E3 '07: Konami mulling multiplatform MGS4

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--Earlier this week, Sony dropped the price on its PlayStation 3 60GB model from $599 to $499. Analysts responded favorably to the announcement, saying it would put pressure on Microsoft to drop the price of its Xbox 360 system, the priciest configuration of which currently costs $479. But while analysts might think the cut is enough to make the PS3 cost-competitive, one of Sony's biggest publishing partners appears underwhelmed.

Speaking with Reuters, Konami North American and European operations head Kazumi Kitaue expressed doubt. "I wonder if Sony can win back user support by the price cut of just $100," Kitaue said, adding, "I don't expect a substantial impact...With $500, you can buy a personal computer."

Kitaue no doubt would like a cheaper PS3 in order to spike sales of the machine and have a larger installed user base in place for Konami's highly anticipated PS3 exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. However, the executive said Konami might have to bring the series to non-Sony systems in order to make its development money back.

"Since Metal Gear Solid was born for the PlayStation, we would like to keep it a PlayStation game," Kitaue said. "But we might have to take some steps."