As some of you may have heard, Sony crushed the hearts of PS3 owners by recalling LittleBigPlanet, and stating that the game will ship next week on the 27th.  The reason for the delay was that some individuals noticed that one song in the game makes two references to the Qur’an.  Here are translations:

The words are:

1- In the 18th second: “كل نفس ذائقة الموت” (”kollo nafsin tha’iqatol mawt”, literally: ‘Every soul shall have the taste of death‘).

2- Almost immediately after, in the 27th second: “كل من عليها فان” (”kollo man alaiha fan”, literally: ‘All that is on earth will perish’).

LISTEN

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My initial reaction was the same as most people’s: rage.  I assumed that the delay had something to do with the connection some ignorant individuals form between terrorism and the Muslim religion.  Osama bin Laden is in our video games!

After rage came curiosity.  I did some digging and learned that those who opposed the song were those of the Muslim faith.  In the post which brought the subject to SCE’s attention, the author solid_08 explains: Muslims consider the mixing of music and words from our Holy Quran deeply offending.

While I admit I am still disappointed about the delay, I don’t want to see LBP associated with a religious controversy.  Also I would hate to see it offend people on such a sensitive topic, so I feel the decision was just.

It’s too bad that the creators didn’t realize this before the initial pressing was recalled.  Some websites like eBay are selling the recalled copies, which I doubt is legal.  Legal or not it is tempting…  I am slightly hesitant since I am not sure if the recalled version would be compatible for online content, which is a huge part of LBG’s appeal.

I think SCE made the right decision, and (as tough as it is) we gamers just need to be a bit patient.  LittleBigPlanet will be a great game, and everyone should be able to appreciate it.

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