Sony disables LittleBigPlanet servers after horrendous transphobic messages were displayed in-game
The online servers for PlayStation title LittleBigPlanet have been temporarily disabled due to transphobic hackers.
A statement was made on the LittleBigPlanet Twitter account on 22 May.
LBP Server Update : Due to the severity of the recent attacks we have no other option than to temporarily disable the game servers. We do not take these attacks lightly especially when they target our loyal community members. Thanks for understanding.
— Sackboy: A Big Adventure | LittleBigPlanet (@LittleBigPlanet) May 22, 2021
“Due to the severity of the recent attacks we have no other option than to temporarily disable the game servers. We do not take these attacks lightly especially when they target our loyal community members. Thanks for understanding,” it reads.
This follows a previous tweet from 21 May stating: “We are aware that some of our community are experiencing issues with the servers. Please be assured that we are investigating these new attacks and will update you when we know more.”
We are aware that some of our community are experiencing issues with the servers. Please be assured that we are investigating these new attacks and will update you when we know more.— Sackboy: A Big Adventure | LittleBigPlanet (@LittleBigPlanet) May 21, 2021
The hackers have been posting virulently transphobic, abusive and hateful messages, some of which have been shared on Twitter.
are- are you fucking kidding me
someone literally just hacked the lbp servers to post transphobic shit over some internal drama
what timeline are we in#SaveLBP #FixLBP pic.twitter.com/6RFSjZBgZw— ~Maymay~ ? (@HeyHeyItMaymay) May 22, 2021
Reddit user blueblur98_YT also referenced the messages in a post.
The LittleBigPlanet servers have been experiencing difficulties for the past couple of months, which may or may not relate to these hackers.
The LBP servers have been taken offline whilst we investigate some technical issues. We are trying to bring them back online as soon as we can. #lbp #littlebigplanet #saveLBP— Sackboy: A Big Adventure | LittleBigPlanet (@LittleBigPlanet) March 12, 2021
The Twitter account does mention improvements to server security that took place at the end of April.
Server update: Some of you may have noticed that the servers have been online intermittently over the last week. This is whilst we test the new security updates we’ve put in place. Rest assured we are still working on resuming the service fully as soon as we can. #saveLBP
— Sackboy: A Big Adventure | LittleBigPlanet (@LittleBigPlanet) April 27, 2021
Some fans believe the server has been the repeated target of a DDOS campaign from one disgruntled hacker unhappy with Sony’s treatment of the series.
It’s unclear if this latest attack is by the same person.
Fans have been using #SaveLBP to share their feelings on Twitter.
The platformer game was originally released in 2008 for the PS3 but remains popular as users are able to create and share their own crafted levels online.
It was followed up by two sequels, which all coexist on the same servers. Any issues will affect all three games.
PlayStation 5 owners can instead play Sackboy: A Big Adventure. A spin-off of the series, it eschews the series’ trademark user-generated content for a creative 3D platformer.
For more gaming news, follow Gaymeo on Facebook. You can also email us with any news or tips on [email protected]
MyPinkNews members are invited to comment on articles to discuss the content we publish, or debate issues more generally. Please familiarise yourself with our community guidelines to ensure that our community remains a safe and inclusive space for all.
Report this comment
Please let us know why you would like to report this comment:
The ability to comment will be removed from anyone who does not follow our Terms & Conditions