Sony's NeoGeo Pocket's (PSP2/Vita) business/non technical ramifications talk

[patsu]

Sony NGP: XMB dropped for 'social networking factor':
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/289024/news/sony-ngp-xmb-dropped-for-social-networking-factor/

PlayStation's now iconic XMB user interface was dropped for PSP's successor, the Sony NGP, in an attempt to capture "the social neworking factor", SCE's said.

Speaking in the latest issue of Edge, Sony Computer Entertainment worldwide studios president Shuhei Yoshida revealed that touch screen controls were another "key reason" for ditching the XMB.

"That is indeed one key reason," he said. "The other fundamental point was our desire to make this device very social network orientated: there are lots of fun games on Facebook, for example.

"We wanted to integrate the social networking factor, the potential for friends to join in, interact at any moment," he told Edge. "We wanted the entire screen to be part of that experience.

"To do so, we thought it was important to let users keep track of their game even when they weren't playing it - with the LiveArea, for example."

EDIT:
Edge Sony NGP hands-on: 'Best ever handheld thumbsticks':
http://www.computerandvideogames.co...-ngp-hands-on-best-ever-handheld-thumbsticks/

The biggest praise however is aimed at the NGP's dual thumbsticks: "The analogue sticks are the best ever implemented in a portable device, giving the feel of using a genuine DualShock controller, with all the granularity of input you'd expect," it gushes.

 

[patsu]

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/press...stem_from_Sony_Computer_Entertainment_Inc.php

Trinigy, an industry leading 3D game engine provider with offices in Germany, Austin, TX and Seoul, Korea, announced today that upcoming versions of the Vision Game Engine will fully support the next generation portable entertainment system (codename; NGP) from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE). The new version, which includes a host offeatures designed to accelerate the development of graphically rich, high-performance game titles for NGP, will be unveiled at the 2011 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, CA (Mar 2-4) at booth 1810.

…


Key features designed to speed NGPdevelopment and enhance game and graphic quality include:

Optimized character skinning system for NGP– allows for efficient rendering of detailed characters with very high polygon and bone counts.

Full support for cross-platform and platform-specific texture formats– offers a straight forward workflow and easy porting of existing content, while providing high-loading performance and platform-specific content optimizations, where required.

Multithreading system– takes full advantage of NGP’s CPU cores for animations, mesh deformation, particle simulation, physics, visibility determination, and more.

Highly efficient rendering– Efficient rendering system minimizes CPU load.

Optimized shader/shader constant handling– includes full cross-platform compatibility.

Comprehensive support for NGP’s user interface–includes multi-touch as well as support for dual analog sticks.

Fully featured graphics technology– includes normal/parallax maps, specular maps, dynamic lighting, post-processing effects and more.

 

[patsu]

More from vendors @ GDC…

Titanio posted more techs here:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=26009740&postcount=5403

Firelight Technologies announces its support for the next generation portable entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.:
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/press...ny_ComputerEntertainment_Inc_with_the_rel.php

The FMOD Ex API and the FMOD Designer tool will give developers advanced solutions for the audio programming within their software titles for NGP and for the first time, FMOD will bring leading AAA audio features to a portable entertainment system.

The release of the FMOD middleware includes all the FMOD features that developers are used to when working on blockbuster software titles for the systems.

…

“We have worked with SCE for many years now and we are very excited by NGP. FMOD’s DSP engine will be off-loaded to the NGP media engine. The performance that this will provide, will give the flexibility that FMOD users are used to, with little or no extra CPU cost” said Brett Paterson, CEO Firelight Technologies.

Is that NEON ?



NaturalMotion joins PSP2 race:
http://www.develop-online.net/news/37071/NaturalMotion-joins-PSP2-race

Animation tools group NaturalMotion has become the latest firm to expand its remit to Sony’s upcoming PSP2 platform.

The announcement joins a raft of middleware firms committing support the handheld.

NaturalMotion said it has already updated its Morpheme 3 tool to work on Sony’s high-powered device.

Now Blitz updates tech for PSP2:
http://www.develop-online.net/news/37073/Now-Blitz-updates-tech-for-PSP2

UK indies Blitz Games Studios has become the latest company to adapt its engine for PSP2.

It joins fellow UK indies Rebellion which has also updated its tech for the high-powered Sony device. Trinigy and NaturalMotion too have updated their tech for the upcoming portable.

A new version of BlitzTech, which can be licensed by external studios, is now compatible with the PSP2.

