Sony releases LittleBigPlanet Karting announcement trailer

LittleBigPlanet Karting is officially a thing.  Although Sony, back in February, already confirmed LittleBigPlanet Karting was "in development", the company today released an announcement trailer and some details making the game "official".

Announced a "new LBP collaboration" between series creator Media Molecule and ModNation Racers developer United Front Games, Media Molecule studio director Siobhan Reddy described LittleBigPlanet Karting as "an adventure that both LBP fans and kart-racing fans alike will enjoy."

Confirmed features include LBP's trademark creation in a 3D world, online game modes, including competitive arena battles, split screen mode or online via Playstation Network, objective based missions, and mini-games.

Using the game's new toolbox, created specifically for the Kartins 3D world, you can design tracks, customize Sackboy, the karts, and make your own game rules.  User-generated content will be downloadable via PSN.

"We are eager to see what you think of this union and especially excited to see what happens now that you can create in a 3D environment — it’s the start of a whole new LBP world!"

Meanwhile, United Front Games senior producer James Grieve added: "Our goal with LBP Karting has been fairly simple – provide a fast-paced experience that captures the best of classic karting gameplay, married with the unbridled creativity of LBP. This new adventure will be accessible to players of all ages and have all of the variety necessary to satisfy both the hardcore and more casual players."

Just because it's a karting game doesn't mean there won't be something for all you creative minds out there.  Grieve said the LBP Karting will include a new toolbox created specifically for the 3D world.

"This is an LBP game, so we could never talk about it without mentioning the Create tools. LBP Karting is set in an entirely 3D world that will enable players to create rich and varied gameplay experiences. Tons of familiar LBP gadgets will be present, along with a new toolbox specifically tailored to allow for building in LBP Karting’s 3D world."

"Along with fan-favorite racing and battle modes, players will be able to modify the rules of the game itself to create completely new modes and challenges. All of this is wrapped up in a community experience that should have LBP fans feeling right at home."

LittleBigPlanet Karting is due out on PlayStation 3 in 2012.