoria allows me to express my opinions and ask the right questions about everything and anything PlayStation. Check out our Podcast sometime and be sure to leave comments!
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