It's official, the PlayStation 2 is now an "open platform" in Europe. This means that developers won't need Sony's approval in order to release games on the platform.
They also state that game developers will no longer require a licensed publisher in order to get their games released on the PlayStation 3 or PSP systems.
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The most important information Bain had for his audience was news that, in Europe, the PlayStation 2 "is effectively an open platform," adding, "You no longer have to submit a game for content approval." He used examples from Russia and Indian developers, saying they can "create low-development cost titles and release them in their market."
Bain reports that there is no cost to become a licensed developer, but dev kits do cost. In some cases, Sony lends dev kits.
Bain reports that there is no cost to become a licensed developer, but dev kits do cost. In some cases, Sony lends dev kits.
They also state that game developers will no longer require a licensed publisher in order to get their games released on the PlayStation 3 or PSP systems.
And now, Sony will allow developers to publish by going through a third-party publisher. "This has never been done before," notes Bain. "This is something we're actively promoting."
"...without the need of a licensed publisher," he continues, "it's a direct relationship between a developer and Sony."
Something else to ease the process is an edict that, once a game has been approved, episodic and expansion content won't need to be approved before being published.
Currently, developers interested in utilizing in-game ads must work with the only two licensed ad providers, Double Fusion and IGA Worldwide, but Bain says the company is in discussions with additional partners.
Bain concluded by restating: "Developers no longer need a publisher to distribute games on PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3."
This is certainly a far more "open" approach from the Sony camp. Hopefully, it pays off with some unique titles we may have never been able to see without this new policy."...without the need of a licensed publisher," he continues, "it's a direct relationship between a developer and Sony."
Something else to ease the process is an edict that, once a game has been approved, episodic and expansion content won't need to be approved before being published.
Currently, developers interested in utilizing in-game ads must work with the only two licensed ad providers, Double Fusion and IGA Worldwide, but Bain says the company is in discussions with additional partners.
Bain concluded by restating: "Developers no longer need a publisher to distribute games on PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3."
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