Sony to developers: Join our Android revolution

Sony has broken a fifteen year tradition by allowing its games, both past and present, to be available beyond PlayStation devices.

A new software platform, called the PlayStation Suite, allows PlayStation developers to deliver content on Android, Google’s mobile operating system.

Devices that can incorporate the PlayStation Suite include the newly announced PSP2 (also known as NGP), the upcoming PlayStation Phone, and a rush of Android smartphones from the likes of HTC and Samsung.

Sony said it plans to make PlayStation Store “directly available to Android based portable devices” as well.

Though the initial push is to bring early PlayStation games to Android devices, Sony is encouraging developers to create new content and wants smartphone manufacturers to get involved.

“Sony Computer Entertainment will provide a new game development environment in an effort to ensure new and compelling content is delivered on PS Suite, which will also offer opportunities for a wider base of developers and publishers to further expand their business on various portable devices,” the company said.

Android device manufacturers that want to incorporate the PlayStation Suite will enter a PlayStation Certified licence programme.

“Through this programme, SCE will offer necessary support, including development support and logo licensing, to ensure the delivery of quality PlayStation experiences across various devices,” Sony said.

The platform holder spoke of a “dramatically evolving and diversifying mobile market” as key to its new direction.

“The number of users who enjoy games casually on a variety of devices including mobile phones, smart phones and tablet PCs, has been increasing significantly,” Sony said in a statement.

“By offering quality PlayStation content to this rapidly growing market, SCE will not only deliver the PlayStation experience to a wider base of users around the globe, but will also be able to offer game developers and publishers the potential to further expand their business opportunities to these devices.”

PlayStation Suite will be compatible with Android 2.3 and above.