Playstation 3 Downloadable Games Interview

One of the big selling points of Sony's newly released Playstation 3 console is its support for full downloadable games and Sony has already announced a number of original and exclusive titles for the service. FiringSquad got a chance to ask some questions about Sony's answer to Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade service from John Hight, the director of external development at Sony Computer Entertainment Santa Monica:

FiringSquad: First, when the PS3 first started development was it always the plan to offer full downloadable games for the console or did that sort of evolve into the release plans of the console?
John Hight: As far as I know this was always part of the plan. The actual business model took sometime to work out so that we could have full support worldwide.
FiringSquad:What are some of the more important considerations when trying to develop a downloadable game for the PS3?
John Hight: Take advantage of the technology: (1) The SIXAXIS controller opens up a whole new dimension of interface. flOw and Blast Factor are great examples of games designed specifically for the SIXAXIS. (2) Support 1080p – its incredible. Once you see it on a good 1080p HDTV you’ll never want to go back to lower resolution.
FiringSquad:How did Sony go about finding game developers to create these kinds of games for the PS3?
John Hight: We invited developers to register with us at www.playstation.com/beyond. We visited developers. We met students at universities. We attended developer conferences. We’re actively looking for the next big thing…
FiringSquad:We have heard that there will be no "retro" downloadable games released for the PS3 (a la certain games on Xbox Live Arcade and the Wii Virtual Console). Is this correct and if so why was the decision made to release mostly original titles for the console?
John Hight: First party development wants stylish games that are fun. Our goal is to provide gamers with cool experiences that they’ve never seen before. Sony’s third party publishers will undoubtedly provide updated versions of classic arcade games.
FiringSquad:How hard is it for game developers to create simple but good games for the service yet still use all or a lot of the hardware of the PS3?
John Hight: The hardest parts of game development are designing up front and tuning at the end. We’ve had some developers go from initial concept to finished game in less than 6 months. You don’t have to program in assembler or have a lot of CELL experience to get impressive results. That being said, as programmers get more hands-on time with the PS3 expect the games to get even better. Like a fine sportscar, the PS3 has plenty of top-end that we’re only beginning to experience.
FiringSquad:Microsoft has a policy of not releasing an Xbox Live Arcade game that will be larger for one of their memory cards to carry. Will there be a similar policy for PS3 downloadable games?
John Hight: We’ve arbitrarily set a limit of 500MB to keep download times reasonable. Since we’ve got plenty of HD space we can accommodate even bigger games and a lot of them.
FiringSquad:One of the more interesting aspects of PS3 downloadable games is that players can transfer those games to up to five PS3s. Why was this decision made?
John Hight: Our customers don’t always stay in one spot – they’re on the move.
FiringSquad:What can you tell us about the "electronic wallet" that is being used to pay for the PS3 downloadable games and other content for the console?
John Hight: You or someone that loves you authorizes a charge to their credit card. This places an initial deposit in your wallet. You can then purchase games, add-ons, and other cool content. This allows us to charge low prices and avoid costly transaction fees for everything you buy.
FiringSquad:One of the more interesting announcedPS3 downloadable games is flOw, which was originally made as a free PC game project. How did the game get adapted to the PS3 and will there be features that the original PC game did not have?
John Hight: I heard about flOw when I was a guest lecturer at USC. Tracy Fullerton, their instructor, set up a meeting with the team. I met with Kellee Santiago and Jenova Chen and immediately wanted to sign them up. They have fresh ideas and they “get it” when it comes to creating new experiences. The original flOw was a 2D flash download that uses a mouse to steer. flOw for PS3 is a completely new game that uses the SIXAXIS controller. It is a much bigger game with all new creatures. Everything is 3D with particle effects and THX Dolby 5.1 SFX.
FiringSquad:Besides the first party PS3 downloadable titles what third party games will be released as downloadable games for the console?
John Hight: I’ll have to defer that to third party.
FiringSquad:How can game developers come to Sony with their ideas for PS3 downloadable games and what Sony looking for in terms of those kinds of games for their console?
John Hight: Register on our site www.playstation.com/beyond. We’re looking for teams that have good ideas for games. Again, we want fresh new concepts – some aspects may be found in other games and genres but the core game experience should be unique. Games should be easy to pick up and play – we don’t ship a manual!
FiringSquad:Microsoft recently announced plans to release tools for indie and hobby game developers to make games for their Xbox Live Arcade service. Does Sony have similar plans for their PS3 downloadable games?
John Hight: Nothing official.
FiringSquad:Finally is there anything else you wish to say about the PS3's downloadable plans?
John Hight: This is the best time for independent developers or would-be indies to create professional quality games and bring them to the masses. The cost of production and distribution remain low so the risks aren’t too high to try new things. I truly believe that we’re at the beginning of a renaissance of game design. Gamers are in for a treat.

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