IGN Entertainment-owned GameSpy, a supplier of multiplayer technology used in more than 300 PC and PlayStation 2 game titles, has joined Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s (SCEI) tools and middleware license program, making its in-game technology available for PSP game title developers.

GameSpy technology is designed to take advantage of the interconnectivity provided by WiFi hotspots, and also offers features including leader boards ranking a player's accomplishments among others, encompassing awards systems that reward skills and frequent play as well as team-based competition and tournaments.

"New online elements in console and PC games like Battlefield 2 are increasing hours of game play and attracting more players," said Mark Stieglitz, Vice President and General Manager of IGN Entertainment's Publisher Services. "Now we are able to help add functions such as persistence and team play to the online game titles for PSP."