In an interview with Develop, Sony revealed its strategy for development on the PlayStation Portable, and it's going to look a lot like an iPhone, with lots of easily downloadable, cheap and "snackable" apps and games. The company is making development of downloadable PSP games easier by streamlining distribution, and encouraging developers by abolishing concept approval, providing cheaper devkits, shorter quality assurance processes, and low price points for new games. All of these new games and applications will be available on a specially branded section of the PlayStation Store available to both PSP and PSP Go owners.
“We’re introducing new initiatives for the PSP which take it beyond traditional gaming, but still includes elements from gaming, and also includes new developers.” said Zeno Colaço, SCEE's head of developer relations.
Fifty studios are already hard at work on the new-school PSP applications and games, with more to be added in the future. While Sony isn't following the iTunes model to the letter -- it won't be giving away development kits -- the company has recently slashed prices of its SDK by 80%, which lowers the entry bar significantly for smaller teams.
"It is still a professional environment," Colaço said, "you still need a development kit and you still need to have investment and a team. But it can be a small team. We don’t see any of the restrictions on the disc-based space being in this space."
Do you think Sony's adoption of an iPhone-like app store for the PSP and PSP Go is ultimately a good thing or a bad thing? Do you care about small games and utilities on the PSP, or are you more about full-scale gaming on your little tiny screen? What kind of games or programs would you like to see? Personally, I think opening up the development process to more people will create a whole lot of crappy content -- it always does -- but buried within all that crap, you'll find some diamonds that otherwise wouldn't exist, so lets hope the gaming community and/or Sony will come up with a filtering system to separate the wheat from the chaff!
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prym1
What did you say? Be a DS in iPhone disguise? What?
Awesomerat
If sony thinks the PSPgo is going to even put a dent in Apples market share they are morons
logan_anderson
wow they try to make it better all they would need to do that is put 2 analog sticks!
l33t360
this sounds incredibly genius of sony.
/sarcasm
Sigil
It sound like Sony hasn't learned their lesson. This is going to be another PS3 type situation. What message are they trying to send?
snookgum123
It doesn't matter the psp visual is way better than the DS. Playing square box char on the ds. O.O Finally DL games for psp I'll wait until the Go comes out to get me another one. Don't have to carry all those games and Need the Go. Very innovative....!!! Genius Sony now I need a program so I can transfer all of my hack games over to the Go !!! I kid I kid!! I wonder if I can still use the GPS on the GO? What about the price please don't tell me thats its 200$ plus O.O
IcemanMX
I really don't see where Sony is going with this. I mean, who exactly are they targeting with this? It is not the hardcore gamers because they have the PSP and the DS. I don't think it is the iPhone demographic since most people with an iPhone have it because it is a phone with various bells and whistles. This PSP Go is more of just a whistle. If it is simply for the casual gamers, (i.e.- women) then I don't see them selling too many of these things. I just don't see people going out in droves to buy a "PSP Lite" with the added complications of wi-fi connections and downloading games/applications.
-M
Sigil
Sony's "strategy" is more of the same. Clueless..... Constantly changing their focus.... trying to be everything to everyone and having a dubious identity to show for it... I guess they are tired of Microsoft and Nintendo smacking them around and they want Apple to join in.... They shouldn't say "new initiatives" how about "borrowed" initiatives.
kyle2dotcom
Heres the thing. PSP is a professional platform, like the DS. The iPhone is not yet a gaming platform... at least not for real games. I do see games on the app store that just seem like they would work better with real buttons. A lot of them make virtual d pads and what not. If Sony can bring some of these concepts over to a real platform I think this stand a chance. Cheap basic games, and High budget titles all in one place. I think it.
mikemill
I love my PSP and I plan on upgrading to the DS (not having to lug UMD's around in a case is very apprealing to me). That being said, I do not see myself buying the cheap little iPod style games. I play my PSP on the road because it offers the best REAL video game experience of any hand held. Crappy little gaming apps are for non-gamers who don't know what a real video game is.
MindCarrot
sony does some truly stupid things. but i still love them so.
mikemill
I meant to say upgrade to the PSP Go... not the DS. LOL
Vesipham
Games aside, it also looks like Sony is going to be offering manga on the PSN.
"Personally, I think opening up the development process to more people will create a whole lot of crappy content -- it always does -- but buried within all that crap, you'll find some diamonds that otherwise wouldn't exist"
Sounds like LittleBigPlanet. I'll go through numerous levels before I can find one that's really polished.
snookgum123
Day One Buy for me!! I like simple games some are very fun and addictive...tetris,pingpong anyone? You're getting hardercore games and cusual games. Developer can make cusual game very easy. Infact I would imagine they be rolling out cusual games non stop becuase it wont cost them much to make. PSP is the only portal that have good visual. Now its smaller, slimmer, and very portabo. I like it!!! At least it'll fit perfect in my pocket. I like the slim that they have but still too long. Sony keep up the good work. Sometimes you gotta Educate the brain dead people here what is better and why!! Like PS3 is 10x better than oh I don't know xbox, and wii!!
flash41000
WTF I want a handheld gaming console, not a freaking other multimedia player, Already got that with my Zune. Thats basically what the PSP Go! is. I mean seriously, the psp is suppose to be a gaming handheld, not just a app user.... seems horrible
Prizzom
I'm hoping they have a lot of arcade type games that you just pick up and put down. i would bring a PG on every trip i would take. Tetris, Bubble shooter, bomberman, Street Figher, and Raiden type games are the most entertaining for me.
snookgum123
Oky Flash you are going to carry your Zune, wallet, cellphone and pspgo with you? Yeah oky I rather just have to carry PSPGo that have music and games. And not have to carry and cartridge.
snookgum123
Not have to carry zune and a psp with me plus cartridge.
snookgum123
I agree with you Prizzom!! <--- Smart Guy
dzzy
I think its a step back the only reason i have a psp is to play game titles that actually have gameplay. Yeah the DSI and I phone have downloadable games that are a great way to past the time but given the psp's software and graphics it should be running top games that will boost sales like their first game gran turismo 5
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