ModNation Racers Beta Starts December 18 + Character Creation Walkthrough #2

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Hello everyone!

Rob Oliveira here. I’m taking a quick break from work to talk to you about some more character creation features in ModNation Racers.

But first, here’s a date you’re going to want to mark down on your calendars. December 18. That’s the day we open up the ModNation Racers Beta to you. The Beta runs through January 10, and you’ll have the chance to score a Beta voucher right here on the PlayStation Blog! Stay tuned very soon for details on the Beta giveaway. Of course, those of you who picked up LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year Edition already have a voucher, so you’re good to go!

In today’s video I’m going to give you a very brief walkthrough of our sticker and layering system. I’m going to create something using one simple shape, several layers, and some color changes.

Once you’ve seen what I do with one shape and a couple of layers, you can easily imagine what can be done with hundreds of stickers, and hundreds layers at your disposal. Our system allows you to move, scale, skew, rotate, flip and change the height and transparency of all these stickers. We’ve also created many “physical” stickers like rust, mud, and dents. Like all of the parts in our game, you can change the color channels, and material properties of each of these. I hope you’re starting to see the possibilities!

Don’t see that Chrome Dragon sticker you’re looking for? There’s nothing stopping you from using one of many primitives and gradients as brushes to create it in the layer editor. Use the material properties to change all those stickers to chrome. Our layering system allows you to group those layers together, so you can move, scale, rotate or change colors as a group. Once you’ve created that Chrome Dragon, group the layers together and paste the whole thing a few more times, or save it as a Sticker Set to your PS3, for use later.

The Creation Station team here at UFG have worked really hard to make this system easy to use, but incredibly powerful. Whether you decide to create characters quickly and casually, or dive in and spend hours and hours, we know you’ll be able to create some truly unique and unbelievable characters!

We are incredibly excited to get ModNation Racers into your hands and see what you create! Start planning now:)

I look forward to any questions or comments. And be sure to head back next week for another ModNation Racers video walkthrough, track editing! Now back to work!

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199 Comments

35 Author Replies

  • Hey I have a couple questions about the game. In an episode of Jimmy Fallon Live they were at E3 and someone was able to race with a cutout of Jimmy’s face wondering if that was still possible to put peoples faces as masks in the game. Also I saw some pictures of karts with a qore logo and some Canadian logo wondering if you will have companies logos like coke cola, or will I have to make them myself.

    • Hi BC! ha, I\’m glad you got a chance to see that! We were stoked to get the game on there. That was a custom thing done for Jimmy Fallon, so no you can\’t exactly do that. Our decal system is very powerful so you can create whatever you like. The Qore logo, for example, was created completely inside the game with our decal system. I think you\’re going to find it very satisfying

  • Wow, really can’t wait for the beta to go green light…

  • Oh yes, by the way, is there going to be a feature where you can listen to your own music from the PS3 HDD while playing or creating in ModNation Racers? It will be cool if there is a function where you can add your own music to your own customized tracks. :)

  • Being a graphic designer/illustrator, I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on this game. Awaiting the 17th eagerly!

    Question, will there be a limit to how many stickers you can stack at once on someone, I know in LBP there was some sort of limit that would start deleting “lower layer” stickers if you kept stacking.

    Thanks for supporting creative gaming and putting the creating in the gamer’s hands! Big inspiration.

  • More games that the whole family can enjoy! :)

    Thanks

  • motion controller support??
    ps eye support???

  • Okay honestly, I am a little upset. I was in the original LBP beta, AND I bought (waited and extra week) the game on the first day! I have paid for things and poured my soul into that game. People that took an entire year to buy the game get the voucher? and they get free dlc? Wtf? Injustice, that is all I am saying. I’ll keep my fingers crossed to get into the beta…but you know how those things always are.

    • Thanks for supporting LBP!

      If you register on ModNation.com you automatically get the Theme and get a chance to get into the beta.

      Good luck!

  • This is pretty cool.

  • Hey Rob! Im super hyped! A first day buy for me!
    Hopefully I can get in the beta.
    By the way, I signed days ago for the beta but I don’t know how to download the theme. What shall I do?

    Yet again, I would really love to be in!

  • Will ModNation Racers use Sony’s Motion Controller and Camera in any shape or form? Also nice to see devs from Canada if you guys throw a launch party in Vancouver. I’ll be there, Canada Rules :)

  • Ok my questions are more technical for the player made track area.

    1. What is the square footage of the area we can create a track in? As in length, with and hight.

    2. Will the game tell us if we go to far on putting in to many things that might hurt game play like LBP does.

    3.How many cool sceenery parts do you have…like waterfalls or snow capped peaks and sandy dessert objects?

    I know i have lots of questions, but i just wanted some info to help plan out the cool tracks i want to build.

    • hey Naquiel!
      1. not sure of the exact dimensions, but you can create really long and high tracks. The designers have make tracks that take several minutes to finish one lap, so they are quite substantial.

      2.The game does have budget meters that tell you what your overall limit is and your limits on individual objects where applicable.

