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PS Vita: The Ultimate FAQ

Sid Shuman — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:45:23 +0000

With all eyes on the PS Vita’s US launch date of February 22nd, we wanted to begin providing definitive answers to your many questions about PS Vita. Behold: The PS Vita Ultimate FAQ! Of course, this list of Frequently Asked Questions is only a start and certain details are still being finalized. Rest assured that we’ll continue to update this FAQ leading up to launch, integrating new answers to your questions and additional details as they are verified and confirmed.

Read on to get answers to your questions regarding PS Vita, covering everything from the specs of the state-of-the-art OLED screen to support of Bluetooth peripherals and more. And remember: Please leave your burning questions in the comments and we’ll address them in a future update.

General Questions

Q: When will PS Vita be available?
A: In North America, Latin America, and Europe, PS Vita launches on February 22nd, 2012. A limited-run First Edition Bundle launched on February 15th in the US. In Japan, PS Vita launched on December 17th.

Q: How much will PS Vita cost?
A: The Wi-Fi version will retail for $249, while the 3G/Wi-Fi version will retail for $299.

Q: How many software titles will be available at launch in the US?
A: PS Vita will launch with 26 games on its February 22nd launch date in the US, and every PS Vita system will be packed with six AR Play Cards. You can use these cards to play a selection of Augmented Reality mini games that will be available soon on PlayStation Store. You can watch videos showing off AR minigames Table Soccer, Fireworks and Cliff Diving in action.

Additionally, there will be a selection of 275 legacy PSP titles available to download from PlayStation Store at PS Vita’s launch and 117 PlayStation minis titles, with more legacy PSP and minis titles to come in the future. See the full list of currently supported PSP and minis titles here.

The full list of launch-day PS Vita titles is as follows:

SCEA Launch-Day Titles
Escape Plan (PSN Only)
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
Hustle Kings (PSN Only)
Little Deviants
ModNation Racers: Road Trip
Super Stardust Delta (PSN only)
UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss
wipEout 2048

Third-Party Publisher Launch-Day Titles
Army Corps of Hell by Square Enix, Inc.
Asphalt Injection by Ubisoft, Inc.
BEN10 GALACTIC RACING by D3 Publisher of America
Blazblue: Continuum Shift EXTEND by Aksys Games Localization, Inc.
Dungeon Hunter Alliance by Ubisoft, Inc.
Dynasty Warriors Next by Tecmo Koei America Corporation
F1 2011 by Codemasters
EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer by Electronic Arts, Inc.
Lumines Electronic Symphony by Ubisoft, Inc.
Michael Jackson The Experience Ubisoft, Inc.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus by Tecmo Koei America Corporation
Plants vs Zombies by Sony Online Entertainment LLC
Rayman Origins by Ubisoft, Inc.
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen by Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
Tales of Space: Mutant Blobs (PSN Only) by Drinkbox Studios
Touch My Katamari by Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 by Capcom Entertainment, Inc.
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition by Sega of America

Worldwide, there are more than 70 PS Vita games currently in development. What’s more, some of the most popular third-party franchises in gaming will appear on PS Vita, including Assassin’s Creed, BioShock, Call of Duty, and Mortal Kombat.

Q: What will software pricing look like?
A: Pricing for PS Vita software ranges from $9.99-$49.99 (MSRP) and will be available for purchase at retail locations as well as downloadable on the PlayStation Store.

Q: Does the First Edition Bundle come with a digital or physical copy of Little Deviants?
A: The First Edition Bundle includes a copy of Little Deviants on a physical PS Vita game card.

Q: What accessories will PS Vita launch with in the US?
A: PS Vita will launch with a wide array of accessories. For gamers looking for a complete solution, a Starter Kit with Memory Card will be available for $39.99 (MSRP), which includes a 4GB Memory Card, Pocket Pouch, Protective Film, Game Card Case, Headphones, and Cleaning Cloth. Standalone Memory Cards will start at $19.99 (MSRP), providing plenty of options for storing games and save data, videos, music, photos and more.

