Record annual results at Konami

Japanese games developer and publisher Konami has posted yearly sales of $2.3 billion for the year ending March 31st, a record high for the company, whilst operating income increased by a massive 1,000 per cent to reach $230 million.

It was the Konami’s health and fitness division, which runs several fitness centres in Japan, that was the star performer, however. The entertainment division actually saw a drop in operating income from $279 million to $255 million.

Winning Eleven, or Pro Evolution Soccer as it is known in Europe, was named as the biggest gaming success, selling over one million units in the period. Other performers included the Dance Dance Revolution series, or Dancing Stage as it is known over here, and PSP title Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops.

Konami predicts sales of $2.5 billion and operating income of $270 million for this financial year. Chief amongst the predicted drivers is the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, which Konami says will be out before the end of the current financial year – March 31st 2008.