Konami reveals software launch strategy 2006

Speaking at the company's annual press event in San Francisco's bay area yesterday, Konami revealed its plans to provide a new experience for gamers with each of its planned software launches for 2006.

Rather than simply hopping on the next-generation bandwagon and revealing a stock of tired franchises with shiny graphics, the publisher made constant reference to the continual development of technology and the provision of innovation in gameplay, announcing a slew of handheld, current generation and arcade products.

Promising to expand the reach of its games beyond the console, Konami announced two new interactive comic book titles for Sony's PSP handheld. The first will be based on legendary gaming franchise, Metal Gear Solid, and promises "a specially created interactive comic specifically designed for the format," which is based on the existing comic book, but features sound effects, animations and music. The second, similar title will be based on Konami's survival horror franchise, Silent Hill, and is scheduled for release around April to coincide with the forthcoming game-inspired movie.

Konami's Dance Dance Revolution arcade machines are also set for a new addition, as the company confirmed that DDR: SuperNOVA will be released throughout the US, marking the first arcade version of the best-selling dance video game series to be released in North America in more than six years.

The news ties in closely with the recent announcement of a three-year partnership with the State of West Virginia, in which all 765 West Virginia public schools will be adding Dance Dance Revolution to their physical education or health related curriculum program within the next two years. As the first phase completes, all of the state's 103 middle/junior high schools will incorporate DDR into their curriculum in the coming months.

In addition to the arcade news and fresh batch of current gen releases scheduled for a 2006 debut, including Metal Gear Acid 2 for the PSP and Suikoden V for the PS2, Konami announced a special pre-order bonus for its flagship title, Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. Customers are set to receive a bonus DVD, featuring interviews, trailers and movies, narrative explanations and a host of brand -related content.

Next-generation gaming is still a focus for Konami, but the company appears to be taking a markedly different approach to the idea, extending and diversifying its products, rather than simply re-hashing the current generation software to take advantage of enhanced processing power.