Game development studio Sidhe Interactive announced today it has secured a government research grant from Technology New Zealand to assist in developing for upcoming handheld gaming device, the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP).

Tyrone McAuley, Technical Director at Sidhe, commented, “The Technology NZ funding complements our own significant investment, allowing us to accelerate our research programme for this exciting new platform.”

Industry analysts are predicting a strong debut for the PlayStation Portable gaming platform, which Sony themselves are promoting as “the Walkman of the 21st Century.”

“Tech NZ been proud to support Sidhe Interactive as a strong technology innovator”, said Richard Hall, Investment Manager at Technology NZ. “We see great potential in the videogame sector as part of New Zealand’s strengthening creative digital industry.”

The Sony PlayStation Portable is expected for worldwide release by Sony Computer Entertainment in late 2004.