General

[Xenostar]

Some quick questions

1. When we finally get to the point of releasing  a game will it have to work on all PS Suite supported platforms, or could it be a Vita only title?

2. If it does have to work on all certified hardware, what is the lowest spec in terms of power and the lowest in terms of limited input controls. 

3. Will the apps be one of payment driven, or will you be supporting ad software and in app micro payments as well?

Thanks,

Tony. 

[CBtom12]

From what the PSS Dev Crew stated in the forums, Freemium apps (aka. free to use, but pay to get extended content like dlc) will be supported...

So that answers one of your questions... for the rest... I got no idea.

[MartinCaine]

Yes, Paid or Freemium are the two models supported but no in-game ads will be allowed.

Currently it's unclear whether we will be able to restrict release platforms but I'd suggest for maximum exposure that you try and support them all anyway.

The lowest spec device is the Xperia Play. The Vita and Tablet S are faster than the Xperia Play and the newer devices (like the Xperia S) even more so.

In terms of limited controls, some of these devices are ofcourse touch-screen only, so you need to take in to account Vita controls, Xperia Play controls, Touch Screen controls, and optional PS3 controller support for the Tablet S.

[DartWeider_MM]

I think there will be some way to restrict platforms. Because it is very popular practice on AppStore and Google Play. And because it may be very difficult to support all those controls and resolutions.

[MartinCaine]

Personally, I think that difficulty is warranted. We get our games out on a wide range of devices and only have to develop a single executable (albeit with multiple control/graphics/processing paths). If Sony do decide that all games must run correctly across all the devices I think it will help maintain high quality levels on the PS Store for PS Suite too. It will take more effort and more skill to create a game that works correctly on all platforms and will keep out the crap that is flooding the likes of the App Store and Google Play.

[DartWeider_MM]

If it will help to not publish crap on PS Store - it will be brilliant)

But it will not. It cost only 100$ and games can be written in C#. So anybody can make games and due to one of The Greatest Law - 80% will be crap))

But I'm not talking about crap games. I mean every platform has different performance. If I used ALL hardware resources from Vita, I know that it will be not so good for example on Xperia Play. So I should block this device, because I don't want just take money for games that user could not play...as many other studios do.

[HSR31N4]

I don't really like this Idea to force us to make support for all devices. If we want to make a full game using most of PSVita hardware like keys, joystick/ accelerometer touchpad for a specific gameplay, the support of other devices will maybe kill a lot on the gameplay. I’m really not interested by other devices than PSVita. And I don’t have others device for test the gameplay on them.

[Bodwad]

I think I would prefer to see us upload a different package for each device type. That way we can distribute the same package if we want or create more bespoke packages for each device and upload those.

As far as a customer is Concerned they see the same details but when they buy it the device downloads the correct package. Question also comes up, if they buy on one device would they get it free on the other devices?

[MartinCaine]

Going by what we've been told so far I would assume a purchase on the PS Store does grant them access to play the game on their other PS Certified devices and will no doubt be a HUGE part of the marketing behind this. Imagine downloading a game on your phone, playing a bit then being able to load it up on your Vita (and potentially even being able to continue your game from where you left off).

If PS3 support is added the opportunities of cross-play or continuation on-the-go are very appealing.

[Bodwad]

It does sound very appealing. I cant see anyone buying a game or app twice just so they can have it on their phone and their PSP.

I guess we just have to wait and see. Pretty much got a PSP version of my game done just working on my Android one now. The different sizes of the screens means it appears fine on one but too small on the other hence I would prefer to see two different builds on the store