The game now has a ship date of 27th October for the US and week beginning November 3rd for European countries.
http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/10/17/sony-littlebigplanet-to-be-recalled-on-global-level/
Media Molecule, the developers of LBP respond to the delay:
http://www.mediamolecule.com/
Update to other territories:
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/32079/LittleBigPlanet-re-dated
SCEE has just confirmed to VG247 that shipped LittleBigPlanet units are to be recalled on a global level thanks to a licensed track in the game containing two expressions from the Quran.
SCEE has just made a statement on the issue, saying the game will be delayed as a result of the issue, but hasnt confirmed a new release date as yet:
During the review process prior to the release of LittleBigPlanet, it has been brought to our attention that one of the background music tracks licensed from a record label for use in the game contains two expressions that can be found in the Quran. We have taken immediate action to rectify this and we sincerely apologise for any offence that this may have caused.
It was thought this afternoon that shipped units of the game were to be pulled back in Europe, but the move will be made worldwide, Sonys just told us.
When asked how many units are to be recalled, a SCEE rep said, We havent been given any figures..
http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/10/17/sony-littlebigplanet-to-be-recalled-on-global-level/
Media Molecule, the developers of LBP respond to the delay:
As some of you may have noticed, LBP has been slightly delayed in some territories. At MM we were as shocked and dismayed by this as anyone - shellshocked and gutted. We cant wait for you all to get playing and creating!
We learnt yesterday that there is a lyric in one of the licensed tracks which some people may find offensive, and which slipped through the usual screening processes. Obviously MM and Sony together took this very seriously. LBP should be enjoyable by all. So within 12 hours of hearing about this issue involving a lyric (in Somalian, I believe!), we prepared an automatic day 0 patch and had a new disk image ready; however a decision was made within Sony that the right thing to do for quality and support of people with no on-line was to replace existing disks.
Apologies to everyone excited to play the game and I can assure you that when it arrives, it will be worth the wait! We want everyone to be able to enjoy the game, and this tweak should help - were just gutted it couldnt be sooner. MM continues to work hard to support the game too. We know that LBP will be something that you can enjoy for a long time to come, when all of this is forgotten and all that remains are thousands of incredible levels and creations to play, create and share.
http://www.mediamolecule.com/
Update to other territories:
Sony confirms title will arrive some time in the week commencing November 3rd in Europe
PS3 platform holder Sony has announced that LittleBigPlanet will be released in Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand in the week commencing November 3rd meaning a likely UK arrival of November 3rd, VG247 reports.
Sonys statement reads: We appreciate all the enthusiasm surrounding this much anticipated title and we would like to thank PlayStation fans for their support and understanding.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/32079/LittleBigPlanet-re-dated