The full list of upcoming PS Vita accessories is as follows:

Product Name
Starter Kit with Memory Card
4 GB Memory Card
8 GB Memory Card
16 GB Memory Card
32 GB Memory Card
In-Ear Headset
Carrying Case
Travel Pouch
Protective Film (2 pack)
Card Case
Cradle
AC Adaptor
Car Adaptor
USB Cable
Portable Charger Release Date
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
Spring 2012 MSRP
$39.99
$19.99
$29.99
$59.99
$99.99
$19.99
$19.99
$19.99
$9.99
$5.99
$19.99
$14.99
$14.99
$14.99
$49.99

Q: What wireless 3G plans will be available for the 3G/Wi-Fi model of PS Vita?
A: The AT&T Data Connect plans are month-by-month and are not contract based, and all plans include complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot access in the United States. There are two plan choices:

1. 250MB for $14.99, 30-day recurring opt out, which starts at the date and time of purchase.

2. 3GB for $30.00, 30-day recurring opt out, which starts at the date and time of purchase.

Q: What are the advantages of choosing the 3G/Wi-Fi model of PS Vita? What will I get with it that I can’t get with the Wi-Fi model?
A: With access to AT&T Broadband Network you can game with real-time connection, immediately socialize with your gaming community through news feeds, multiplayer game sessions, and compete for in-game achievements (Trophies). You can also stay up-to-date with continuous LiveArea news feeds, and cross-game text messaging with Party. 3G connectivity also benefits social apps such as Facebook, Twitter, foursquare, Skype and more, all optimized specifically for PS Vita.

PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi model also includes GPS for the most accurate geo-location reading, giving you an advantage when using “near” in that you can interact when you’re away from a Wi-Fi hotspot, whether you’re scooping up new track parts for ModNation Racers or accepting a new lap-time challenge in WipEout 2048.

Q: Do all PS Vita users have to sign up with a cell phone provider?
A: No. Users can enjoy either model of PS Vita using only Wi-Fi functionality.

Q: What is “near”?
A: “near” is PS Vita’s integrated social networking app that enables you to check in to real-life locations and pick up or leave gifts for other gamers to find and use in their games. You can also locate and connect with your PlayStation Network friends and other gamers nearby for ad-hoc communication and multiplayer sessions, whether you set up lap-time challenges in WipEout 2048 or trade costumes with a competitor in Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3. Using “near,” you can also see which games are the most popular and highest rated by fellow gamers near your location, which can help you locate new and interesting games..

”near” can calculate your location using a Wi-Fi location service; the 3G/Wi-Fi model includes GPS technology, which enables you to be the first to find valuable game gifts by logging into “near” via 3G with more precision…and no need to wait for a Wi-Fi hot spot!

Q: Do you need 3G network connection to enjoy “near”?
A: No. PS Vita users can enjoy “near” using Wi-Fi, but a 3G connection is preferred in order to maximize “near”’s capability. By using a 3G connection, users will be able to obtain more information and encounter new players in real time via “near”. Think of it as a geo-social gaming network that taps into your location, wherever you might be.

Q: What kinds of “gifts” can you give and receive using “near”?
A: ”near” enables PS Vita owners to access virtual game-related items that other users are sharing by checking in at geographic locations that other PS Vita users have also visited. The virtual items can come in many forms: new character costumes, weapons, and treasures, just to name a few. Sharing these items between users adds a unique dimension to the portable gaming experience on PS Vita while enhancing the social connectivity among the PS Vita community.

Q: What is “LiveArea”?
A: Every PS Vita game features a space called “LiveArea” where you can access new game information from Sony Computer Entertainment and third-party developers and publishers via PlayStation Network. You’ll also be able to view an “Activity” log that includes your PSN Friends, which is constantly updated with accomplishments from users who are playing the same game, which in turn can trigger active real-time communication and gameplay among users.

