Move offers lower entry cost to console market

Sony's motion controller Move can offer a more accessible entry point for developers looking to make an impact on the crowded and expensive console market.

While it's proving increasingly difficult to enter a triple-A market already dominated by big budget franchises, Michael Denny, head of Sony's Worldwide Studios in Europe, said that Move, like the PlayStation Network and the PSP, offer developers the opportunity to reach console audiences otherwise out of reach to those that don't have a budget in the tens of millions.

"Depending on the type of game we're looking at, the budgets are lower," Denny said in an interview published today. However, he insisted that budgetary issues come second to innovation and creativity, with the developer's passion for the product the first step in green-lighting a project.

"When we're talking to developers it's really about them installing in us the belief and passion that they have to make something that's creative and innovative."

Ubisoft's Alain Corre recently said that there is no room for mid-budget games in the console market anymore, making it increasingly difficult to launch new product on the home systems.

However, Denny said that internally it's not a cost issue that determines new products at Sony.

"The budgetary exercise comes second to that, we have to look at it and believe it's a sensible proposition. But first and foremost it's about us being sold a vision of a creative, innovative game that can be delivered to a high quality," said Denny.

Addressing concerns from hardcore games consumers and developers such as Quantic Dreams' David Cage that Move might just be used for casual and family experiences, Denny said that Move will grow to support the hardcore crowd just as much as other Sony platforms and services.

"I don't think there's any shortage of software on the PlayStation 3 that's aimed at the core audience, and far from it - this year more than ever we've got some great games coming through," he offered. "In terms of Move, the whole purpose of our system with position-based gameplay is that it's not just a system where you just stand up and have to move around in a party sense.

"There are games being developed where you sit down and use the controller in different ways. Games like Heavy Rain are making interesting use of it, Killzone Move is very interesting. It's a different experience for the core gamers as well, and we will have more games coming for the core."

Move is released this Friday in the UK, priced £29.99 - £49.99

The full interview with Michael Denny can be read here.