Playstation 4 and X-Box One plan to bring superior power games at a cheaper price

Reproduced from:  BBCNewbeat

Sony has suggested its focus on independent developers will give customers a choice of cheaper games on the PlayStation 4.

Sony says they are committed to independent game developers.

However, Sony's primary rival Microsoft has announced a new programming platform designed to attract independent developers.

Microsoft recently said they planned to make it easier for smaller companies to publish titles for their new console, XBox One.

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These actions comes on the criticism of the past that both companies focused only on big budget games.

"These changes open up avenues for a whole new stream of talent that allows brand new games and exciting new experiences to come to our platforms, " said Fergal Gara Managing director, PlayStation UK and Ireland.

Both companies have been giving more details about their consoles at the GamesCom conference in Germany.

"We've listened to game developers," said Gara. "We've tried to create a platform that serves their needs. So being quick, easy and economical to develop for is hugely important."

After being criticised for its attitude to independent developers, Microsoft too is making it easier for gamers to build and publish Xbox One games.

They announced a new indie development model at GamesCom.

UK Marketing director of Xbox, Harvey Eagle, said: "The way it will work is that you become a registered developer, you submit a game information form and you ship your game, it's that simple."

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"We've got a long history of working with indie developers over the years on [XBox] 360 and titles like Minecraft have been a huge smash which comes from that community."

Sony announced the PS4 would go on sale on 29 November. There is no release date yet for the Xbox One but it's due to go on sale before Christmas.

They also revealed that they had taken more than one million pre-orders for the new PlayStation.

The PS4 is priced at $399, about $50 cheaper than the XBox One at $450.  Games for the consoles are priced at around $60.

Fergal Gara claims Sony's commitment to independent developers will help make gaming more affordable.

"We will have the enormous blockbusters," he said. "Great examples will be Kill Zone: Shadow Fall or Watch Dogs for example on release.

"But there are also free-to-play models such as the Little Big Planet hub that we announced and the indie titles fill a great gap in between for me.

"So it's not just about £40, 50, 60 or nothing - it's about free-to-play, right up to those blockbuster experiences."

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