More details emerge of PlayStation Store on PSP
<i>GamesIndustry.biz</i> has learnt that SCEA is developing at least seven new PSP games for download via the PlayStation Store, when the service launches in 2008.
GamesIndustry.biz has learned that Sony Computer Entertainment America is developing at least seven new PlayStation Portable games for download via the PlayStation Store.
The service — currently only available to PlayStation 3 users — is due to launch for the PSP and PC next year and will offer users an alternative portfolio of titles to those currently available on UMD game discs.
Sony will offer multiple content to PSP users via the PlayStation Store, including original games, classic PSone titles, demos for UMD-based and downloadable games, additional content for released games and TV content such as trailers, behind-the-scenes clips and interviews.
A source close to SCEA has revealed that three action games, two music-based games, one racing title and a shooting game are being developed internally.
Downloadable games for the handheld will be between one half and one third of the size of the average UMD title, offering between two and ten hours of gameplay.
Sony is currently courting third-party PSP publishers for the PlayStation Store, which offers a better return on investment for the publisher and format holder as it completely cuts out retail partners.
As well as the new PSP titles in development, SCEA will also be offering 13 classic PSone games for the handheld during 2008, all of which are currently available on the PS3 service.
PSP content can be accessed, purchased and downloaded from the users' local PlayStation Store to the handheld via a wireless hotspot.
It can also be accessed by a PlayStation Network account on a PC with a USB cable, but no content will be stored on the PC.
The PC service is due to launch this winter in the US, and the PSP service set for later in 2008.
At last month's Tokyo Game Show Kaz Hirai revealed that PSP users would be able to browse and purchase content from the PlayStation Store via a PC, rather than using the PS3, as had previously been the case.
He also said that sign-ups to the PlayStation Network on PS3 had so far passed over 2.7 million users.