Q: What is “Party”?
A: “Party” brings the flexibility and power of cross-game chat or text chat to PS Vita’s online gaming, and it’s available even when users are playing different games or using different applications such as the Internet browser . Users who are chatting together can also seamlessly join an online game to play together, making it easy to hop into a quick match of Unit 13 or wipEout 2048. You’ll also be able to bookmark your favorite groups so you can easily reconnect with them later. Combined with near, a powerful geo-social gaming network, Party will give PS Vita owners more options to interact, communicate, and compete than ever before.

Q: What system software will come pre-loaded on the final retail version of PS Vita in North America?
A: PS Vita comes pre-installed with Welcome Park, “near,” “Party,” Trophies, Friends, PlayStation Store, Remote Play, Video player, Music player, Photos and Camera, Group Messaging, and Content Manager.

Q: What is PS Vita’s battery life?
A: Officially, PS Vita is rated at approximately 3 to 5 hours of gaming, 5 hours of video playback, and 9 hours of music playback. Recharging the battery from 0 percent will take approximately 2.5 hours.

From a gaming perspective, you’ll notice that the most graphically intense games such as UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss are slightly more demanding on battery life, while simpler games such as Escape Plan are less demanding. To further maximize battery life, you can employ measures such as reducing the screen’s brightness or deactivating Wi-Fi. By and large, PlayStation employees who have used PS Vita extensively in the real world have praised the unit’s battery life – if you pick up PS Vita on day one, be sure to let us know what your experiences are.

Technical Specifications

Q: I’ve heard that PS Vita uses OLED display technology. How does it work? What are the benefits of OLED? Why is it superior to traditional LCD-based displays?
A: OLED technology is the most cutting-edge display technology on the market, boasting higher contrast and brighter color than LCD-based displays found in other devices. This next-generation display technology makes PS Vita games look dazzlingly bright.

Q: What are the specs of the OLED screen?
A: PS Vita’s OLED screen measures 5 inches, with a resolution of 960×544 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) and a color depth of approximately 16,770,000 colors.

Q: Is a memory card required for game play?
A: You will need a memory card for those games that require game saves or have downloadable content. You will also need a memory card in order to take photos or videos using PS Vita’s integrated cameras.

Q: Does PS Vita support Bluetooth headsets or Bluetooth headphones?
A: Commercially available headphones/headsets supporting A2DP, HSP and AVRCP can be used on PS Vita, however they may function differently depending on the device’s specifications. Stereo Bluetooth is also supported, an important feature for users of Bluetooth headphones.

Q: Can you use a commercially available Bluetooth keyboard or mouse? Can you connect the PS3 wireless controller to PS Vita like PSPgo?
A: No. You won’t be able to connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse or a PS3 DualShock 3 wireless controller with PS Vita.

Q: Can you access the Internet by connecting PS Vita to a Bluetooth-supported cell phone?
A: No.

Q: What video and audio formats will PS Vita support?
A: PS Vita supports a wide array of audio files, including: MP3 (MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer 3), MP4 (MPEG-4 AAC), and WAVE (Linear PCM). Video formats supported include: MPEG-4 Simple Profile (AAC) and H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High/Main/Baseline Profile (AAC). Image and photo formats supported include JPEG, TIFF, BMP, GIF, and PNG.

Q: Do you have any plans to introduce a video output cable? Will PS Vita have HDMI output?
A: No, PS Vita does not have a video output feature.

Q: Can you take out the battery from the system?
A: No. PS Vita’s rear touchscreen requires the use of an internal embedded battery.

Q: Is there a possibility of certain PS3 games using PS Vita as a second screen or peripheral at some point in the future?
A: Remote Play on PS Vita will allow you to see and control your PS3 from your PS Vita; we’ll have further details to share in the future.

Q: What colors will be available for the North American launch?
A: Crystal Black will be available for launch.

