Sony And Vicious Cycle Partner For India Game Growth

Developer Vicious Cycle Software has partnered with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) to provide middleware technology Vicious Engine to game developers in India. The move is part of SCEE’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the adoption rate of the PlayStation 2 and PSP in India, with the company also recently announcing a relaxation of content approval procedures for the PS2 and the abolition of licensing fees for the aging home console. SCEE is keen to encourage developers in emerging markets such as India and Russia to create local content, such as sports titles. The company even went as far as announcing plans for a revision of the PS2 hardware specifically for the region. Although soon to be complemented by Vicious Engine 2, the existing version of the middleware technology has been used in games such as Dead Head Fred, Flushed Away and Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. “We looked for an all-inclusive game engine that provided flexibility and a rapid development cycle,” said Jim Ryan, COO of SCEE. “The Vicious Engine is both intuitive and easy-to-use, an excellent choice for our program in India.” “Working with up-and-coming developers has always been part of our long-term strategy,” said Eric Peterson, president and CEO of Vicious Cycle Software. “This is an historic program, and we are looking forward to all the amazing titles Indian developers will create using our engine.”