So what happened to Kutaragi's promise? Japan's Weekly Famitsu asked Sony Computer Entertainment Corporate Executive Masatsuka Saeki that very question in an interview featured in its latest issue. Apparently, Sony could have shown playable software, but it decided that since this was the first time the PS3 was going to be shown on Japanese soil, it would be best to show only video footage first. Pressed further by the magazine, Saeki states that SCE wanted general users to feel the same impact that industry members felt upon seeing the E3 trailer footage for the system, and thus opted for trailer footage only , even though Saeki admits that being able to play the games would have caused a greater buzz.
Metal Gear Solid 4 was actually a late addition to the trailer montage, Saeki reveals. Originally, the montage was to consist mainly of European titles, similar to the E3 reel. SCE took delivery of the MGS4 clip in late August.
Saeki doesn't reveal too much in PS3-related news beyond this in his interview with the magazine. In particular, he doesn't commit to a price for the system, instead stating that price is something that Sony will be arguing over internally until just before the system's launch.
With the system having missed out on its playable debut at TGS, you might be wondering when gamers will get a chance for a first hands-on test. Originally, SCE was scheduled to hold a Japanese event in February that would give players a chance to play PS3 games. Earlier, we mistakenly reported that this event had been cancelled. However, Saeki actually reveals to the magazine that SCE will be taking a somewhat different approach in holding the event. It's something that will surprise gamers, but it's being kept a secret for now.
Saeki does manage some room for current generation content in his commentary. He reveals that SCE has high hopes for upcoming PS2 software, giving Kingdom Hearts II the nod as being the biggest of the year end PS2 titles. He also hopes to sell a million copies of Rogue Galaxy, Level 5's PS2 RPG that's due out on December 8th. Monster Hunter 2 will sell 500,000 copies immediately, Saeki states, adding that it has a chance to be a million seller.
Dirge of Cerberus, the next Final Fantasy VII spinoff, also makes it into Saeki's comments as one of the top titles due out this year. We hope that this can be taken as confirmation that Square Enix plans to get the game out before the end of 2005.