Sony is embarking on a support scheme that will essentially see the platform holder match the development costs of independent PSN games, in return for their exclusivity.

The initiative, known as The Pub Fund, was announced yesterday during a GDC panel on self-publishing. It was here where SCEA’s Chris Eden explained that Sony would match development budgets of independent titles with guaranteed royalties.

Sony said it could also aid in design and marketing, yet would not own the IP. Doublesix's Burn Zombie Burn, which is now available on the PlayStation Network, is the first game to be funded through the scheme.

Sony did not provide information on how it will cap budget support, and in order for the system to remain sustainable it is not likely that the company ever will. Independent developers may have to sign nondisclosure agreements on the costs of production that Sony is willing to match.

Source: IGN via Kotaku