Sony Offers PS2, PSP Developer Kits to Colleges
The program is aimed to teach computer science and engineering students about PlayStation platforms using the same development kits deployed by developers and publishers, typically unavailable to the general public.
"SCEA wants to make sure that students who are graduating from college are ready to program on PlayStation hardware and that means getting it into your hands," wrote SCEA developer support manager Mark Danks on the PlayStation Blog.
Participating schools are required to sign unspecified legal agreements with Sony, as well as purchase the development kits themselves. Though Danks did not disclose pricing for the units, they are known to be quite costly—a PlayStation 3 kit costs upwards of $10,000, though the older PS2 and PSP kits are likely cheaper.
The program's announcement is the latest in a developing trend of game companies reaching out to educational institutions. Microsoft's Chris Satchell recently told Shacknews that the University of Washington in Seattle is making use of the company's XNA Game Studio technology for research purposes.
Educators interested in participating in the program can reach Danks via the contact information detailed on the PlayStation Blog.
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jra101
replyWhy a PS2 dev kit instead of a PS3 dev kit? As far as I know they aren't really very similar to develop for.
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maybe it's cheaper than destroying them en masse, which was probably their initial plan. Either way, it's good that they're not as blind as they once were to the dilemma: some college students want to learn how to play games, but most colleges (aside from The Guildhall, MIT, etc.) don't see enough value in a $10,000 glorified console.
Sounds like the same kind of deals that computer software and hardware companies strike with colleges. Still, it's disappointing that Sony's only willing to go last-generation with everyone except those elite colleges willing to open up their wallets. -
Maybe because Sony sells the PS3 dev kit for $10,500? Fear of piracy, maybe?
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PS3 dev kits are far more expensive and in demand for current gen titles.
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how would you feel as a game developer spending 10k for something kids get for free
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If the college kids didn't get it then more money would come out of your pockets to train them on it.
