Sony needs to prove PSPgo, says Fishlabs

Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, CEO and founder of established mobile games studio Fishlabs, Michael Schade, has voiced caution over the opportunities presented by Sony's enthusiasm for digital game distribution.

"The game experience on PSP is great, no doubt, but Sony has to prove they can sell several million devices first," he says.

Schade is careful to acknowledge the high-quality gaming experience offered by the PSP, with his concerns level more toward how the device will compete for consumer interest alongside the iPhone.

He goes on to say that gamers, who are 'merciless' in their opinions, might struggle to accept games on the PSP that are essentially beefed up mobile titles - regardless of the fact that they'll be cheaper than the platform's PS2-comparable retail games.

He also offers an astute, alternative argument for those who criticise the iPhone as not being a bully fledged gaming device, but a feature rich mobile phone.

"If the iPhone combines both [communications and games], is always on, always with you, how can you beat that?" he asks.

He concludes by looking at PSPgo game development is from the perspective of independent studios, and wonders whether they'll be reluctant to go head to head with the corporations already used to making games for the platform.

"I would not like to be in the driver seat at Sony for the PSPgo... given the speed of innovation that Apple constantly surprises with."

Read the full interview here.