Sony is gaining a deserved reputation for being kind to indie developers. Despite that, it looks like the console manufacturer is pulling Android support for PlayStation Mobile, a cross-platform indie publishing initiative launched in 2012 for select Android handsets and …
PlayStation Mobile is a peculiar beast. It was announced all the way back in 2011 as PlayStation Suite, and toiled in no-man's land for another year and a half until Sony dusted it off at last summer's E3. In the months that followed, the console giant eked out more details, hyping the service up as a grand partnership between themselves and Android, which would bring a whole new breed of awesome, casual experiences to fans of both brands. Since the service's formal launch in October, however, things have been, shall we say, somewhat less than awesome.
While it only launched earlier this month, PlayStation Mobile is an idea that's been in the works for quite some time. A dedicated Android storefront for "PlayStation-certified" devices, mobile gamers around the world had dreams of playing classic Sony franchises and PlayStation ports on their smartphones and tablets. But then it launched, and we all saw what PlayStation Mobile really was - just another in a seemingly endless series of Android storefronts that does little to differentiate itself.
As if the party weren't crowded enough, folks, say hello to another app store. Last night, Sony launched their long-time-coming PlayStation Mobile service for "PlayStation Certified" Android devices and PlayStation Vita. In a newly launched section of their website branded with the moniker "Take Back Mobile Gaming," the company has also gone on to explain the ethos behind PSM, and reveal the slate of available titles.
At this year's E3, Sony took their first baby steps into the much prognosticated 'post-console' future with the scrapping of their lackluster PlayStation Suite, and the introduction of PlayStation Mobile. Built on the strength of a partnership with HTC, the renamed program hinted at the release of Sony-approved content for Android smartphones and tablets. Details, however, were scant. Until today.
In previous years, mobile and social gaming has taken a pretty decisive back seat to AAA announcements at E3 - the year's Superbowl of press events. With the smartphone, tablet, and Facebook markets growing at explosive rates, however, gaming on the go and in the browser are becoming harder to ignore.