Sony Will Release a Free App for Knack

Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida has told GamesIndustry that the company will release free apps for iOS and Android devices to help spread the message about PS4 games; beginning with launch title Knack.

Yoshida says Sony has completely overhauled its view of mobile devices as game platforms. 

"We've totally changed our approach to mobile products like smartphones and tablets. In the past, we felt like these guys were competition to our portable games, in general – but now, everyone owns these smartphones and tablets. It's like everyone had a PC before – it's a tool that people use every day."

The executive went on to explain PlayStation games will be boosted with bonus apps that will unlock items for use in the main game. Knack's app will be a puzzle based title. 

"In some cases, we're creating small games that go with PS4 titles. We're releasing a puzzle game themed around Knack that you can play for free. It's fun, and by playing the game you earn some items that you can use on PS4. People might be motivated, because they've already unlocked some items, to take a look at what this Knack game on the PS4 is all about."

Knack launches when the PS4 does – November 15th in North America and November 29th in Europe – so the game's app should be released around the same time. 

Sony's push into accompanying apps has arguably already begun – PS3 title Beyond: Two Souls will be playable entirely on a touchscreen device.