      3. We will be announcing exact numbers later on, but i can tell you we have hundreds of scenery objects for you to choose from when decorating your track. We have themed objects as well as many race props to choose from. We think you\’ll be spoiled for choice!

      thanks for your questions!

  • Kind of a bummer for the people who bought LBP when it was release, before GotY edition came out…

  • Hey rob,
    You guys at media molecule have been doing a beautiful job with this game and LBP…U guys ahould talk to sony on making like a mii/avatar thing like the other 2 consoles got…2 is there going to be xmb music included

  • I am very excited about this game. Mario Kart was always one of my favorite games and this seems to be in the same vein but much better imo. Hopefully I get in the beta, I signed up so I will keep my fingers crossed

  • @111Not Media Molecule, United Front Games

  • Since this game is partially based on 4 player splitscreen, you should make it so that every splitscreen player can login with his/hers PSN account. It’s fun to create your own personal profiles and even more fun to keep tabs on statistics etc.

  • I got the LBP:GoY edition that came with my PS3 when I bought it at Best Buy. I didn’t see a voucher for a code anywhere. Am I missing something or did those not come with codes?

    • NOTE- Only specially stickered copies of GOTY had the voucher.

      If the copy of the game was new and it had a sticker on the front indicating that it had a voucher then it should have it.

      If there was no sticker then it\’s not included. :(

  • Good thing my buddy’s brother lost my copy of LBP the replacement GOTY edition he got me has the ModNation Racers beta voucher in it! COME ON DEC 18th Cant Wait…Keep up the awesome work UFG!!

  • Why when i got GotY mine came with a Beta Code that doesnt have a scratch and its paper but shows a code?

    • Weird. There should be a scratch off. If the game wasn\’t used and it was still wrapped, the code should work.

  • please tell me that works because i only bought GotY for the beta & im hearing my beta invite voucher isnt exactly the same

  • Game looks amazing. Cant wait.

  • This game looks fun, can’t wait to give it a go!

  • Hey Rob,
    Like LBP will there DLC costume apparel like the motorstorm or the resistance fall of man add ons after the full game is released? Also if any of us in the MNR community has an idea for a DLC add on will it be considered if licensing rights allows it?

    • We\’re currently concentrating on finishing the game before we get too ahead of ourselves with DLC(although we are very excited by the possibilities) We will definitely be listening to the community and would love to hear what you folks want to see in the future for DLC. Can\’t promise anything but we\’ll definitely be open to your suggestions!

  • Thanks for answering my question guys. This is at the top of my list this coming year.

    So we got a Platform Share game, and an awesome Racing-Share game…. Now who’s gonna tackle an Adventure/RPG-making game with the easy-to-use interface of LBP and MN?

  • Awesome work! Easier than AI too haha. Can’t wait to see more details on the game because it looks really impressive so far.

  • Sucks i got LBP GOTY on Cyber Monday.
    It didnt have voucher in it.

    Guess that would explain why Gamestop had it for 39.99.

  • will the game have split screen online and if so can the 2nd player log in into his acc. like LBP,Resistance 2. that will make the game even better

  • I signed up for the Qore subscription and it indicated that a voucher would be mailed out. I just went through a seperation and moved and wanted to know if there is a way that I can contact them to have them send this to the new address?
    Thanks

    • Hi! Contact Consumer Services and let them know your PSN ID (the one connected to your subscription) and if you are listed, I\’m sure they can arrange something for you.

  • @totalchaos1105, Did you buy the game used? I would go back to that store and let them know. Every game that is factory sealed should have the beta. I would go back, and let them know you want another. If they don’t I will call Sony and let them know.

  • hey rob,

    i just bought a ps3 bundle with god of war collection and lbp game of the year. i didn’t get a voucher??? what the heck? could you help, or direct me to somebody that can? thanx. can’t wait to play!

    • Hi! Did the LBP GOTY have a Sticker in the front that said the voucher was inside? If it didn\’t then it didn\’t come with it.

      Only specially marked copies of GOTY had it.

  • LAST!!

    We have a new winner in the most responses for a game. Well done Rob Oliveira on acquiring the mantel of King Replier to the Community.

    You game looks very cool indeed.

    • haha. Thanks CB!! my pleasure! thanks for the kind words. We\’re so excited to hear your comment and questions after not being able to talk about the game for so long. We really appreciate all the excitement and interest in the game! Thanks again!

  • Will we be able to import photo’s for decals?

  • UK beta codes? =(

  • Hi,
    Sorry about my pathetic English last time. I’m back with yet another idea.

    How about a detailed ranking system that allows players to rate several aspects of the user created level.

    So, maybe you could rate the scenery, the track, the weapons, jumps etc. So that people can easily find the kind of levels they’re looking for.

    So if I want to play a really large track full of weapons and jumps etc but the background doesn’t matter then I can find that based on the ratings.

    BACKGROUND *
    TRACK SIZE *****
    WEAPONS ****
    JUMPS *****
    Overall *****

    Just an example.

  • I honestly can’t wait for this game, LBP is very cool and I enjoyed it but got bored after a while but ModNation is kart racing….I loved Mario Kart so much and this just opens up so many possibilities.

