Sony announced the PS2 is going to become an "open platform" in Europe, like i.e. the PC has been one for ages. That means any small developer has now the chance to publish a game without worrying about high license fees. As far as I know, the PS2 is the first console to enter such this level of software development. It's limited to Europe only though, I'd LOVE to see this in Japan. Lots of shooters would probably get a DVD-release, great for collector's who aren't satisfied with their freeware download. http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3170980 This might be the opener for Eastern studios who have not had the funds to publish console releases yet, but on the other hand they are not exactly known for too much and who knows if a game released by an i.e. Estonian developer will make its way to middle Europe. On the other hand, this new development will free adult games on the PS2, maybe thats what it is all about^^
wow it sounds great! too bad most of these games would fall short due to interest shift torwards new consoles...
what will come out of it? Universities and schools will teach coding on a Sony platform for example, which is a huge plus in gaining the future workforce's vote.
I don't think educational institutions will immediately scramble for PS2s, that happened around the release and nothing came of it. Besides, this no way will affect non-licensed developers, it won't mean public development or free licensing--just no content approval, so even more shit titles that now don't even need to pass Sony's poor guidelines in order to keep up appearances. Perhaps a few artsy games rejected by SCE some years back will get published too, but something new? PS2 is budgetware by default already, and nobody will invest in what they can't profit from.
I'd be interested to see what comes of this... This is the first forum I've seen this news, I'm gonna spread the news around a few other forums I use... Credit to ave for the original post.
I think that will result in more crap games. Today I saw in a local Supermarket those low budget PS2 games. If there won't be a license fee in the future more publishers will try to make fast money instead of high quality games.
So does this mean that anyone can now purchase a Test or Tool directly from Sony? Do they actually still have new ones available? What about those individuals who've obtained Tools from less official channels? Will these people be able to legitimately make a game without any come-back from Sony?
Anybody know if this actualy removes all certification or just stage 1 certification? If I have it right, thies are the stages S1: Concept Aproval S2: Product Code / & prototype (i think) S3: TRC & Master Submission To me what I read sounds like Stage 1 is taken out.
Now SCEA need to stop being dicks and do the same here. SCEA is probably the most hated entity in gaming.
