PlayStation Shows Even More Love to Indies with Free VR Equipment

PlayStation apparently pulls no punches when working with independent developers. This even includes giving them free access to VR equipment.

For those unfamiliar with Project Morpheus, it is the VR headset that PlayStation engineers have been working on. If you’ve heard of the Oculus Rift, think of this as the Sony developed and PlayStation branded version. According to a recent Engadget article, registered indies can request test units of Project Morpheus as well as  developer kits. Don’t get all excited and think you are going to get one of these for yourself though. The key thing to remember is that you have to be registered as a developer with Sony. (In case you are interested in registering, here is where you go about doing so.) Even after that, you have to apply for a Project Morpheus unit and wait until one becomes available. Then it is only on loan to you, sorry no keepsies.

This is good for Sony on several fronts. It will help to keep indies excited to work with them and it will help gauge how much demand there may be for VR. The indies will be able to get hands-on with the hardware and see what they can or want to do with it. That information would be invaluable for Sony when it comes to deciding further development of the technology. It may also help lure other developers from the Oculus Rift as well. Remember that the Minecraft port for the Oculus Rift was canceled after Facebook announced it was purchasing the company.

Add up everything Sony is doing with indies and it is impressive. We already saw how much of their current and upcoming catalog is from indies. Then, earlier this week they announced twelve more indies games coming. Given that the Oculus Rift may be facing legal action, PlayStation could be in the catbird seat.

Paul Novak is a self described Polish ninja toiling away as an IT professional but more into gaming and writing. Physically existing in the west side of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania yet existentially flowing with the ether of the Internet. Found here at What’s Your Tag? and on the Twitter @dudewantshisrug. Game on with Team XBRO!