 

[eastmen]

http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2011/02/sony-playstation-tablet-xperia/

Sony is taking the exact same tack. Phones with buttons? Tablets without buttons? Subsidized Android phones? High-end gaming-only devices? Cartridges? Downloads? Whatever it is you want, Sony will sell you one. And if you think it will be able to provide robust, high-quality software support for every one of these devices simultaneously, then I have a bridge I would like to sell you. It’ll cost less than an NGP.

 

[patsu]

Yap, that's why the WatchImpress article reported that Sony is focusing on NGP right now. Playstation Suite on other devices will work but won't offer a better experience than NGP.

It seems that Sony partners with other companies to provide the backend while they focus on their devices.

EDIT: They will likely have lots of QA challenges to overcome, and also messaging their position. Traditionally, Sony has been extremely weak in the latter area. That Wired article is not wrong in pointing out these risks and problems.

I think the title is incorrect though. There is a strong vision in Sony's recent moves, but not enough communication.

 

[Cyan]

Epic are both extremely enthusiastic and fond about the arrival of the NGP and the things that this wonderful console may be capable.

They define it as a game changer.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/290853/news/sony-ngp-a-true-game-changer-epic-games/?

Epic Games' Tim Sweeney has thrown the company's support behind Sony's Next Generation Portable, calling the new handheld a "true game-changer".

Epic revealed yesterday that it will be making its popular Unreal Engine 3 available for license by third-parties developing games for the portable.

"We see NGP as a true game-changer with a perfect combination of performance, innovative controls and gamer appeal that make it truly a high-end console in your pocket," said Sweeney.

Epic VP Mark Rein added: "NGP raises the bar for the performance of handheld platforms with its multi-core GPU and shader-based, multi-core CPU. This makes Unreal Engine 3 a particularly advantageous fit for NGP. Furthermore, multiple UE3 licensees are already working with NGP, some of which have indicated they intend to release their games for the platform's launch."

"We were very proud to be onstage with SCE to give the world just a taste of what Unreal Engine 3 can do on NGP".

The developer is scheduled to show off its new Unreal Engine next week at GDC.

They are a bit too fond of the NGP.... :smile:

 

[Arwin]

I reckon they have every right to be happy, as it's the first mobile platform after the iPhone that's capable of running UE3.0, it's far more capable that any current or any near future iPhone's because it can be coded to the metal, and it has much more useful controls. So I reckon they are seeing way more interest for their mobile EU3.0 version on the NGP than on iPhone, while they could probably leverage some of their research into the iPhone (that, or the iPhone version is actually leveraging development for NGP that we at the point that the iPhone version went public, weren't allowed to know about, but end result is the same).

What with several developers apparently already signing deals for publishing games at launch using UE3.0 they are clearly making money already, and have a good prospect at making more. Also, if the iPhone does grow into a viable market, then Epic looks to make even more money, because then there will be even more incentive for developers to use their multi-platform engine.

 

[patsu]

They can say whatever they want, but we need to see the goods for ourselves ! ^_^
The original article is here: http://www.industrygamers.com/news/sonys-ngp-a-true-game-changer-says-epic-games/

In a message on Twitter last week, Rein announced that Epic would be showing its “proposal of what the next generation will be, as powered by Unreal Engine 3,” with the company announcing yesterday that a possible new version of the engine would be shown at GDC 2011.

“This technology demonstration is nothing short of breathtaking. It reminds me of when we first showed Unreal Engine 3 to the world and people were amazed,” said Epic Games President Dr. Michael Capps. “It’s like seeing the Unreal Engine all over again for the very first time.”

“For those devs asking, yes, you'll be able to play with our Sony NGP demo and Dungeon Defenders NGP behind closed doors in our GDC booth,” said Rein in another tweet yesterday.

Come on man. Show some PS3 integration also.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

Some UE3 gamse make an obvious port, like Fat Princess which is a good fit for the portable IMO. Although I feel the DLC has debalanced that game too much.

 

[Bigduo209]

F1 2011 speeds its way onto Nintendo 3DS and NGP

http://www.nintendo-universe.co.uk/2011/02/28/f1-2011-speeds-its-way-onto-nintendo-3ds-and-ngp/

 

[Brad Grenz]

Skyhook Wireless has announced they are powering NGP's geolocation feature.

 

[Arwin]

Some UE3 gamse make an obvious port, like Fat Princess which is a good fit for the portable IMO. Although I feel the DLC has debalanced that game too much.

I personally think there's not such obvious lines to draw. I think I would sooner play something like Bulletstorm with its scoring / combo system on a portable than on the PS3. Whereas live online games I am much less likely to play on my portable personally, because they tie you up, sometimes for a considerable time, and an online game isn't something you can pause. But I would love to have a lot of proper score-chasers on the NGP (including LBP2). Games like Fat Princess should at the very least try to add fun modes that don't last too long.

