Sony Computer Entertainment Boosts PLAYSTATION®3 Game Development Environment

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it would enhance the game development support environment for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) by integrating programming tools developed by SN Systems Limited (SN Systems)(*1), as part of the PS3 Software Development Kit (SDK)(*2).

By building on the well-established line-up of SN tool products, including the core programming tool ProDG, and offering it as part of the PS3 SDK, SCEI is committed to strongly supporting the game development community. Additionally, SCEI will enable the Debugging Station for PS3 (DECHA007J/ DECHA007A) to take part in the programming process, effectively assisting PS3 game title development on the Reference Tool (DECR-1000/ DECR-1000A) (*3).

Along with these measures to improve efficiency in PS3 game development, SCEI has also almost halved the price for its PS3 Reference Tool, effective immediately. The Reference Tool will now become available at JPY950,000 in Japan, US $10,250 in North America and euro7,500 in Europe(*4).

The distinguished high-quality line-up of SN Systems' programming tools to be integrated into the PS3 SDK include(*5):

  1 ProDG:
    Effective immediately, ProDG, a highly regarded and powerful programming
    tool developed by SN Systems, renowned for its highly customizable
    superior user interface, will become available free of charge as part of
    the PS3 SDK. Additionally, through the improvement of its
    functionalities, ProDG, which used to be available for use only on the
    Reference Tool, is now available for use on the Debugging Station as
    well, contributing to reduction in development costs.
  2 SN Distributed Build System (SN-DBS):
    On October 12th, license and support fees for SN-DBS were eliminated.
    SN-DBS is a distributed build system that improves productivity by
    dramatically reducing compiling time by distributing source code builds
    to multiple PCs on a local area network, allowing them to process in
    parallel.  Compiling time is reduced by approximately 80% when using 6
    PCs.
  3 SN LINKER:
    A program that is used during the building process for linking compiled
    programs.  Compared to the existing linker, linking speed is
    significantly improved and can be up to eight times faster.  The release
    of this program has already started through the SDK's system software
    update released on November 2nd.
  4 SN Compiler (SNC):
    A new compiler that will be provided as the standard compiler for PS3.
    It is optimized for use for PS3 by adopting the industry standard C++
    front-end and will significantly elevate game quality as well as
    improving productivity through its improved code generating efficiency.
    Release of the beta version of SNC will start from mid December as part
    of the SDK.

In addition to the provision of these powerful tools as part of the SDK, SCEI has also added the capability for the Debugging Station to take part in programming, thus assisting PS3 game title development on the Reference Tool, instead of using it only as a quality assurance system for games under development. Game developers are able to power up Debugging Station by simply updating to the latest version SDK provided on November 2nd. Adding this new capability to assist game title development will contribute to cost efficiency and overall productivity.

The PS3 Reference Tool is optimized for the creation of entirely new interactive entertainment that is only available on PS3, taking full advantage of state-of-the-art technologies such as Cell Broadband Engine™ (Cell/B.E.) and RSX®. As more and more new titles are developed for the PS3 format, SCEI will significantly reduce the price of the Reference Tool in order to contribute to the cost saving measures of the development community.

Along with this boost to the PS3 game development environment, SCEI will further reinforce its support system to the development community, and continue to further expand the PS3 platform.

  (*1)  SN Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of SCEI, acquired in 2005.
  (*2)  Software Development Kit is a software library for game developers.
        Developers are able to obtain this library by signing a license
        agreement with SCE and by purchasing tool products.
  (*3)  A game software development tool for PS3.
  (*4)  All prices are exclusive of tax.
  (*5)  These SN Systems tool products are provided free of charge.


  About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

PLAYSTATION, PlayStation, PS3 and RSX are registered trademarks and Cell Broadband Engine is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

CONTACT: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Corporate Communications,
03-6438-8686

Web site: http://www.playstation.com/