In an interview with Push Square, Jason Perkins, the head of London-based developer and publisher Curve Studios, gave insight into the benefits and the challenges in porting indie games to PlayStation 3 and Vita.
One of the studio’s most famous ports is puzzler Thomas Is Alone, and Perkins revealed how the PS3 and Vita ports of the title came about from personal initiative. "The game sounded really interesting and perfect for Vita," he stated, and he explained how that led to dialogue with Mike Bithell, the developer of Thomas Is Alone, communication with other indie developers, and then a serious plan regarding the porting of titles.
It does not seem to purely be an interest in the games that drives Perkins, as he explained the business benefits of such partnerships. "From a publishing perspective we’re bringing proven, successful games to the PS3 and Vita, and from the developer’s perspective, it brings in new revenue for minimal effort, funding them to continue work on new projects." However, Perkins admitted that "minimal effort" still involves challenge. "It’s not always easy because we’re dealing with a lot of different formats." However, he continued by saying that "it’s also very rewarding to bring a game to a brand new audience."
The interview also looks further at the process and, among other things, Curve Studios’ upcoming releases. These include it’s own game, Stealth Inc: A Clone In The Dark, and their port of Jasper Byrne’s survival horror, Lone Survivor. Perkins also said that "we have more on the way that we haven’t revealed yet." Both announced are due for release on PS3 and Vita later this year.
Take a look at the full interview here.
Are you a fan of Curve Studios’ work? And are you looking forward to their next releases? Let us know in the comments section below.