PlayStation Plus is a useful tool in connecting indie developers with new players, according to Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Andrew House.
It follows earlier comments from PlayStation’s US boss Jack Tretton, during which he said he feels heartbroken every time a consumer wants to buy a PS4, but ultimately has to be turned away as there’s no stock left.
Speaking with CVG, House said, “With PlayStation Plus, we’ve almost stumbled upon a great way to connect independent games developers with an audience.
“From what independent developers tell me, the mobile space is an increasing struggle for those looking to find an audience, so we have the opportunity to give two things to independent games developers.
“One is an opportunity to stretch their legs creatively, with differentiated interfaces and a big-screen experience. And the second thing is to connect them with an audience.”
It stands to reason that being featured in the Instant Game Collection – a batch of rotating free titles offered to PS Plus subscribers – could boost the visibility of indie teams and their output. PS4 launched with two such titles on the PS Plus slate, namely Resogun and Contrast. Would these games have been enjoyed by so many players without this exposure?
That’s certainly up for review, suggests House, “Via PlayStation Plus, the Instant Game Collection experience has taken off, because people have that joy of discovering those new, quirky experiences that maybe they wouldn’t have come across. That’s a very strong area of emphasis for us.”
House does have a strong point regarding mobile however. The influx of self-published titles in that space is making it harder for indies to stand out among the pack of clones and juggernauts like Candy Crush Saga and Angry Birds.
Could the same happen to PSN over time if now that Sony’s doors to entry have become stripped back to the frame and welcome mat?
Discuss below.
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