Having a device that’s “Playstation Certified” hasn’t meant much thanks to a dismal Playstation Suite. Promises of premium exclusive content has fallen short due to the lack of development. In an attempt to gain increased developer interest, Sony has announced it will be releasing an open beta version of the Playstation Suite SDK next month with an official version to follow later in the year. While the open beta will be free to all, the offical release will cost $99 annually and will allow developers to distribute their content through the PlayStation Store. Sony has to do something to entice consumers to purchase a “Playstation Certified” device and while having the branding alone is a nice incentive, without content, it’s nothing more than a marketing ploy.

Although Sony has been slow on development for the Playstation Suite, they look to be committed as they have been making numerous preparations such as opening the SDK as well as expanding the list of devices that are “Playstation Certified.” There’s even a rumor about Sony issuing certification to non-Sony devices with HTC expected to be the first. I’ve never been too keen on limiting content to a certain “suite” or “zone” but I understand why they do it and hopefully it works for them. If you’d like more information regarding Sony’s future plans for the Playstation Suite SDK, you can read the full press release below.

Open Beta Version of SDK to be Released in April, Official Version to be Released Later This Year

TOKYO, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that it will release the open beta version of PlayStation®Suite SDK*(1) to content developers in April 2012 and the official version later this year. Through the introduction of these SDKs, SCE will offer a more streamlined content development environment for content developers — from large game development companies to small, independent shops — and further expand the world of PlayStation® to open operating system based portable devices.

In November 2011, SCE released the closed beta version of PlayStation®Suite SDK to limited content developers in Japan, United States and the United Kingdom. The upcoming open beta version incorporates their feedback and will dramatically enhance convenience and efficiency of the content development environment. The phased rollout of the open beta version will start in April 2012 free of charge and expand target countries beyond Japan, United States and the United Kingdom. Developers will also be able to conduct performance verification of their content developed with the open beta version on PlayStation®Vita.

SCE will also release the official version of PlayStation®Suite SDK at $99 US annually later this year, allowing content developers to have their content distributed through the PlayStation®Store*(2) on a commercial basis. Through the official version, content developers will also be able to seamlessly continue to develop content which was created with the open beta or the closed beta versions.

Furthermore, SCE will be adding content for PlayStation®Suite in Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Australia. The phased rollout of the update will start later this year. The phased rollout will include improving the PlayStation®Suite presence on PlayStation®Store for users who want to enjoy a variety of content with ease and convenience on their PlayStation™Certified devices. SCE will also deliver content created through the official version of PlayStation®Suite SDK after the necessary procedure is completed.

As of March 7, 2012, the line-up of PlayStation™Certified devices includes Xperia™ arc, Xperia™ acro, Xperia™ PLAY, Xperia™ acro HD, Xperia™ S, Xperia™ ion*(3) from Sony Mobile Communications AB, and “Sony Tablet” S and “Sony Tablet” P from Sony Corporation. SCE will continue to further accelerate the expansion of PlayStation™Certified devices.
Through PlayStation®Suite, SCE will deploy various measures to support content developers in their business, and expand the PlayStation® entertainment experience on an open operating system.

*(1) Software Development Kit is a set of development tools and software libraries. Developers are able to obtain this SDK by signing a license agreement with SCE.
*(2) Users can download vast digital content including games through PlayStation Store for PS3, PSP, PS Vita and PS Certified devices.
*(3) Model name may vary by region.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes, develops and markets the PlayStation®2 (PS2®) computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system. SCEI has revolutionized home entertainment since they launched PlayStation in 1994. PS2® further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP® is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games with high-quality full-motion video and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3® is an advanced computer system, incorporating the powerful Cell Broadband Engine and RSX processors. PS Vita is an ultimate portable entertainment system that offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context. SCEI also delivers the PlayStation® experience to open operating systems through PlayStation®Suite, a cross platform and cross device initiative. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI, along with its affiliated companies, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and its division companies, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan and Sony Computer Entertainment Asia develops, publishes, markets and distributes hardware and software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide.

PlayStation, PS3, PS2 and PSP are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xperia is a trademark or a registered trademark of Sony Mobile Communications AB. “Sony Tablet” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.