Sony releases PlayStation Suite SDK

Sony's PlayStation Suite software development kit (SDK) has been launched in beta form, opening doors for developers to craft games for PlayStation-certified devices, Register Hardware writes.

The SDK rolls out in open beta, allowing users to create content that utilises both physical buttons and a touch-screen input within a PC-hosted simulator. Developers can then test and debug the results on compatible Sony devices.

Hexus says that, bundled with the software, is a fully integrated development environment (IDE), a user interface (UI) designer and a simulator for testing games on the PC.

The SDK includes libraries for basic graphics and sound, along with more in-depth libraries for 2D game engines, including physics support.

The full program, due to be released later this year, will allow developers to sell content through the PlayStation Store on a commercial basis, and will cost $99 annually, Gamasutrastates.

Jack Buser, senior director of PlayStation Digital Platforms, said the company has noted the under whelming performance of Microsoft's own similar platform, Xbox Live Indie Games, explaining: "We've seen what has happened on competing platforms and are dedicated to delivering a better experience through PlayStation."