GDC 09: Sony Offers Huge Incentive For PSN Exclusivity

http://www.psxextreme.com/

Remember that biased and irrational media blowup concerning the PSN bandwidth fee? Yeah, well, who thinks publishers won't want to put their games on the PSN now?

As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, Sony will match the development budget of a self-published video game if that title remains exclusive to the PlayStation Network. The first game to take advantage of the deal is the recently released Burn Zombie Burn!, and Sony says they're "looking for a great many more titles," so pay attention, self-publishers! Chris Eden, Sony development relations manager, says they're ready to put their money where their mouth is:

"It's all very well for us as platform holders to say 'put all your money into PlayStation Network, it's a fantastic idea', but are we prepared to put or money where our mouth is? The answer is yes. We're looking for a number of great games, and in return for exclusivity we'll match your development budget with guaranteed royalties."

This deal is called the "Pub Fund" and just to be clear, Sony is not purchasing exclusive rights for the games in question (a practice Microsoft doesn't seem to shy away from); IP rights and full control will remain in the hands of the development teams. This deal merely says, if you keep your game exclusive to the PSN - and therefore sacrifice any potential sales on the XBLA - we will match your development budget. Added Eden:

"A really important thing to point out is that this is not first-party publishing, this is not Sony buying your product. You'll be the publisher, you'll own the IP and you'll control your product. This is assisting you to make your next step from developer to publisher."

Sounds good.

I'm gunna send Sony some of my work and see if they take me up on any deal.

This is why Sony is the best company EVER!!!!

awesome.. even more reason for me to look into making a ps title :p

I am going to pitch my CapStone Project from school to Sony. I am making a demo of a game concept of mine.

This is interesting. First, (much) cheaper development kit, then this. This could get a good number of indies going.

I'm glad to see them doing it, but it's funny that when Microsoft does this, it's derided as moneyhatting.

yeah if that's not "paying for exclusivity", then what is???

At least there the amount paid is set.... it's the developpment cost (well likely only part of that as i'm sure they won't ask for reciepts :p)

But since you retain the IP and all... what happends when you go to XBLA, do you pay back the money?

I guess you have to change it sufficiently not to be considered the same game.
I don't know. You make a Sigma version :)