Sony Computer Entertainment will roll out its PlayStation Mobile cross-platform gaming service starting this fall, offering application software and other content across devices like the handheld PlayStation Vita and Xperia smartphones and tablets.
SCE will start the full-scale launch of PlayStation Mobile this fall, delivering the world of PlayStation on open operating system-based devices, by providing newly developed content for PlayStation Mobile through PlayStation Store. The service will start in 9 countries including Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia with more countries to follow.
At launch this fall, users will be able to enjoy approximately 30 new titles from a variety of genres including Adventure, Action, Puzzle, and Sports, created by third party developers and publishers as well as SCE Worldwide Studios.
With the aim of offering a more streamlined development environment for creating content for portable devices, the PlayStation Mobile Developer Program includes the official version of PlayStation Mobile SDK and will become available to the development community following the launch of the dedicated content for PlayStation Mobile through PlayStation Store. This will be rolled-out in a phased manner in 11 countries and regions including Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The PlayStation Mobile Developer Program will allow developers to easily distribute their content through PlayStation Store on a commercial basis and market their games to millions of dedicated gamers with PlayStation Certifed devices and PlayStation Vita. The license agreement for the SDK is US$99 annually.
In addition to 56 third party developers and publishers in Japan and Europe, a total of 29 developers and publishers across regions including the United States have agreed to develop content for PlayStation Mobile.
SCE also announced ASUSTeK and WikiPad will join the PlayStation Certified license program.
New Chief Executive Kaz Hirai has sketched out a revival plan for the ailing Japanese corporate standard-bearer that stakes Sony's future on mobile devices such as the Xperia smartphone, gaming and digital imaging, while developing new businesses such as a medical unit.
New features for PSVITA
Sony will also add new features to PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) through the system software update ver. 1.80, scheduled on August 28, 2012. SCE will also expand PlayStation Plus, the subscription service package on PlayStation Network which brings new offerings including exclusive services and content, to PS Vita users this year.
By installing the system software update ver. 1.80, users will be able to enjoy legendary original PlayStation titles on their PS Vita's 5-inch OLED display, in addition to various new features, including:
- Control the home screen and some features in applications, such as Video, Music, or Settings, using the buttons on PS Vita.
- Variable speed playback, fast-rewind and fast-forward, and repeat play will be supported in the Video application.
- Music playlists which are imported from PlayStation 3 or iTunes under Music application will be supported.
- "Cross-Controller" icon will be added to the LiveArea under the Remote Play application to enable users to play PS3 format software by using their PS Vita as a controller.
SCE will also deliver PlayStation Plus, which is currently available for PS3 users, to PS Vita users this year. By purchasing a membership to PlayStation Plus, PS Vita users will be able to enjoy various services which will become available exclusively for members.
On the software front, several new titles will be released in time for the holiday season from 3rd party developers and publishers as well as from SCE Worldwide Studios. Upcoming software titles for PS Vita include Assassin's Creed III: Liberation from Ubisoft available on November 15, Puls-AR from SCE available on August 23, Little Big Planet PlayStation Vita from SCE available on September 20. Additionally, SCE will expand the catalog of games that support "cross platform features."
- Cross-Play feature - STREET FIGHTER X TEKKEN from CAPCOM, available on October 25, will allow PS3 and PS Vita users to enjoy match or collaborative game play.
- Cross-Save feature - By managing saved data between PS Vita and PS3, the Cross-Save feature for Sound Shapes from SCE enables users to continue playing on the go with their PS Vita, right from where they left off on their PS3 at home.