PlayStation Vita: The Unboxing

Abby Reyes — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:01:22 +0000

Hi everyone! With only a few weeks to go until launch, PlayStation Vita is the hot topic on everyone’s mind here at SCEA. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably counting down the minutes until Vita arrives, anxiously awaiting the availability of what’s sure to be an industry game changer. Today, I’m here to give you your very own first look the PS Vita First Edition Bundle.

Early birds who pre-ordered the First Edition Bundle will their PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi system on February 15, a FULL WEEK ahead of its official launch on February 22nd! You’ll also get a 4GB PS Vita memory card, a limited-edition PS Vita case, a copy of Little Deviants on PS Vita game card, and a set of AR Play game cards to enable augmented reality play with a host of free downloadable mini games. There’s more: The PS Vita First Edition Bundle also includes an AT&T DataConnect Session Pass, which is good for one free 250MB data session (a $14.99 value) upon purchase of one 250 MB data session, as well as a free PlayStation Network game that you can redeem upon 3G activation on the AT&T mobile broadband network.

Have you pre-ordered a PS Vita First Edition Bundle, or are you holding out for a different model on February 22nd? What games have you pre-ordered and, if you’ve stopped by our Vita Hill social clubs, which would you recommend? Let us know in the comments!

Vita Hill Social Club Calendar: Upcoming Events

Ryan Maloney — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:25:10 +0000

Thank you to the thousands of gamers who have stopped by one of the eight Vita Hill Social Clubs across the United States over the past few weeks. For those of you who don’t know, Vita Hill Social Club is the only place where you can walk in and pick up a PS Vita to play with for as long as you want (well, until closing time).

Check out our upcoming events below and go to Vita-Hill.com to learn more about upcoming events in your city.

Mortal Kombat Take Over

When: February 24th, 6:00 to 9:00pm local time
Where: Vita Hill social clubs in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco (directions and info)
On February 24th from 6:00 to 9:00pm, get first hands-on with Mortal Kombat at Vita Hill Social Clubs nationwide and experience the world’s deadliest tournament in the palm of your hand! Mortal Kombat for PS Vita delivers new gameplay features and tons of new content developed exclusively for the revolutionary handheld system. Mortal Kombat features an all-new Challenge Tower II mode with 150 brand-new missions that push PS Vita’s capabilities to the max. No punches pulled! Mortal Kombat Vita brings all of the bone-breaking action from the 2011 console release for on-the-go gaming with all the warriors, including Kratos! Come and get your hands on the future of portable fighting in our special Vita Hill event.

Little Deviants Tournament

When: February 26th, 3:00 to 5:00pm local time
Where: Vita Hill social clubs in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco (directions and info)
On February 26th from 3:00 to 5:00pm, get deviant with PS Vita! Players will have five minutes to play specific games chosen by our Vita Hill staff. Every two players will have a dedicated staff member to look over your shoulder (no cheating!) to record your score. In five minutes, players have to get their best score on the mini game. Winners move onto the next round to play another mini game until there is only ONE left. So stop by during the week to practice your Little Deviants moves.

Special Launch Day PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi Bundle Announced

John Koller — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:10:02 +0000

With only 27 days until the launch of PlayStation Vita, we are excited to announce two PS Vita 3G/WiFi bundles. If you were one of the lucky consumers to pre order the PS Vita First Edition Bundle, in addition to the PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi hardware, a limited edition case, a 4GB PS Vita Memory Card and Little Deviants game, we will now be including an AT&T DataConnect Pass good for one free 250MB data session (a $14.99 value) upon purchase of one 250 MB data session, and a PlayStation Network game – both provided upon 3G activation on the AT&T mobile broadband network. And the best part, you still get it a week before the official launch date.

