So
much, in fact, that dev kits will soon be free
Sources
tell us that Sony is in desperate need of developers for the PlayStation
Portable, as many developers have abandoned the platform due to poor sales; on
top of this the fact that after Sony gets their cut there is just very little
money in developing for the platform.
Sony
might have an answer for this problem and they are hoping to attract new
developers to the platform. According to our sources, Sony is exploring an
option to give qualified developers free PSP development kits to help stimulate
development on the platform.
The
move by Sony to begin giving away PSP development kits to qualified developers
for free could really help stimulate the amount of available titles for the
PSP. In addition, it could really help get the PSP development kits into the
hands of qualified small development studios or teams that could not otherwise
afford the costs associated in buying a development kit and developing for the
platform.
Some
see this as a possible first strike at attempting to head off a possible attack
by Microsoft, who is said to also be working on the development of a portable
gaming platform. In addition, Microsoft is already said to be seeking
developers for the Zune HD, as well as for applications expected to be sold in
the Zune download store. Of course, many developers have also been attracted to
the iPhone/iPod Touch and have been starting to develop for that platform,
which has caused resources to be stretched for development for additional
platforms.
While
according to the whispers that we hear nothing is set in stone yet, Sony does
seem to be starting to head in this direction as they do believe that it could
be the key to turning the tide and gaining more title support for the PSP. In
fact, several developers have already announced additional titles for the PSP
in a trend that Sony would like to see continue. Sony does believe that the
stimulation of the growth of titles for the PSP is necessary for the survival
for the platform. While we don’t know which developers might qualify for a free
kit, it does seem that this move would really be well received by the
development community, according to some that we spoke to about the
possibility.