With a back catalogue that spans both handheld and home console, Spanish studio Novarama has signed a deal with Sony to work on augmented reality titles for PS Vita.

The studio was already working on Reality Fighters for the handheld, but following its exploits with the SCE published AR series Invizimals on PSP, Novarama has agreed to work exclusively on Sony platforms.

AR on board

"This strategic alliance with one of Europe's brightest developers, a developer with unrivalled experience of augmented reality games shows our determination to work with creative and innovative developers," said senior VP of SCEE Michael Denny.

"I am very excited about what Novarama have planned and look forward to being able to share it with everybody."

Augmented reality is being billed as a key strength of PS Vita as it looks to take on both Nintendo's 3DS and the emerging smartphone market – itself no stranger to AR based software.

However, while Sony will benefit from a dedicated line up of AR releases, Novarama said it will be boosted by securing the backing of a major publishing partner.

"For a studio geared towards innovation like Novarama, having a partner of the size and experience of Sony is the perfect blend," added Novarama CEO Dani Sánchez-Crespo.

"By extending our partnership, we will continue making kids believe in invisible creatures and turning gamers into video game characters. These are exciting times to be part of the Sony family. With PS Vita on the horizon, the possibilities for creativity are endless."