Developing for handhelds

[RedCloud]

I was wondering, how many indie developers actually develop games for portable hardware like the PSP or the DS? Is it in any way different to creating a game for the PC, and if so, what is so different about it? Do indie developers bother going to other systems?

[PoV]

You code on the PC, and you test on remote hardware or emulators. Pretty much the same as any embedded development process. It's not all that common around here, though you could classify homebrew (http://www.dsdev.org) as Indie. Several people around here do come from a console game background however.

[sillytuna]

We do some console work. Main issues are really to do with publishing and platform holder approval rather than underlying development differences.

[Sharpfish]

Done some (hobbiest) programming for the DS and GBA (moreso the GBA) and it's a joy to work with (the limits really liberate you which is weird).

However as sillytuna says, unless you are a licensed developer / with publisher then it's not really the same achievable markets as "indie" PC games.

You can build stuff on any console (using a PC) but selling it/getting a publisher/getting a license is another story.

[RedCloud]

Say, for instance I wanted to make a game for the DS console. Is is possible to hire people who know what they're doing to get a licence for your company? What are the steps of doing so?

[Sharpfish]

Say, for instance I wanted to make a game for the DS console. Is is possible to hire people who know what they're doing to get a licence for your company? What are the steps of doing so?

try http://www.warioworld.com/ to see what nintendo EXPECTS from you as a developer before considering your application. It may help clarify things, specifically: http://www.warioworld.com/licensing/becomelicensee/

I think I remember you needing an office/premises to be taken seriously. Via a publisher is a different matter I suppose so that may be the most viable route?

[Jamie W]

I think I remember you needing an office/premises to be taken seriously.

... and probably large sums of money to buy dev kits from Nintendo.