Sony on Games Development for the PSP Mini
One of the first things we tried to do with our new approach is lower the barrier to entry by bringing down the kit prices to about 80 per cent.
The second thing we’ve done is take an approach on how people applied to be part of the PSP development program – it’s a very open approach, definitely, but there’s still a [selection] process because you do need a dev kit.
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On that website, all developers really have to do is explain their game and their company and very quickly we give them accessibility to the platform. That includes access to technology sites before they even commit to buying a development kit, so they can spec what they want to do.
So, incentive-wise, this is more a case of Sony reducing the barriers to entry more than anything else.
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Right now, we’re looking for a good portfolio of games. Unlike with the App Store, we’re looking to support everyone that develops for us, instead of leaving developers out in the wilderness. We’re not immediately interested in giving developers free access and no help.There are dangers in having total open access; having six thousand applications where probably only thirty are discovered by the consumer. Some of the developers working on the App Store and PSP Minis tell us that they prefer our approach because they get more visibility.
So, this is about reducing the barriers. If you’re one of the chosen few. So you get increased visibility. Among others of the chosen few. Who get barriers reduced. And because of this we’re better than the AppStore.
I think you’ve been very clear, Mister Sony Man.