Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) has announced it is forming a new company named ForwardWorks that will develop smartphone games for iOS and Android platforms. The mobile games will feature PlayStation characters and intellectual property (IP). These new video games add to the Japanese conglomerate's gaming product line that includes the PS4 console and PlayStation VR headset whose Launch Bundle is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy.
There are no details about when the first mobile apps will be released by ForwardWorks, and Sony has shared the company will focus on the markets in Japan and Asia, according to The Verge
Atsushi Morita is SCE's head in Japan and Asia, and will be president of the gaming giant's new unit. The new Sony company will be incorporated on April 1, which is the day SCE will become Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE).
Sony's announcement is similar to Nintendo entering the smartphone market as its first mobile app named Miitomo topped Japan's iOS charts after one day of availability. However, Nintendo's mobile games will likely only be a small-scale venture to increase sales figures of its gaming consoles including Wii U and upcoming NX portable system.
In addition, ForwardWorks is a shift by Sony after its PlayStation Mobile platform shut down last year. Its goal was to connect PlayStation Vita handheld and indie mobile games, and bring PS1 console games to mobile devices including Sony's Xperia phones.
The Japanese company's new unit will center on PlayStation characters and IP, and focus on the mobile market instead of pushing Sony products.
In related news PlayStation VR headsets have sold out on Amazon.com but are still in stock at Best Buy and GameStop, according to GameSpot. Amazon reported it would start selling more Launch Bundles on March 24, Thursday but did not reveal how many units would be in stock.
The PS VR bundle includes a headset, two Move controllers, PlayStation Camera, and Worlds game disc with five titles. On Monday, March 29 Sony will start taking preorders for a non-bundled version of its $400 headset.
Sony Europe executive Jim Ryan recently reported he is very comfortable about the VR device's price point. He believes the gadget provides good value.
Here's PS4 v. Xbox One in 2015 holiday season sales: