Making games for PSN

[grandmaster]

Sure, but that doesn't mean they're very exclusive either to the point of refusing to even think about indie devs. As long as you are a professional outfit, even if just a one-man band, you should be able to fill in that form and get Sony's attention as any other developer. The form is just there to stop wannabes inundating Sony with garbage, I think, rather than limiting development to established mainstream studios. If you're serious, create a prototype, get yourself a 'company website' and apply. If Sony aren't that open than their policy is contrary to their PR comments about being open to anyone to approach them.

Having gone through this route myself, it's far from easy, but you're bang on with the bolded part of the statement. I'd also say that it's going to be next to impossible for an individual to do this - you're going to need to be part of a company. You're also going to need to sign your life away with a Sony NDA. I don't think it's at all feasible for a hobbyist coder to be honest.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

No, I think XNA is the only option there, or PC. I suppose a wannabe would have to start on either of those platforms to get some credentials. But for home outfits, I question the wisdom of targeting PS3 anyhow! There are easy systems to start on! Those breaking out onto PS3 as a starting platform will be people like That Game Company who were a professional outfit from college (IIRC) who could present a serious option for Sony, who would target PS3 because they had the funding to do so.

Incidentally, seeing as you've looked into this, can you offer any other opinions? What do you feel is the minimum feasible PS3 startup size and why (why's it next to impossible for an individual)? And when you say sign your life away, what aspects? Is that really any different to signing up with any other publisher? I only ever hear good things from developers publishing under Sony who say they are afforded the freedom to create their vision, whereas tales about other publishers point to generally heavier-handed control.

 

[Crossbar]

Wasn´t Everyday Shooter a one man show project?

 

[JPT]

Wasn´t Everyday Shooter a one man show project?

Yes, but he had a company I guess, or rather he had an agent at least to do some work for him, towards Sony.

Not forgetting that the game was already done, ie it was running on PC so he basically converted it I guess.

 

[patsu]

Jonathan Mak's story: http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=503

 

[archie4oz]

Hrm, that's a pretty significant price cut, wonder how much functionality is cut from the pizzabox...

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=22864

 

[patsu]

GDC09: PixelJunk Eden profitable after one day of sales: http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/gdc09-pixeljunk-eden-profitable-after-one-day-of-sales/

Is the above a panel or a single-track presentation ? Are there more numbers available ?

 

[tirminyl]

Sony will match dev budget for self published games: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sony-to-match-dev-budgets-in-return-for-exclusivity

First game to take advantage of this is Burn Zombie Burn which just released today on PSN.

 

[patsu]

Hmmm... interesting ! Will buy Burn Zombie Burn to see what's so special about it.
[size=-2]Thank you, Sony...[/size]

 

[whome0]

Now that PopCap is bringing more PSN games such as Bejeweled 2, Zuma, Heavy Weapon, Peggle and Feeding Frenzy. Do anyone know a game engine they use?

Why am I bringing PopCap name is it's known to be a prime example of casual gaming I guess. Is it PhyreEngine or did they develop of their own crossplatform engine?

(ps: PhyreEngine petition site from Google Guess does not help much to change Sony's policy but there is a need).