It’s a known fact that the PS3 is a developer’s nightmare but Sony is hoping that a price cut to all existing dev kits will increase development. Sony reduced the price of Reference Tool model DECR-1400A to $2000 in the US and will go for €1,700 in Europe and PAL nations. Let’s hope this stirs up some more interest in Sony’s console that results in better games for the platform. Because they’re going to need a strong push in third party titles this year if they want to stay competitive with the Xbox 360 and Wii.
Sony also introduced their brand new graphics rendering engine, PhyreEngine, at GDC.
Provided as a full package along with its source code, and incorporated with many updated features including the linkage with the physics engines, this graphics rendering engine is adaptable to various game development styles. Furthermore, documents describing the technical aspects and overview of PhyreEngine have been made available to help the game developer community in creating games more efficiently using this graphics engine. The latest version 2.40, released in March 2009, includes a new “foliage rendering” system that provides tools and technology to render ultra-realistic trees and plants to be easily integrated into games, helping game developers to express their creativity more freely on the PS3 system.
I don’t think Sony really gives a damn about 3rd party developement. Kojima Studios is the only 3rd party that’s actually taken the time to get it right. I think this is merely a way to throw 3rd party devs a bone, while Sony’s 1st party devs make them look like complete clowns in the ability department.
Morne
Did they misunderstand? We want a discount on the CONSOLE, NOT the dev kit.
@ Patrick – Speak for yourself, I bought a launch 60g.
Morne
I too own a 60GB model and even though I am well in over 1k in hardware, accesories, and software. I will stand by my PS3 till the end and I am a huge PS FANBOY! LMAO or FANMAN since I am already close to 30yrs old. LMAO! GO SONY!
I did not know the PS3 played games………………:)
Seriously… Sony need to get the console price reduced and not ANYTHING else to compete properly!
If the development kit helps 3rd parties make better games on the PS3, that’s got to be a good thing. As for the price drop on the normal console, it’ll happen when it happens, not when the kazillion websites, & getting paid for guessing things analysts say so. Makes no odds to me. I just want more good games.