To me it sounds like a way to get more players to the game. With it being free to play, and as it's a new download gamers will avoid downloading the ton of patches for the game. (not that it's a bad thing, I love the game)
More info here by Steven Isbell, LBP Community Manager: http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2013/08/20/introducing-littlebigplanet-hub/
He is leaving because he doesn't want to put up with abuse in the games industry? Looking at all these comments from gamers here, I cant say I blame him.
I keep my old game cartridges not for any sentimental value, but instead to throw at the children of this generation when they say 'This Facebook game kicks Marios ASS!' or 'I'm a hardcore gamer, I'm always on my phone playing games!'.
It does hurt when I let go of games, as it bounces of my nephews head ^^
Just_Tom__'s comments