http://www.computerandvideogames.com/363968/ps3-and-vita-cross-buy-potential-is-limited-sony-admits/

A top Sony executive has admitted that PlayStation's new Cross Buy feature, which allows certain PS3 games to be played on PS Vita at no extra cost, is hampered by the technological differences between both devices.

The Cross Buy initiative means that people who buy certain PS3 games (including PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale and Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault) will effectively own a licence to play the game on Vita too.

However, from a development standpoint, two separate and distinct builds of the game will have to be created if they are to work on both systems.

Jim Ryan, the chief executive at PlayStation Europe, told CVG that "the development environments are rather different".

"PS Vita is a more PC-based environment whereas the PS3 is a more bespoke development environment. So the cross-over between both platforms is rather limited."

The revelation casts doubts on whether development studios will have the funding and time to create two distinct game builds despite charging for just one single licence. It is rumoured, however, that PlayStation 4 will implement a PC-based environment, theoretically meaning that future PS4 games could more easily cross over to Vita.

In an interview with CVG, Ryan was asked for his view on suggestions that only a few - if any - third party publishers will utilise the Cross Buy feature.

"Well, I think our priority with publishers is to provide them an environment, in terms of installed base, where they can publish profitably on Vita," he replied.

"That's our challenge and it is something we have to rise to".

The full interview with Ryan can be found here.

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lmao... So do you think these sony guys get media training? "We have something awesome: crossbuy!" next day: "We don't think anyone will use it"

I really doubt that..

I'm not so sure. Buy ps3 get vita version free makes no sense...though as a consumer, I love it!!

it would be limited, there are few games on both the Vita and the PS3

You could argue it sells Vitas and negates the need for piracy but it limits the amount they can make from Vita games...no?

It's good that gives Vita some million "sellers" right? Great thing to post on a resume!

In all seriousness, desperate times demand desperate measures, so I think this is a very good strategy - it's not about their money I care, but their installed base.

The only bad thing is that this is not for Japan, and Japan is THE place needs saving.

1. The Vita needs saving! Sony HAS to do something!
2. Free vita-compatible games for anyone that owns a ps3 (their target market)
3. Omg Sony are so desperate, what a mess!

Ok then.

No, but I don't believe they are making it up as they go..

No weird view mate, people (you) rail on Sony for releasing a system that doesn't sell and not supporting it with enough content or doing anything much so far to 'save' it, and then when Sony finally implement a strategy to try to increase hardware sales, people use it as another cheap opportunity to rail on them once again for having to implement the strategy in the first place. 

Don't try and spin it into something else, you'll take any oppurtunity to shit on them that you can take, that's how you are and everyone knows it. They cut the price? Such a desperate move lmao Sony! They don't cut the price? Sony have just given up on vita lmao what a disaster! Sony do practically anything else realistic? Lmao what a mess, such a desperate move lmao Sony!! I'm just growing tired of it that's all, you've been told about your ways many times.

Now, as for the 3ds price cut, it's nice of you to mention something about us 'Sony fans' as if we're a hivemind, but I'll certainly call it a desperate move if Sony decides to cut the price and fall into a half a billion dollar loss, yes. As it is, they're losing revenue from the few people that would buy both versions of the game, while incentivising current PS3 owners to buy the hardware by owning content for the system already, as well as pushing a small number people to buy the game as they see the added value for their future Vita purchase. Whatever though, this is a Vita thread so it's a great excuse to be as negative as possible about Sony and remind all the hivemind of Sony fans here what your position is on their product. As if we couldn't already guess.