Sony is looking to get real estate on more screens with HTC becoming the first non-Sony handset manufacturer to join its PlayStation Certification program. The program is designed to ensure handsets are capable of delivering PlayStation quality graphics and sound on games and other content branded from Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). The move to partner with HTC will expand the circulation of Sony content on Android-powered devices.
Previously called "PlayStation Suite," the company just changed the working title of the embedded software used by certified devices to "PlayStation Mobile," which marks the shift in focus to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
“Consoles, tablets, phones, there are more ways to play games,” says Sony Computer Entertainment president and group CEO Andrew House at an E3 press conference. “We will be bridging an experience to smartphones and tablets with PlayStation Suite next year. PlayStation Suite is about bringing the best gaming to mobile tablets.”
PlayStation certification guarantees a level of performance on par with PlayStation content, and makes it attractive for developers to produce PlayStation-like game experiences for Android devices. PlayStation Mobile content will also be compatible with PlayStation Vita, for cross-platform content. PlayStation Mobile offers store navigation and handles purchases of content on the Sony end, so publishers can focus on developing content for the platform.
HTC's PlayStation-certified devices include the HTC One X, HTC One S and HTC One V.
“HTC is focused on delivering innovative mobile experiences for people everywhere and SCE’s immersive world of gaming will bring compelling entertainment to HTC One customers across the globe,” said Kouji Kodera, chief product officer at HTC.
Third-party publishers and developers have agreed to develop content for PlayStation Mobile, as well as Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. Games are the forefront of PlayStation Mobile offerings.
While HTC is the first handset manufacturer to gain PlayStation Certification status, others are likely to follow. Sony says it will accelerate the expansion of PlayStation Certified devices to reach a broader audience.
Source: Sony Computer Entertainment