TOKYO—Sony Computer Entertainment has begun an automated countdown on its official Japanese Web site. A brief Flash animation says that two "awesome" new games will be announced when the countdown timer reaches zero. The countdown will end next Friday, September 10, 2004 (Japan Standard Time).

Soon after the site went live, it was discovered that the program code for the Flash animation, when decompiled, contained the titles "Genji" and "Nico." These names are believed to be the titles of the two new games. "Nico" is the long-rumored title of the sequel to Sony's critically acclaimed Ico. ("Ni" is the number two in Japanese.) "Genji" might refer to the classic Japanese novel "The Tale of Genji."

Currently, the background of the countdown screen displays rows of Matrix-style green symbols that alternate with falling cherry blossoms, which some could interpret as hints suggestive of game content or possible in-game design elements.