Japanese publishers applaud PS3 launch plans

Several leading Japanese publishers have reacted positively to the news that the launch of the PlayStation 3 has been delayed until November, welcoming the additional development time the delay will bring.

According to an article in the Nikkei BP, partially translated by US website Gamespot, a statement from Konami said: "It's very good that the release period has been clarified. In terms of our development schedule, we think that the delay will give us enough time to make sure we deliver better quality in our games."

Square Enix stated: "It's being reported as a 'delay,' but the [PS3's] previously unknown release period has finally become clear, and we are very glad to hear it," while according to Capcom, "The hardware's release period has been set, so we will be throwing in our full effort to develop good games for it."

Bandai confirmed that it already has PS3 titles in development, adding: "We are fundamentally receiving [the announcement] with a favourable view."

And according to Koei, "It will be a major delay, but now that the release date has been decided, we can target it and make work on further quality improvements. We would like to polish up our products so that they will take full advantage of the PS3."

Analysts weighing in on the situation also ignored the failure to meet the proposed spring launch, with American Technology Research analyst PJ McNealy upgrading both Activision and THQ from Hold to Buy, and stock prices across the board showing marked increases for both major and several smaller videogame publishers.