Capcom Getting a PSN Storefront

[Doctor Setebos]

It looks like Sony is understanding the value of having top-shelf downloadable content available on PSN, and are now taking steps to reward third-party publishers that are providing quality content with their own PSN storefronts. The forerunner of the effort is Capcom, the publisher of downloadable hits Bionic Commando Rearmed and Mega Man 9.

"Out of all of the third-party companies making use of the digital space, [Sony] recognizes Capcom is one of the best partners for content," said John Diamonon, product manager on all Capcom digital titles.The Capcom storefront will go live in November, with others coming online in the weeks and months to follow.

Source - Edge (http://www.edge-online.com/features/capcoms-psn-storefront)

[Variable Gear]

Don't be surprised if Capcom's new storefront goes live just as the remake of Turbo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Street_Fighter_II_Turbo_HD_Remix) is released.

I love this move, by the way. If there's any Japanese publisher that deserves to have a digital storefront, it's Capcom.

[LarsenNET]

Maybe this will pressure more developers to step it up.

[Reverant]

Square-Enix really should be jumping in on this. Even a shoddy FF7 ROM job for the PSP would sell hojillions.

[Purple Santa]

I think this is a very smart move on Sony's part to help distinguish PSN from XBL. A storefront with more developer's would be even better. Now I wonder if MS will be doing the same. I love the idea of storefronts for developers. More content out there although i'm hoping some of it will not only be "classic" updates. I want some original content. Maybe it's this type of venue where developers will be able to experiment without worrying about the huge costs.

[Spigot]

While I never had a chance to experience the horror of the old PSN Store on the PS3, I remember the web version of it and it was a nightmare. The current iteration of the PSN Store is decent, but it still has room for improvement. Anything that increases the functionality of the store is fine by me and showcasing developers isn't a bad move.

[jeffbax]

Same spigot, never used the first store but heard horrendous things about it. I like the new one with the exception that there is no text to read while images load... it makes no sense. Other than that its aesthetically pleasing with some other minor UI things but nothing horrible.

[Variable Gear]

I want some original content. Maybe it's this type of venue where developers will be able to experiment without worrying about the huge costs.
Like Mega Man 9? I think Capcom's moving toward more and more original projects.

[Xerxes]

I forgot what but I had issues finding something on the PSN store lately. I think it was a update to something. Anyways it's still coming along nicely and storefronts are a very smart thing. XBL should have used something like that to get around it's stupid size limit. Instead they have to stress the fact SF2 HD won't fit to get a pinch more space. Let some of the bigger developers apply for storefront privileges and let them have sort of an unlimited size limit with the store. PSN I don't even had a size limit and it sounds like storefront will just helped them be a little more organized. That's cool too. Hell, capcom should now be able to put MM 1-9 and MM X games out there for folks with out collection box sets.

[Dukefrukem]

Very exciting. Think they'll provide downloadable PS1 games? Resident Evil anyone?

[Orca]

Umm...this is just a Capcom channel, like the various movie studios have in the video side of things, isn't it?

How would that really urge them to create more content? It's an interesting way to section off their games, but so far as making the bulk of older content any easier to sift through it kind of falls short.

[KingGorilla]

Most folks agree the Live Marketplace has gotten too congested, and a fast solution did not come from Microsoft. If Sony can get more people a prominent place in their digital space, it makes sense.

It is the old web idea of being above the proverbial fold. The more layers and scrolling a person has to go through to get to your product, the more people you lose along the way.