A PS2 development kit is essential for creating games for this platform, but normally costs around AU$30,000. This is a major barrier to entry for startups or small companies seeking to enter this part of the games market, according to Adam Lancman, GDAA president and managing director of Infogrames Melbourne House.
The deal between the government, GDAA, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) and Metrowerks will see the purchase of ten kits at a reduced price, and they will be provided on six months free loan to selected developers.
The first five companies to benefit from the scheme are Bullant, Hemicube, Lucid Software, Tantalus Interactive and That Game. They received the units two weeks ago, and will hire 20 new staff to develop PS2 games. In six months time, a second round of ten companies will be chosen. Selection for the program is handled by GDAA, which also arranges experienced mentors for developers. Projects are subject to peer review, while SCE provides full technical support and feedback.
"Many of the companies receiving the units would not have qualified to enter an agreement with Sony," said Lancman. They might have a game concept prototyped on a PC, but publishers want PS2 versions and expect developers to be experienced on that platform, he explained.
"It can be difficult for small or beginning developers to get a leg up," said Michael Ephraim, managing director of Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) Australia, but the potential for sales is "absolutely massive."
"I'm very excited about this initiative," he added.
Several PS2 games have already emerged from Victoria, including Jurassic Park, AFL Live 2003, Loony Tunes Space Race, Le Mans 24 Hours, Men In Black II Alien Escape and Grand Prix Challenge. Lancman said these very high profile global licences show the standing of the local industry.
Minister for Information and Communications Technology Marsha Thomson described the program as a world first: "no government has ever provided development kits to local developers," she said.
"This initiative will give Victorian companies a real edge over their international competitors," added Thomson, "Each game developed in Melbourne sees $3 million invested in Victoria and creates up to 30 new jobs." Victoria already accounts for half of the nation's game development activity, she said.