With NGPs controls, and if the dual analog sticks are as good as are being suggested, then I personally don't think there's a clear yes/no to be said about what type of games should be ported. GT Mobile was perfect for me, except that the controls sucked. Burnout on PSP worked great, and the controls were even pretty good, I enjoyed that a lot. Same with Wipeout and several other 'ports'. I even played more of Prince of Persia on the PSP than I played on the PS2 despite load-times sometimes being a drag, same with Daxter vs Jak & Daxter (well actually, those were probably just about equal).

F1 2011 is an interesting example. Because of my experience with the PSP, I would *never* play that on the 3DS.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

Not every game has to be 10 minutes or less on a handheld though (or does it?!). There are times when you have your handheld for passing a bus journey or something, and other times like on holiday when it serves as your console and you might get a couple of hours play in an evening. Given the cheapness of a Fat Princess port, I can't see why it wouldn't get ported, and expect the same of pretty much any UE3 game on PSN. I don't think developers/publishers will look at a game and decide it's not bite-size enough and not port.

 

[Arwin]

Not every game has to be 10 minutes or less on a handheld though (or does it?!). There are times when you have your handheld for passing a bus journey or something, and other times like on holiday when it serves as your console and you might get a couple of hours play in an evening. Given the cheapness of a Fat Princess port, I can't see why it wouldn't get ported, and expect the same of pretty much any UE3 game on PSN. I don't think developers/publishers will look at a game and decide it's not bite-size enough and not port.

Well, granted, but then my point stands that there's little about Fat Princess in particular that makes it more suitable than any other game?

 

[Shifty Geezer]

Hmmm, well, I see I'm kinda arguing against myself here! I'm thinking about all the UE3 download titles. These tend to be simpler games less demanding, so they'll fit on NGP without needing work. UE3 full games will need to be optimised meaning a lot more work and if you feel it's not going to sell much, would consider that a bad investment to be avoided. So something like Borderlands I wouldn't expect to get a port, whereas Fat Princess and Age of Booty could do, especially FP as it's a Sony property and a unique title. That'd be a quick way to add quality titles to the library.

 

[tuna]

So something like Borderlands I wouldn't expect to get a port, whereas Fat Princess and Age of Booty could do, especially FP as it's a Sony property and a unique title. That'd be a quick way to add quality titles to the library.

Isn't Fat Princess available on the PSP?

 

[Arwin]

Isn't Fat Princess available on the PSP?

Yep, seems to be! And apparently (apart from load-times if you use the UMD disc) remarkably similar to the PS3 version.

 

[patsu]

Skyhook Wireless has announced they are powering NGP's geolocation feature.

This is pretty exciting *if* the geolocation works accurately indoor where GPS can't reach. What's the real world accuracy like ?

 

[Bigduo209]

Official Sony NGP development tools on show at GDC'11
http://www.news10.net/news/article.aspx?storyid=125534&provider=top&catid=188

Japanese Developers Comment on NGP
http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/03/02/developer_ngp_commentary/

 

[Entropy]

I reckon they have every right to be happy, as it's the first mobile platform after the iPhone that's capable of running UE3.0, it's far more capable that any current or any near future iPhone's because it can be coded to the metal, and it has much more useful controls.

Well, the NGP is a year away, which means that it will hopefully be released a few months before the 2012 iPhone6. Or not, if Sony doesn't hit their target (in all regions). So, what will Apple use at that time, which should allow them to utilize Samsung 28nm node? We obviously don't know, but I'd guess "far more capable" just won't be true. Not to mention after another year or two. The NGP provides a static target, but the smartphones provide ever higher capabilities within a very well defined environment. I sincerely doubt that performance will be much of a selling point vs. phones for long, if indeed at all.
Besides - the "coded to the metal" argument is a bit odd when you go on to describe how developers will use Epics middleware to create cross platform game assets.

The NGP does provide dedicated physical controls, which is invaluable for certain kinds of games. Will that be enough to provide a strong user base? If you were a development house, and for a 2012 game had to bet on either the NGP providing a large market vs. an already installed base of some 200 million iOS devices, where would you put your money?

The NGP will be supported by Sony, and their closest business partners (at least initially). If the sales numbers disappoint, even the industry stalwarts will be hard pressed to justify anything but ports from phone targeted games. By not providing any other selling point over its competition other than hopefully good physical controls, Sony is playing a dangerous game, particularly when their competitor for dedicated handheld consoles, the 3DS, has a one year head start and the 3D unique selling point.