ESRB, PEGI to have jurisdiction over PSP Minis

As part of its further discussion on PSP Minis, Sony took to the stage at GDC Austin to explain how its digital distribution network for the new range of bite sized handheld games will be handled.

Develop reports that games will be able to release globally over the Minis network, but titles must seek a rating from each territory's governing body - the ESRB in the US, for instance, and PEGI in Europe.

This announcement comes after Sony rather weakly attempted to justify a blanket ban on connected multiplayer features, download content and game updates for the Minis, stating that the additional complexities will slow the approval of games.

However, it remains to be seen whether an additional approval system for each territory will hamper the release schedule of certain titles. Submitting a game to the local governing ratings bodies could potentially see games delayed, or even rejected, in certain territories.