We are happy to announce today that we will be creating an extremely limited edition PlayStation Vita 3G/Wi-Fi bundle designed to reward those who brave the cold to stand in line on February 22nd (or even those who come in the few days that follow). In addition to the PS Vita hardware, we will be including an 8GB PS Vita Memory Card, an AT&T DataConnect Pass and a PlayStation Network game all for the usual MSRP of $299. This SKU is part of a promotional offer and will sell out immediately so we strongly recommend that you purchase your PS Vita early to make sure you get the extra value!

While the system is a fantastic option, the addition of 3G-network access is perfect for the gamer that wants convenience, community and connection – basically the ability to immediately socialize with your gaming community. Using the AT&T mobile broadband network also allows you to engage in multi-player gaming, utilize GPS location-based digital gifting, stay up to date with continuous LiveArea scores and game ranking news feeds, compete for in-game achievements, engage in PS Vita to PS3 cross-platform game play, cross-game message with Party, and have access to software updates, all while on the go. You’ll also be able to login to the PS Store and download new content and add-ons for some of your favorite titles.

There are lots of exciting updates still to come as we get closer to launch, and we will be sure to keep you posted. Our goal here at PlayStation is to transform every aspect of life into an entertainment experience. We know when you get your hands on Vita you may really never stop playing!

Join Us: Play PS Vita in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Miami, NYC Next Week

Jeff Rubenstein — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:19:45 +0000

Last month, we threw open the doors to a San Francisco location where gamers could just walk right in and go hands on with PlayStation Vita. The reaction was rapturous, but why should California get all the love? Frankly, I think the Golden State is starting to get a little spoiled.

Starting next week, Vita Hill Social Clubs are opening in five of America’s great cities, and we’ll be holding grand opening meetups in all of them:

Tuesday, January 17th

Chicago (click here to RSVP)
1444 N. Milwaukee Ave
Your host: Jeff Rubenstein from PlayStation.Blog

Miami (click here to RSVP)
749 Washington, Miami Beach
Your host: Rey Gutierrez from PlayStation.Blog

New York City (click here to RSVP)
154 Stanton St.
Your host: Sid Shuman from PlayStation.Blog

Wednesday, January 18th

Atlanta (click here to RSVP)
800 Peachtree St.
Your host: Rey Gutierrez from PlayStation.Blog

Boston (click here to RSVP)
579 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
Your host: Sid Shuman from PlayStation.Blog

All meetups start at 5.30pm local time, ending at 8.30pm. Attendees will feast on free food and beverages, have unfettered access to a dozen PS Vita titles, and enter for chances to win PlayStation prizes. PlayStation.Blog’s design guru Rey Gutierrez even whipped up a special T-shirt for the occasion, which will go to the first 100 people to show up to each meetup. So, you know, don’t be late.

These new Social Clubs are opening in addition to the existing location in San Francisco. We’ll also be opening Social Clubs in Austin, TX and the L.A. area soon. Click here for all locations, addresses, and hours of operation.

Be sure to RSVP to let us know you’re coming (ATL BOS CHI MIA NYC). Hope to see you next week!

San Francisco: PS Vita Meet-ups Kick Off This Week

Jeff Rubenstein — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:28:25 +0000

If you’re eagerly anticipating picking up a PlayStation Vita at launch, February 22nd probably feels distressingly far away. “But I want to play NOW,” you may be thinking, feeling, and/or shouting. We understand.

That’s why we’re going to be fanning out across the country to give loyal PlayStation fans the the opportunity to go hands on with the PS Vita months before launch, through a series of Vita Social Clubs. And for people in the San Francisco Bay Area, that opportunity comes knocking this Thursday with the grand opening of the Vita Hill Social Club. We’ll be bringing the food and the beverages, but most importantly, we’ll be bringing the Vitas. Dozens and dozens of them. Bring extra hands!

The Vita Hill Social Club will give you the opportunity to play tons of PS Vita games, including UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss, LittleBigPlanet, Little Deviants, WipEout 2048, ModNation Racers, Reality Fighters, and Hot Shots Golf in a relaxing setting. We’ll also be raffling off a few things… maybe even a PS Vita (correction: yes, we will).

