The skepticism surrounding the Sony proprietary Universal Media Disk (UMD) technology for their PlayStation Portable (PSP) appears to be dissipating, as major movie studios clamber to sign up big-name releases for the format. Fox, Universal and Paramount have all expressed interest, according to gamesindustry.biz, potentially releasing classics like Napoleon Dynamite and I, Robot to the PSP'd-up masses. This could be the boost that the format needs; with the big names condoning the new storage-and-deliver discs, others may follow. If it does succeed, it would be nice if the handheld movie revolution goes beyond Hollywood blockbusters and includes a library of alternative and art-house flicks. Perhaps even some home-grown offerings? There are already a few on offer, from media company Atom Films.
In other PSP media news, US network ABC recently announced (here) that they're going to start providing downloadable programme content for the handheld. Entertainment is expected to feature highly, but news is the expected killer app. (via Brad)
Before Sony jumps for joy, however, there is a real hurdle to contend with: consumer demand. Who really wants to watch a cinematic experience or the latest coverage of Iraq on something that fits in your palm?
Is the future of gaming handheld? Nintendo and Sony would have us believe so. Gizmondo too. I have my doubts.
Although tremendous numbers of Europeans have forked out for the Nintendo DS, I have yet to see anyone – male, female, young or old – using it in transit anywhere in the UK. Furthermore, even through the PSP has reportedly been a big seller in North America, I've seen neither hide nor hair whilst on the subways or over-grounds of NYC. Sony's move into multimedia entertainment is obviously an attempt to attract the suited masses, but frankly the image of a handheld game player is still under the age of 14, and it will take more than downloadable news content for anyone else to take notice.
Games that work best for the handheld machines are those which either feature high-octane, discrete episodes of action (from Galaxian to Wario DS to The Sims) or offer some kind of connectivity unique to their capabilities (Pocket Kingdom to Pokemon). Grown ups will use them while bored on the train or between meetings (when their bosses aren't looking). They don't want detailed epics or feature-length films. Snippets: that's how it is in the real world. Why should they buy the DS, the PSP or the Gizmondo? They can get their news coverage and other bite-sized info from their 3G phones or pocket PCs. Bet they aren't playing hi-falutin' games on them either.
Story by Aleks, posted by Keef while she's living it up in 'da states'.
