Next month Sony will introduce minis on the PlayStation Network, smaller bite-sized games that pack a punch. Many have viewed this as an answer to the iPhone’s app store and while it is similar, the cost of entry to developing on PSP is still much faster. Beyond acquiring acceptance, one of the hurdles to becoming a licensed PSP developer is the $1500 fee imposed on dev kits. While that may seem insignificant to larger independent studios, it’s a hefty investment for any startup.

As the PSP gains momentum in the digital space, Sony may opt to negate this fee and offering dev kits gratis, free of charge. SCEE head of developer relations Zeno Colaco gave a lengthy response to such a prospect in an interview with Develop:

Further down the line, we may investigate a totally free model or supported model.

Right now, we’re looking for a good portfolio of games. Unlike with the App Store, we’re looking to support everyone that develops for us, instead of leaving developers out in the wilderness. We’re not immediately interested in giving developers free access and no help.

There are dangers in having total open access; having six thousand applications where probably only thirty are discovered by the consumer. Some of the developers working on the App Store and PSP Minis tell us that they prefer our approach because they get more visibility.

Our focus isn’t directed straight towards the App Store. We acknowledge that we’ll be competing in that space, and I think at some point we’ll give developers access that allows things to move down that route.

First and foremost, we at Sony need to develop Minis as its own category.

We’re not short of product. Right now we’re working with about 60 developers with about 50 games coming out before Christmas. I think we’re going to launch with about 15 titles.

Making the cost of entry to develop on PSP practically free would be an interesting move. Will it happen? Time will tell.

Q&A: Sony on PSP Minis [Develop]

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