Here’s what you need to know:

Date/Time
Thursday, Dec 1st, 2011 from 5:00 – 9:00pm Pacific Time

Location
Vita Hill Social Club
1694 Union Street (at Gough)
San Francisco, CA 94123

RSVP Here

Not in San Francisco? Don’t worry, we’ll be opening up PS Vita Social Clubs all around the US in the near future. We’re also set up in several malls across the country right now. We’re planning more meet-ups in January – many in cities we haven’t been to before – so stay tuned.

In the meantime, see you Thursday, San Francisco!

Get Your Hands on PS Vita Early with the First Edition Bundle

John Koller — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:06:10 +0000

Hey PlayStation Vita fans! How would you like to get your hands on PS Vita one week before the official release date of February 22nd? After last Tuesday’s announcement of the PS Vita launch date, we are excited to bring more PS Vita news your way with the introduction of the PS Vita First Edition bundle. We’ve decided to give our most loyal fans an opportunity to own a PS Vita before everyone else. For a limited time in the U.S. and Canada, the PS Vita First Edition bundle will be pre-sold at select retail locations, starting today.

The U.S. bundle includes a PS Vita 3G + Wi-Fi model, a limited edition case, 4GB PS Vita Memory Card, and Little Deviants game for $349.99 (MSRP). The Canadian bundle includes a Wi-Fi model, a limited edition case, 4GB PS Vita Memory Card, and Little Deviants game for $299.99 (MSRP). Best of all, you can pick up the PS Vita First Edition Bundle on February 15, 2012, so this is your chance to play before everyone else.

With PS Vita, the world is in play. PS Vita is the next generation portable entertainment system, providing interaction with the world around you. Unlike any other handheld device ever designed, PS Vita provides all new ways to play, including a complete, socially connected experience with the biggest and best games. From the beautiful, highest resolution front touch screen and rear touch pad, to the dual analog sticks, motion sensors and dual cameras, PS Vita will offer all new ways to engage and play your favorite games. With both 3G and Wi-Fi support, you can stay connected with your PSN friends and social apps, while enjoying location-based gaming. And with select games, you’ll even be able to connect and play against PS3 owners, a feature that is only possible on PlayStation platforms.

Included with the PS Vita First Edition bundle is a copy of Little Deviants, which is a series of madcap adventures that allow you to have fun discovering and experimenting with the new PS Vita functions including rear touch and front touch, six-axis motion sensors, front and rear cameras and microphone. Little Deviants also offers an augmented reality shooter experience that lets players move around the real world firing shots and dodging enemies.

How many of you are going to order the PS Vita First Edition bundle? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

E3 Replay: Little Deviants Rolling onto PS Vita

James Gallagher — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:25:02 +0000

Whenever you get your hands on a new game console or electronic gadget, you want to check out all of its shiny new features. Little Deviants is just perfect for that – it uses a host of different player inputs in a collection of games that is only possible on PS Vita.

It’s developed by Bigbig Studios, the creators of Pursuit Force and MotorStorm: Arctic Edge, bringing a wealth of handheld development experience to what was one of the most popular Vita titles shown at E3. As part of our program of live video interviews, I caught up with Richard Ogden, Game Design Director, to eek out as much info about the game as I could.

We’re not quite done with the E3 replays yet; watch this space.

From Jumping Cops to NGP – 10 Years Behind the Scenes at Bigbig Studios

Simon Bursey — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:00:13 +0000

This year’s E3 is going to be cool! Especially for a games fan like me, as I’ll be jetting over to LA to help tell the world about the incredible NGP and our flagship game Little Deviants. It’s a game that’s been a decade in the making – Bigbig Studios is a proud 10 years old and we’re celebrating with a new logo and new website. Today I’d like to give you all an insight into how Bigbig Studios began and the story so far.

