LittleBigPlanet 'pushing toward' alpha

LittleBigPlanet is one of the most highly anticipated games of the year, and it is being developed by UK-based Media Molecule, makers of cult favorite Rag Doll Kung Fu. The quirky platformer will be coming exclusively to the PlayStation 3, and is currently slated to be out this autumn, with the general consensus being that the due date will be in "September."

Media Molecule seems to be on target for hitting this deadline, given that this week a new post appeared on its Web site to tell the world that "We're still alive!" and that LittleBigPlanet is nearing the alpha stage, which tallies with what the Cambridge-based developer said at a recent UK preview event.

"Sorry for the lack of updates, but we've been having a hectic time here at Mm Towers," said "Jim," a staffer at the studio. "Having finally sobered up after the Surrey Business Awards, we've been slaving away pushing LittleBigPlanet toward the Alpha stage of its development cycle. Basically this means all the cool stuff we said will be in there should be playable, even if it isn't pretty enough to release. The game seems to change every day at the moment and it is very exciting to be able to sit down and play what feels more and more like a complete experience."

He added that at the moment, things were "stressful" and that the team were maintaining personal projects to stay sane, including drawing, writing music...and making other games.