Backbone launches UMD authoring services

Backbone Entertainment, part of North America's largest independent developer, Foundation 9, has announced the launch of its UMD authoring services for the PlayStation Portable.

Now an officially licensed Universal Media Disc (UMD) authoring service provider, Backbone is able to offer clients a wealth of creative, interactive menu designs for a wide selection of both original material and conversion of existing media on DVD standard.

Mike Mika, Backbone studio head, commented: "The PSP has so many different entertainment capabilities to offer. We're excited to continue to push the limits of the platform, not only in the games that we develop, but also in every other form of media available on the system."

The company has already lined up its first client for the new service, and will be creating two volumes of anime episodes based on Capcom's Darkstalkers franchise. The two 40 minute episodes: Night Warriors Darkstalkers Revenge Alpha and Night Warriors Darkstalkers Revenge Omega, both of which have been developed by Capcom, are scheduled for release on UMD later this month.

Based in California and Vancouver, Backbone is part of Foundation 9, a group which includes The Collective, Pipeworks, ImaginEngine and Digital Eclipse. The company specialises in developing original and licensed IP for all current and next-generation consoles and handheld devices, and is looking to expand its output and operations with the inclusion of PSP UMD authoring services.