Policy restrictions on the PSN and XBLA are notoriously strict, with the closed systems favoring security and quality over speed or developer freedom.
But with upcoming PS3-exclusive free-to-play Dust 514, Sony had to give developer CCP more control over their game, not just because MMOs need to be updated and tweaked constantly, but because Dust 514 will affect the world of PC MMO Eve Online in realtime and vice versa. Luckily, the platform holder didn't just relax the PSN's polices – Sony removed them.
Dust 514 executive producer Brandon Laurino told Eurogamer:
Relaxed is not even the word – they have 'removed' [them]. Together we've worked to identify all the barriers that need to be removed to properly operate a service such as this on a console.
Continuing:
We have complete ability to service and update the game as much as needed.
Tim Schafer previously revealed that patching a game across PSN and XBLA could cost $40,000, but Laurino said that it won't be the same for Dust 514:
We've worked out a framework where it's certainly not at that level, and essentially it's not even a thought, it's a completely trivial part of the equation.
Dust 514 is set to release later this year for free, and will be supported by microtransactions.
