Just like Microsoft before them, Sony is now taking significant steps towards developing their own mobile games, moving beyond years of rumors and minor experiments. Sony's intentions have become clear following Xbox president Sarah Bond's recent interview with Bloomberg, where she outlined her vision for Xbox to deliver a "true, cross-platform, game-centric mobile experience" by July. In response, it appears Sony is eager to close the gap.

The news comes via a job advertisement from Sony, spotted by Tweaktown, which highlights their search for a mobile platform architect. This move is not only unsurprising but also highly encouraging, marking a pivotal moment where Sony seems ready to fully embrace mobile gaming. A comprehensive mobile platform integrated with their existing console and cloud services, offering features like cross-play, cross-progression, and digital item purchases, is a logical step that many feel should have been taken years ago.

What stands out in the job posting is the high level at which the role is pitched, suggesting that Sony currently lacks the necessary infrastructure or staff to develop such a platform. This isn’t about finishing a work in progress or expanding an existing department. Instead, Sony is seeking someone to build a mobile games platform from scratch—an ambitious undertaking akin to hiring an architect to design and construct a house from the ground up.

The job description for the role at PlayStation Studios Mobile reads: "PlayStation Studios Mobile is seeking an experienced software engineer to design PlayStation's platform for developing, publishing, and operating free-to-play mobile games. This individual will spearhead the design and implementation of this platform; work in partnership with internal teams to connect mobile games to PlayStation services; and ensure that all mobile games meet PlayStation's quality standards."

This indicates that while internal teams are ready and waiting for mobile games to integrate with their existing services, the actual platform is still in its conceptual stage.

Sony’s push into the mobile gaming market is a clear sign of their commitment to expanding their gaming ecosystem. By recruiting top talent to build a robust mobile games platform, Sony aims to deliver seamless and immersive gaming experiences that integrate with their existing services, ultimately positioning themselves as a formidable player in the mobile gaming arena.

Source: adapted from an article by Daniel Griffiths, Editor for Pocketgamer.biz.