Sony Making PS2 an Open Platform, Removing Cert Process

[DoctorFinger]

In a move that has some pretty staggering implications, Sony has announced at a developers conference in Kiev that they are eliminating the certification process for Playstation 2 titles in Europe. That means in essence that the PS2 is now an open platform; anyone who wants to create a game can release it. "You no longer have to submit a game for content approval." [George Ban, SCEE's developer relations manager] used examples from Russia and Indian developers, saying they can "create low-development cost titles and release them in their market."You still need to buy either a full dev kit, which runs about $10,000, or at least a debug system (about $1,000) to make games. But Sony does lend the hardware to some developers and institutions, so even that low threshold could be overcome.

What does this mean for the average gamer? I'm frankly not too sure. In the short term I think it means we'll see at least a few AO-rated titles for the PS2. In the longer term I think it could mean an influx of new genres, or new takes on genres. The Russian game market is very heavily into strategy titles, some of which are really interesting on the PC. I know nothing about the Indian market at all, but I'd love to see what sort of games they or any other under represented nation comes up with.

Sources - Gamedaily (http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/casual-connect-sony-on-developing-for-an-open-ps2-platform/?biz=1); 1UP (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3170980)

[Wilkz07]

AO titles here we go... uh and some independent developers get the spotlight to... but mainly a woot for AO.

[Food Nipple]

This is excellent news for the Porno/Strategy game I was planning on releasing in Russia.

[Variable Gear]

This is excellent news for the Porno/Strategy game I was planning on releasing in Russia.
You picked the perfect time to release your fictional game. Good work, Food!

This also opens the PS2 up to all my favorite independent creators in Japan.

We all know that western PS2s need more hentai games. :)

[Harv]

Tentacle Porn makes a good game. Keep the tentacles away from the ******!

[Zonkuya]

Yes! Can the PS2 finally have some 2D sidescrollers and more translated Japanese RPG's that were deemed "offensive" for western consumption? Thank you.

Oh, and add BC back to the PS3, Sony.

[Xerxes]

This is excellent news for the Porno/Strategy game I was planning on releasing in Russia.

They did it on 30 Rock. :D

Porn/RPGs are the wave of the future.

[Johan]

I'm feeling an instant excitement at the influx of crummy titles this heralds! Will the PS2 compete with the Wii now?

*two-for-one!* :D

[Variable Gear]

PS2 already had a ton of shit titles. Ever hear of the Simple Series (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Simple_series_games#PlayStation_2)?

[Johan]

PS2 already had a ton of shit titles. Ever hear of the Simple Series (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Simple_series_games#PlayStation_2)?

Of course, but with fewer developers sitting on that toilet, it was looking like the sewage had moved on to greener pastures 'round Nintendo's neck of the woods.

Now, it seems we've got multiple options for toiletry!

*I better run!*

[Variable Gear]

Of course, but with fewer developers sitting on that toilet, it was looking like the sewage had moved on to greener pastures 'round Nintendo's neck of the woods.

Now, it seems we've got multiple options for toiletry!

*I better run!*
Don't run!

If anything, the increase in shit titles should result in an improved US sewer system, which would be a great improvement.

[boratika]

PS2 already had a ton of shit titles. Ever hear of the Simple Series (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Simple_series_games#PlayStation_2)?

But to its credit, the Simple Series did produce the best name for a video game (evar!):

Zombie vs Ambulance



Now if only Capcom would buy the rights to it, we'd get the best game ever.

[Variable Gear]

But to its credit, the Simple Series did produce the best name for a video game (evar!):

Zombie vs Ambulance



Now if only Capcom would buy the rights to it, we'd get the best game ever.
That game is really rad. It'd be awesome if a publisher released it to the rest of the world.

[Ondo]

Sony has announced at a developers conference in Kiev that they are eliminating the certification process for Playstation 2 titles in Europe.
This is very interesting, but region-locking means these games won't be playable in America or Japan, right? I wonder if Sony will ever do the same thing in other regions.

[Spigot]

While I won't hold my breath for anything groundbreaking, this is a nice idea for indie developers who want to develop for consoles but can't afford to play in the big boy's sandbox.

Plus there's the fact that every second household in the world has a PS2 somewhere in it.