Sony avoids PSP's mistake by encouraging fewer home console ports

[Blacksite]

The main draw of the PSP, the big promise that was meant to separate it from Nintendo's portables and pull users away from the underpowered Nintendo DS, was that Sony's handheld could deliver console-like experiences on the go.

PSP's console-quality experiences, though, weren't enough to propel the system to the same heights as its competitors in the West -- so why hasn't Sony adjusted its strategy for its new portable, in light of PSP's past difficulties and PS Vita's current struggles?

Sony's marketing VP for handhelds and consoles John Koller admits that PS Vita's message of "console-like games on portables" is essentially the same as PSP's, but argues that there was a significant problem with how developers approached that idea before.

"The issue that happened with PSP is we got overrun with ports," he explains to Gamasutra. "It became very difficult for us to define what made PSP unique. The content development became a bit unstructured or decentralized, in that we got a lot of content that was on PlayStation 2 and got thrown over to the handheld."

Koller believes Sony learned its lesson with that problem on PSP and is actively taking steps to avoid repeating that mistake on PS Vita. He says portable content "isn't something consumers play because they've left the living room. It's something that [needs to be] unique, and defines the Vita experience."

A lot of PS Vita's early catalog has so far been made up of console ports -- which may have contributed to the troubles Sony has faced with building momentum for the system so far -- but now the company is strongly recommending against and guiding publishers away from ports.

Koller points to a couple upcoming PS Vita exclusives that are unique interpretations of popular console franchises, and says that Sony tells publishers to "Follow what Ubisoft is doing with Assassin's Creed. Follow what Activision is doing with Call of Duty."

With that approach in mind, Koller says, "The messaging is similar [between PSP and PS Vita], but I think the output is going to be quite different."

via Gamasutra.

[DeviousOne]

That's exactly what they need VITA online titles!!! 3ds has their own exclusive titles not ports...

[radgamer420]

I've always said that Vita needs to have more Vita exclusives. PSP had almost nothing but console ports.

[DeviousOne]

Whoever makes decisions for software for the vita needs to be FIRED! Seriously this is obviously shit they shouldve known!

[Blacksite]

The Vita just needs more unique IPs to look forward to playing, like Tearaway. Assassin's Creed III: Liberation and Call of Duty: Black Ops: Declassified won't necessarily stop people from buying the home console counterparts.

[DeviousOne]

I don't know I guess I'm used to the Nintendo way of things. Their portable console always have games exclusive to that portable console. They do port on their systems however like with the 3ds it didn't start picking up steam till Mario 3d land and mario kart 7 two exclusives only found on the 3ds more recently KH and KI: uprising boosted sales as well they just release nsmb2 and have Paper Mario coming in november which I'm looking forward too. Vita needs soft that's exclusive to vita I've always felt that a portable console can not replicate a home console.

[AaronSOLDIER]

Isn't that what Sony's kinda doing themselves? They aren't ported but just prequels and spinoffs, they need exclusive handheld IPs.

[F34R]

Nothing wrong at all with the PSP games lineup. Period.

[Chille]

I bought my psp for console ports lol

[DeviousOne]

Isn't that what Sony's kinda doing themselves? They aren't ported but just prequels and spinoffs, they need exclusive handheld IPs.

Exactly! It can't all be console ports while some gamers may want that (nothing wrong at all) sony kinda shoots itself in the foot with it.

[Thorzilla]

Nothing wrong at all with the PSP games lineup. Period.

Indeed man. So many people nagging about the damn PSP lineup. I have one and I can say it had some of the best new IPs I've played, be that on a home or portable console, so the whole "PSP was all ports" is as much bullshit as it gets.

[Sufi]

Yea, one of the reasons I've always liked Nintendo handhelds...unique games.

Sony needs to attract different developers for their handhelds so it's a more unique experience.

[DarkVincent07]

I hope this becomes true. We needs less Killzone (not to say its a bad game) spin offs and more games like Gravity Rush and Tearaway... games to make the platform unique

[Chille]

Yea, one of the reasons I've always liked Nintendo handhelds...unique games.

Sony needs to attract different developers for their handhelds so it's a more unique experience.

I dont really buy any Nintendo games, pokemon is only reason I have a 3DS lol, but for Vita I cant wait to have all stars for ps3 and vita so when im out I can keep playing it.

[Ghost-Rhayne]

Seeing as it's piss easy for devs to port games over, I have NO issue with it getting ports especially if cross buy is implemented. The whole idea of taking your game with you is awesome. However, all things in balance, new IPs are Vitally important and necessary to give gamers a unique reason to buy and support the portable.

I also don't agree with "PSP was all ports" notion. It had a fine line up, as F34R and others have said.

[Sufi]

I dont really buy any Nintendo games, pokemon is only reason I have a 3DS lol, but for Vita I cant wait to have all stars for ps3 and vita so when im out I can keep playing it.

I tried getting into Pokemon...just not my thing. heh.

but yea, as you're saying and Ghost is saying as well, I like the idea of having two versions of the same game (especially how they're doing it now where it's the same game)...it's very interesting.

Though, not being into handhelds much, I'd like to see them do more to capture my interest.

[*goo]

PSP had a great lineup, especially Role Playing Games.

If good (emphasis on good!) ports (or multi-platform) make it across, I'll be quite happy. Though obviously I'd be looking for a good portion of Vita specific titles.


Obligatory Tapatalk Signature

[DeviousOne]

Nothing wrong with port however vita needs to expand it target market. We already know sony is gonna provide great games for most gamers on these forums however they need to reach a broader group with causal games and exclusive IP's for the vita.

I feel sometime with sony they are just the stubborn old man that stays in his ways even if it hurts them lol

[Lethal_NFS]

Sometimes ports are good. Rayman Origins is an example of a good port. Lego Batman 2 is a bad crappy shit port. The PSP always got the shit ports too.

Good ports along side with new games made specifically for the Vita is what it needs. There needs to be a reason for people to buy the Vita. It is pointless for the Vita to have the same games as everything else. Sony needs to make sure that if you want to play "THIS" game, you must own the Vita.

Gravity Rush and AC3: Liberation are great examples.

[DeviousOne]

The ac3 bundle should def move a lot of vita this holiday season for sure.

[maniche7]

That's exactly what they need VITA online titles!!! 3ds has their own exclusive titles not ports...

3ds is a good console i guess,it could be much better though!If i were 10 years younger(12) i would choose 3ds over Vita but this comparison is pointless!Tired of playing kiddie games!

[Thorzilla]

3ds is a good console i guess,it could be much better though!If i were 10 years younger(12) i would choose 3ds over Vita but this comparison is pointless!Tired of playing kiddie games!

I have it and its got amazing games as well. Hell, Resident Evil Mercenaries and Revelations are mature and freaking brilliant. Super Smash Bros and other games will make it even more awesome in the near future too. All 3DS needed was time so software could get there, and that's exactly what Vita needs. Give it a few more months and then we'll talk about this subject again!

[DeviousOne]

Remember that price slash for the 3ds was a big part as well as the content.

Vita is gonna need some great bundles since they will not come down on the price of the console

[R3D D3V!L]

But isn't every game SCEA making for Vita also on PS3?

[davin_g]

If the ports are all crossplay/crossbuy promotions count me in.....some games like RPGs, Racers, and Sports titles set up for this...but exclusive content will be needed to really SELL the handheld. Sony will be responsible for pushing innovative games just as Nintendo does for their handheld. I look at developers like EA, Activision, Capcom, and Konami and I know we won't see anything innovative coming from them. They will push old IPs and HD releases....it will be up to Sony to push the platform forward and find smart innovative independent developers to set it apart.