Back in 1998, while I was still a student, my boss asked me what I wanted to be doing in 10 years. I said: “help to run a games studio” and my boss laughed, spurring me on to prove him wrong. I was just a naive youngster but I fell in with the right crowd and just three years later, I was ready to try it for real with a heap of enthusiasm and three talented and experienced friends. As the four of us quit our stable jobs, we held on to the thought – we love games; how hard can it be to make games the way we think they should be made?

During a wild spring break vacation in Cancun, we dreamed up the foundations of the studio. A place where real gamers could use their talent to make ‘proper games’ that everyone would enjoy. A month later we showed our first demo to Evolution Studios. Somehow, they saw potential in a bright blue car driving around a plain grey square, and Bigbig Studios was born. Before long we were hard at work on a series of demos including a prototype F1 game, a streetwise car-modding racer and a free-roaming action secret agent game where players could jump between vehicles and kick out the enemy drivers.

Our first game began with one of those “Eureka!” moments in the pub – wouldn’t it be cool to fight on a moving vehicle like Indiana Jones, and as far as we could tell, it had never been done before; something that’s incredibly rare in the games industry. After a lot of hard work, we had a great looking demo, but the marketing guys needed a new twist to make it stand out from the crowd. Sony was looking for teams to create games for its new handheld console, the PSP, and loved the idea of an action movie-styled cop chase game, so Pursuit Force was born. We worked like crazy, hired a load of talented new artists, coders and designers and in what seemed like a flash, our first game was released and selling very well.

When you work in a small team making ambitious games, there are always tonnes of ideas that you can’t fit in the first game, so when it came to the sequel we wanted to make it bigger, better and more explosive in every way. The team pulled out the stops and created what’s still one of my favourite action games, Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice. Cheesy Hollywood script, massive bosses and even better vehicle-jumping-car-chase gameplay. You know your studio is in a good place when you’re making games the entire team wants to play!

On our next game we had to rethink our strategy. We decided to create a PSP version of the PS3 classic, MotorStorm. With Motorstorm: Arctic Edge, we were determined to make a true sequel, and so we evolved the gameplay and came up with a sub-zero setting, adding a splash of retro ‘80s style. We also took a more streamlined approach to the way we worked and, thankfully, released a great game with the minimum amount of pizza fuelled all-nighters.

While we were adding the finishing touches to MS:AE, we had our second “Eureka!” moment behind closed doors. A secret team within Sony was looking for cool things they could do with their new handheld – codenamed NGP. We pride ourselves on originality and, while dual analog sticks were the obvious choice, we took up the challenge of creating something cool for the console’s unique Rear Touch pad. The original concept was called “Cloth Ball” where the idea was to push up the landscape and roll a ball around. Our tech demo showed off this Rear Touch pad control innovation, and we buffed up the demo with some real character and next-gen graphics, resulting in PlayStation legend Shuhei Yoshida giving us to go-ahead for Little Deviants.

As the game progressed we found that NGP offered huge potential through its extensive control inputs. So we set out to use every input and Little Deviants became a series of action packed mini-games, each showing off the NGP hardware in cool ways, and telling the story of the mischievous Little Deviants. You may have seen our tech demo at the NGP announcement, and we’re due to show off even more as we reveal four of our mini-games at E3.

So that’s what we’ve been up to these past 10 years. We’ve been so busy making games that we only recently realised that the studio needed a revamp. We’ve got a new logo, upgraded our offices and have relaunched our website, www.bigbigstudios.com. The new website is now in a blog style which is ideal for sharing quick, friendly updates and hearing what you guys have to say. If there’s time at E3 we’ll be doing a live Twitter feed, but NGP is going to be big, so we’ll be spending most of our time talking the talk to journalists on the show floor.

So, enjoy what Sony has to offer at E3, and I’m sure you’ll hear more from us soon as the launch date for Little Deviants and NGP draws near.