    Here’s an idea for DLC or even an expansion pack down the road….open the racing world up into having not just kart racing but say racing on water with boats/jetski’s or even taking to the skies with planes/helicopters.

    This game has the potential to sell for years with all the potential for incrimental DLC and expansion packs like listed above.

    Can’t wait for the EU Beta (assuming I get in!) and eventually the final game!

  • Reading through the replies, I’m just in awe on how well, fast and exciting the staff of United Front Games and some from SCEA responds to the questions that has been posted on these character creation videos. It’s great to know that this game is in some very strong hands.

    Maybe you guys could set up an online chat event where the fans can ask away with questions and ‘hang’ out with the staff

  • at modnation racers website it said if you signed up before december 3d you are automatically in clarification please

  • @DZORMAGEN- i bought it new online at game stop. Would they accept open box game?

  • Few quick questions…

    1. I live in England, will there be a chance that we will get the Beta in the future aswell as some other countrys?

    2. What is the chance there will be Spinning floors and other movement pannels?

    3. Is there a way in the engine that AL players will be able to take the shortcuts you make on tracks?

    4. Whats the chance of the ability of making floating tracks? (Like Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road and Banshee Boardwalk)

    5. It does have 4 Player Split Screen right?

    6. I noticed in one video the ability to have the American Flag as a Character Texture, any chance there will be a Union Jack Texture too? (I probably wouldnt use it though lol)

    Thanks for reading through these and I wouldnt be suprised if your not allowed to confirm them, but thanks anyway.

    Oh, and an idea, how about a Wheel set you could unlock that removes the wheels and replaces them with a flat pad under your car that makes your it look like its floating but dosent chance its stats etc… (just a random thought)

    • Hey Darkxil! I\’ll answer what i can.

      1.There will be announcements on the European beta soon!

      2.I can neither confirm nor deny this ;)

      6.We currently don\’t have any flags in the game, but one could easily build a Union Jack if one wanted to.

      Sorry i couldn\’t answer more, but there will be answers to your question in future updates soon!. Thanks for your questions and comments D!

  • North Vancouver BC here. Its decal. I wanted to stop by and say hello but from what I saw you guys dont want visitors lol

  • Will the full release have 4 player splitscreen for local multiplayer?

    Also, will it have a battle mode?

  • SWEET I WANNA GET THIS GAME SO BADLY!! Thanks so much for a beta and the opportunity to get it!

  • Hey there, just wanted to say i bought LBP (GOTY) the day it came out just for this BETA. After the delays in beta i have decided that i wont use my code nor will i buy this game. Kinda sucks was really looking forward to this, but at the same time – im not going to give you guys 60$ for a game – when you cant hold true to a timetable. For those of you who dont know – beta was suppose to start in september. 3 months ago – if these guys say DLC is coming dont hold your breath

    • Sorry you feel that way jpbslayer. Hope you reconsider and join in on Dec 18th!

      Question- Where was it listed that the beta was scheduled for Sept?

  • I REALLY HOPE this game sells 1 MILLION within the year of 2010! It looks so promising, and the creativity seems to be unlimited!!

  • @143: To be honest, I bought LBP (GOTY) mostly for this beta too — it sits waiting for the kids to unwrap it Christmas day, with the code in my drawer waiting for the day I can use it (I try entering it at least four times a week). While I feel your pain, I don’t share your attitude.

    A 3-week beta starting in 2 weeks…YAY! I do already wish it was longer, and wish it started more than one week before the kids open their new games and controllers on Christmas. The competition between this and the titles they’ll get for Christmas will probably be fierce around our house. But unlike jpbslayer, if the beta meets expectations, this will be our first release-date purchase (already preordered at amazon…for now).

    I’m excited to hear there’s a story/career mode, as hate being forced to play online. I love the idea of tracks long enough they take a “several minutes” to complete — hope there’s room for some of the tracks I’ve been building in my head.

    I see you’ve been avoiding commenting on most specifics regarding gameplay, but let me repeat what others have said: I really REALLY hope you guys are serious about local multiplayer. Two-player as a bare minimum, four-player would be ideal. PLEASE don’t screw this up.

  • Excuse me Rob when I went to ModNation.com it said that they would be giving away beta codes between the 3rd and the 17th and it said in parantheses if you registered before the 3rd you are automatically in. I’m confused if this means I’m included in the beta or in the contest could you please clarify this for me

    • hey dan! I\’ll try and get someone from Sony to help clarify for you. As I mentioned, UFG doesn\’t handle anything to do with the codes or beta registration. I\’ll try and get you an answer ASAP ok?

  • Hey Rob,

    I have a couple of questions. In Modnation Racers, will everyone be able to make caves within the themes? Will there be the option of putting water on the track or even making an underwater track?! Also what will the beta include?!

    • I\’m not going to spoil it for you but i will tell you that you can do 2 of the 3 things you mentioned :) The beta will include an opportunity for you to try Kart,Character and Track creation as well as share race and online!

  • Thank you for your help

  • Can my Questions please be answered… they never do ¦/

  • Thanks! I can’t wait till your game!

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