The PSP2 (code name “Next Generation Portable”) looks like it’s a real beast spec-wise, but how good can it be without decent games? At their PSP2 launch event today, Sony didn’t show just the hardware but also invited some game developers from Capcom, Konami or Activision on stage. Here’s the first batch of titles.
The list includes:
Sony will also offer two special features with the PSP2 that weren’t available before.
The first is called LiveArea. From the press release:
Every game title for NGP will be provided with a space called “LiveArea™” where users can share the fun and excitement with other players. Users will have access to the latest information of games provided from SCE and 3rd party developers and publishers through PlayStation®Network. Additionally, NGP users will be able to view an “Activity” log that is constantly updated with accomplishments from users who are playing the same game, which in turn can trigger active real-time communication among users.
The second makes use of the GPS module in the PSP2 and is simply called “Near”. Near essentially adds a location-based element to the device (it’s pre-installed), meaning you’ll be able to see what your friends or strangers in the vicinity are currently playing (or which games they used to play).
With Near, it will be possible to contact other players around you to share game information. Here’s a Near screenshot Sony Japan released today:
Update:
Silionera has a list of 82 third-party game developers and publishers backing the new system:
From Japan:
Acquire
Alvion (makers of Malicious)
AQ Interactive
Arc System Works
Arika
Artdink
Ascii Media Works
Atlus / Index Holdings
Capcom
Chunsoft
Craft & Meister (they’re making Earth Seeker for Wii)
CyberConnect2
D3 Publisher
Dimps
Edia (they make Maplus software for PSP)
Enterbrain
Falcom
From Software
Genki
Grasshopper Manufacture
GungHo Online Entertainment (remember Mimana?)
Gust
Hamster
Hudson
Idea Factory
Irem
Kadokawa Games
Kadokawa Shoten
Konami
Level-5
Marvelous
Media Five
Namco Bandai
Nippon Ichi Software
Now Production
Q Entertainment
Sega
SNK Playmore
Spike
Square Enix
SystemSoft Alpha
Takara Tomy
Tecmo Koei Games
Tose
Yukes
North America:
Activision
Capybara Games
Demiurge Studios
Epic Games
Far Sight Studios
Frima
High Voltage Software
Kung Fu Factory
Paramount Digital Entertainment
PopCap Games
Powerhead Games
Trendy Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
2K Games
2K Sports
Europe:
Avalanche Studios
Climax Studios
Codemasters Software Company
Eurocom Developments
Eutechnyx
Exient
Firemint
Gameloft
Gusto Games
Home Entertainment Suppliers
Impromptu Software
Rebellion
Rockstar Games
Sidhe Interactive
Sumo Digital
Team 17 Software
Ubisoft Entertainment
Zen Studios
Seattle, WA
San Diego, CA
Menlo Park, CA
Berlin, Germany
Boston, MA
Berlin, Germany
