iPhone Devs Lured to PSP

Sony has been recruiting existing iPhone game developers to build versions of games for the PSP ahead of the launch of the download-only PSP Go, sources said on the Friday ahead of Germany's gamescom expo. While the specific titles haven't been named, Pocket Gamer explained they would all be titles that could port to the slightly smaller resolution display as well as without touch. The move would help bulk up Sony's initial game library for PSN beyond retail-level titles.

The actual game submission process will be a cross between the App Store as well as Sony's familiar system. Sony is allegedly keeping prices consciously low. In Europe, most developer games can only be priced at 1, 3 or 5 Euros ($1.43, $4.28 or $7.14) to match what many less expensive iPhone games cost. In contrast to Apple's informal approval and publishing schedule, PSN will not only require at least a two-week testing period and will leave developers subject to Sony's preferences for launch schedules. The change could see games delayed to make room for higher-profile releases or Sony's intended promotional schedule.

Sony's reaction is an inversion for a company that has normally characterized the PSP as a premium handheld but shows increasing worry at console makers that Apple may undermine their game market. Sony's closest rival, Nintendo, has much larger sway in the industry but recently acknowledged that the iPhone was hurting business by reducing demand.

By Electronista Staff