Konami Predicts 88% Profit Jump On MGS4 Launch

Ahead of its financial statement for the six-month period ending September 30th, Konami released a forecast of the results, predicting a 88 percent rise in profit to ¥11.8 billion ($119.6 million), compared to ¥6.3 billion ($63.7 million) during the same period in the previous year. Konami attributed the increase to strong sales for its software products, particularly PlayStation 3-exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, as well as its arcade and card game products. Launched in all major territories in June 2008, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots saw over three million units shipped worldwide as of August, according to the company. Konami predicts that its revenue will see a 9.8 percent increase to ¥146.9 billion ($1.49 billion), compared to ¥133.7 billion ($1.36 billion) in the same six-month period in 2007. The company also expects a 74.8 percent jump in operating income to ¥22.8 million ($234.1 million), compared to ¥13 billion ($133.9 million)during the same period last year, for reasons not yet clarified. The company does not intend to revise its earnings forecast for the Fiscal Year 2009 ending March 31, 2009. Konami will release its full financial results next week.