Metal Gear Solid, Pro Evolution Soccer Boosts Konami's Games Biz

Metal Gear Solid 4 and Pro Evolution Soccer are performing strongly, helping lead Konami to a record ¥309,771 million yen ($3.24 billion) in sales in its fiscal year ending March 31, a 4.2 percent year over year increase. PS3 exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4 has now reached 4.75 million units worldwide, says Konami, touting MGS's strength as a "brand" on the same day a teaser website for the next Kojima Productions title is unveiled -- with more details promised to reveal at the site tomorrow. The MGS4 online variant Metal Gear Online now has 1.3 million registered users worldwide, Konami adds, and the Pro Evolution Soccer series sold 8.48 million units worldwide in the financial year. Konami's music titles including Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party and Karaoke Revolution also saw strong sales, the company claimed, and as a result Konami's Digital Entertainment business specifically reported sales up 4.9 percent to ¥187,628 million ($1.96 billion). The profit picture was not as strong -- Konami has a presence in several other market segments and says its other businesses, particularly its health and fitness segment, is suffering in the weak economy. Overall, Konami's revenue was up 4.2% to ¥309,771 million ($3.24 billion), but its profit was down significantly, decreasing 40.7% to ¥10,874 million ($113 million).