Posted Oct 17, 2008 at 07:53AM by Isaac C. Listed in: News, PlayStation Network, Games, LittleBigPlanet Tags: Sony, SCEE, PlayStation Network, Media Molecule, LittleBigPlanet
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Sony can sell your user content without payment - Image 1A change in the PlayStation Network's terms of use (more than) suggests that they can sell user-created content as if it was their property:

You also authorise us [Sony] and our affiliated companies, without payment to you, to license, sell and otherwise commercially exploit your User Material


In other words, they won't pay you for it. Most likely this clause was put in for the benefit (well, their benefit) of those who were hoping to sell their LittleBigPlanet user-created content.

Sounds like a 180-degree turnabout from the previous claim SCEE's David Reeves made when he said that players will be allowed to sell their creations. Guess you can't moonlight as a LittleBigPlanet stage creator after all.

The document further outlines that they may sell subscription services or gain advertising revenue related to your content. Which means that not only will they not pay you for your content, but they'll earn cash off your work as well.

Not that this is a total shocker. It's probably just a legal clause saying "we are a subscription service that allows you to share user-generated content, so why should we pay you for sharing your content?" which is perfectly normal. Of course, it's another matter if they start putting price tags on individual downloads of user-generated content, but this likely won't happen.

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11 Comments


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   by Bunjabin - 2008-10-17
 » 180 degree, not 360 :p

"Sounds like a 360-degree turnabout from the previous claim"


Sounds like no biggie to me, since the user created content will be stored on Sony servers after all, and it's without any monthly fee.


   Re: Isaac C. (QJ. NET Staff) - 2008-10-17
 » Whoops

Corrected ;)
   by Matt-N - 2008-10-17
 » ...

I just received these updates in my Gmail. I didn't read through them though, as I knew anything important would find its way on QJ :)

I never really considered moonlighting on LBP stages, so am not really at a loss. I am kinda thinking though, that Sony (at one point, not sure about now) were/are making a loss on every PS3 sold, and the PSN is a free service, as is HOME, so I don't blame Sony for trying to scrape some revenue from somewhere.

The only thing that confuses me with this article is the ability to share LBP content. If it's freely available to share between friends and users, at what stage does Sony step in and slap a price tag on it? When I create a stage in LBP, how will my friends get access to it? Is Sony going to hijack the 'most shared' maps, and sell them; doubt it! If the sharing area only has advertising, I can't see this as a problem - as long as it's not bandwidth hungry Flash animations.

I really am puzzled!!!

   by ISOHaven - 2008-10-17
 » WTF!?!?!?!?!

That just looks like it was worded badly. For the most part all this means is, they can take screen captures of your level and use it in either documentation, sales ads, advertising......

Things like that. All those items become licensed material. In other words, NO ONE ELSE can use them without licensing them.

Licensing does not automatically mean money is trading hands.


   Re: Matt-N - 2008-10-17
 » ...

Yeah, that makes sense actually. Hope you're right.
   by phiyuku - 2008-10-17
 » one part of it seems like it definitly should be there

"and otherwise commercially exploit your User Material"

This is the only part that I think should be there because I think since its part of their game they should be able to use it in littlebigplanet ads or ps3 ads on the other hand, they should not be allowed to sell and make money without your permission, if anything the person decides to sell it and you take a little bit off the top for yourself, that I can get.

   by cizzar - 2008-10-17
 » Yes, maybe BUT

it's still your creation so even if Sony can sell it, you can give it away for free if you want, right ?


   Re: ISOHaven - 2008-10-17
 » WTF!?!?!?!?!

I don't think you can transfer levels outside of LBP???
   by CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2008-10-17
 » So does that mean if I put a picture off my &$$,

They will make millions from it?!!!


   Re: Cactuar Knight - 2008-10-18
 » lol

I swear..this comment made my day.
Although I dont think you'll be able to, it would be real funny if Sony DID decide to use a picture of someone's @$$ and try to market it lol

   Re: ISOHaven - 2008-10-18
 » WTF!?!?!?!?!

Seeing as how:

1. Your ass isn't worth $2.

and

2. All inappropriate material will be removed.

.... you don't have a snowballs chance in hell of getting rich!


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