In a move to encourage developers to write more games for its fledgling PS3 console, Sony has halved its software development kit fees.

Sony Computer Entertainment said prices for the development package for the PlayStation 3 will be reduced to US$10,250 in North America, US$8,600; €5,900 in Japan and €7,500 in Europe.

In a press release Sony promised to strengthen back up support for making new games for the PS3 in an effort to make the machine more popular.