It has come to light that Sony is not mandating that third-party development studios release their UMD titles on PlayStation Network. According to PSN director Eric Lempel, Sony is merely encouraging studios to go digital. While most are on board, it’s a little nerve-wracking to invest in a PSPgo and not have the assurance that all titles going forward will be made available digitally.

It’s up to individual third parties to decide if and when to publish their UMD releases on PSN. Most, if not all, are on board, as this is a revenue opportunity for them.

It’s great that Sony gives publishers freedom on the PlayStation Store, but honestly, this is one area where the line needs to be drawn. If Sony is serious about embracing digital distribution, it should be mandated that UMD titles are released on PSN going forward, whether you are a first, second, or third-party publisher — no questions asked.

Third parties not required to release PSP games on PlayStation Store [Joystiq]

Read more: Sony: PSPgo Still Performing Above Expectations, Greater Focus On Digital In 2010, Koller: PSN Expansion A Critical Undertaking For 2010, Capcom Themed PSN Store Launching In November, PS3 Motion Controller Delayed, Now Slated For Fall 2010, PSP-4000 To Include UMD Drive