14 DAY TRIAL // IGN Entertainment's GameSpy has joined Sony Computer Entertainment tools and middleware license program, making its in-game technology available for PSP game title developers. GameSpy technology lets game developers add sophisticated online gaming features to their PSP game titles just as they have with the PC and PlayStation 2 platforms.
GameSpy's tools open a world of possibilities for PSP game title designers. Some of the most compelling elements of PC and console games - such as leader boards ranking a player's accomplishments among others, awards systems that reward skills and frequent play as well as team-based competition and tournaments - are now as easy to implement on game titles for PSP on games for GameSpy-connected PCs and consoles.
GameSpy technology can significantly extend the capabilities of online game titles by taking advantage of the interconnectivity provided by WiFi hotspots. Using GameSpy's solution, game developers can give their players freedom to find and compete with each other anywhere in the world via a WiFi hotspot - home, coffee shop, office - just as conveniently as from a connected PC or console.
The tools use the familiar GameSpy application programming interfaces (APIs) that are already available on the PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo DS, Linux and Macintosh. This consistency should reduce the cost of porting games from other platforms to the PSPand speed development.